Key Stage 2 - STEM
Integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Overview:
This topic introduces primary school students to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) through hands-on projects, problem-solving challenges, and real-world applications. By integrating these subjects, students will develop critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and computational skills, preparing them for a technology-driven world. The curriculum emphasizes inquiry-based learning and experimentation to nurture a passion for innovation.
Key Objectives:
· To develop an interdisciplinary approach to learning through STEM subjects.
· To introduce engineering and design thinking through problem-solving activities.
· To encourage computational thinking and basic coding skills.
· To apply mathematical concepts in practical, real-world scenarios.
· To foster creativity and innovation through hands-on STEM projects.
· To explore the impact of technology and engineering on society and the environment.
Activities:
At Queen’s Online School, students take part in enriching, skill-building activities. Each activity is thoughtfully designed to support confident, well-rounded learning.
Below are some of the activities available for our Key Stage 2 students:
- Building Simple Machines: Exploring levers, pulleys, and gears through construction projects.
- STEM Challenges: Problem-solving activities such as designing a bridge, creating a marble run, or building a paper airplane for maximum distance.
- Renewable Energy Experiments: Investigating solar power, wind energy, and water turbines.
- Engineering Design Process: Introducing students to identifying problems, brainstorming solutions, prototyping, testing, and improving designs.
- Introduction to Coding: Using platforms like Scratch, Blockly, or simple robotics kits to learn basic programming.
- Digital Literacy: Exploring responsible internet use, digital safety, and basic troubleshooting skills.
- Robotics and Automation: Hands-on activities with simple robots (e.g., Bee-Bots, LEGO WeDo).
- Design and Technology: Exploring 3D design, circuits, and hands-on projects using technology tools.
- Measurement and Data Handling: Using real-life data collection and analysis activities.
- Math Puzzles and Logic Games: Encouraging problem-solving and reasoning through engaging challenges.
- Pattern Recognition and Sequences: Exploring the role of math in coding, geometry, and nature.
- Graphing and Statistics: Using STEM experiments to introduce students to representing and interpreting data.
Key Details
Assessment:
- Ongoing assessment through participation, problem-solving activities, and practical projects.
- STEM journals for documenting experiments, observations, and reflections.
- Group discussions and collaborative projects to encourage teamwork and communication.
- Hands-on design and engineering challenges to assess creativity and critical thinking skills.
Resources:
- STEM kits and construction materials that you have to hand (LEGO, K'NEX, recycled materials).
- Coding platforms and robotics kits (Scratch, BBC Micro:bit, LEGO WeDo).
- Measuring tools, graphing software, and hands-on math manipulatives.
- Digital resources, videos, and interactive learning platforms.
Outcomes:
- Students will develop problem-solving and logical reasoning skills.
- They will gain confidence in engineering, coding, and technology applications.
- They will improve mathematical fluency and its application in real-world scenarios.
- They will foster creativity, teamwork, and resilience in tackling challenges.
- They will understand the role of STEM in everyday life and future careers.
- They will cultivate curiosity and an innovative mindset towards learning and discovery.
