Learning & Teaching in 5/6C
FULL STEaM AHEAD in 5/6C
In a recent World Report on Disability, it is estimated that 1 in 5 people globally has a disability, which in Australia is calculated to be 4.27 million people . The majority of these people experience social exclusion, discrimination and lack of access to fully participate in society due to the barriers such as built environment and negative attitudes.
Responding to this challenge, students in 5/6 collaborated to generate ideas and develop assistive/enabling technologies that will overcome barriers . During the program students were supported by the Akorn Educational Services team to establish the appropriate analytical framework and user centered design to come up with sustainable and viable solutions .
Our Senior Students worked with AKORN Education Services. They used scientific, technological, engineering and mathematical skills and understandings to create a prototype shelter. In teams, the students designed, scaled up and built rigid cardboard structures that could be used as emergency shelters in the case of emergencies. Their next activity was to use materials provided to create an assistive device/product for a person/s with a disability. The student’s aim was to build the most innovative product possible!
Student & Teacher Feedback at Sharing Time
“We really enjoyed this program because it gave us the chance to complete a project that meant something in real life.”
“I also loved designing 3D profiles. This program helped us to realise what engineers and designers actually do.”
“This program has had a big impact on me and I will remember it for a long time.”
“We weren’t just given a brief that meant nothing to us, we learnt about people with disabilities and then figured out a way to improve their lives.”
“We learnt inclusive vocabulary using ‘person first’ language. Don’t make the disability the person’s defining feature.”
“Akorn’s Full STEaM Ahead programs provide young people with the opportunity to experience STEM in action.”
“I thought the cardboard engineering challenge was really fun and a great way for us to work as a team. The most challenging part was making the net and using a ruler to measure the exact measurements. Overall I really loved using the cardboard screws and screwdriver.”
“The Assistive Device we created for a person with a disability was some wheelchair attachments. Our first piece included a talking board with a keyboard and phrases, and when you flipped it over it turned into a food board. Our second piece was a portable and foldable, waterproof shelter. I was proud of these pieces because I felt we put in effort and the end product was pretty cool.”
“Fun and a good way to learn to build things to improve people's lives. I liked how we learnt some inside information about building shelters in real life and how they flat pack it to send it overseas to the places that need it. The cardboard shelters were very fun to make and I wasn't bored for a single second!”
