STEM Explorers: Summer Adventure
Prerequisite:
Open to students entering grade(s): 4 - 5
Course Description:
This summer, join us for an exciting journey into the world of STEM! Designed for students in grades 4-5, this course will explore the core elements of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics through hands-on, interactive activities. Each day will focus on a different STEM discipline, while also highlighting how these fields interconnect in the real world. Students will engage in experiments, design challenges, and problem-solving activities that align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the Hong Kong International School math curriculum. By the end of the course, students will have a deeper understanding of STEM concepts and their practical applications.
This course is designed to spark curiosity and creativity in young learners while building a strong foundation in STEM. By integrating NGSS and the HKIS math curriculum, students will gain skills that are both academically rigorous and practically applicable. Let’s make this summer a time of discovery and innovation!
Learner Outcomes:
Science: Student will understand key scientific concepts aligned with NGSS, such as energy transfer, ecosystems, and matter.
Technology: Student will gain basic coding skills and learn how technology is used to solve real-world problems.
Engineering: Student will develop problem-solving and design thinking skills through hands-on engineering challenges.
Mathematics: Student will apply mathematical concepts such as geometry, fractions, and data analysis to solve STEM-related problems.
Interconnection: Student will recognize how STEM disciplines work together in real-world scenarios, such as designing sustainable cities or creating innovative technologies.
Methodology:
This course will use a project-based learning (PBL) approach, where students work collaboratively to solve problems and complete challenges. Each day will focus on a specific STEM discipline, but activities will often integrate multiple disciplines to show their interconnectedness. For example, a science experiment might involve collecting and analyzing data (math) or using technology to present findings.
Science Day (NGSS-Aligned)
Activity: Build a Solar Oven
Students will design and construct a solar oven using everyday materials to understand energy transfer and renewable energy.
Learning Focus: Energy, heat transfer, and sustainability.
Technology Day
Activity: Introduction to Coding with Scratch
Students will create a simple animation or game using Scratch, learning basic coding concepts like loops and conditionals.
Learning Focus: Computational thinking and problem-solving.
Engineering Day
Activity: Design a Bridge Challenge
Using popsicle sticks and glue, students will design and build a bridge that can hold the most weight.
Learning Focus: Engineering design process, forces, and material strength.
Mathematics Day
Activity: Geometry in Nature
Students will explore geometric shapes in nature (e.g., honeycombs, snowflakes) and use their knowledge of geometry to create their own designs.
Learning Focus: Geometry, symmetry, and patterns.
Interconnected STEM Day
Activity: Build a Sustainable City
Students will work in teams to design a model city that incorporates renewable energy (science), efficient transportation (engineering), data analysis (math), and technology (e.g., sensors for monitoring energy use).
Learning Focus: Interdisciplinary problem-solving and real-world applications of STEM.