Learning Cycle
WOW!
(An engaging event to capture interest and energise.
Guided by an adult initially; a supported experience)
Learners could:
Listen; discuss; engage in an issue; use a
text or image to stimulate discussion;
watch film clip; piece of music; go on a
visit, meet real/imaginary visitor.
-Using vibrating motors (an unbalanced electric motor) and pens as
‘legs’ to draw.
At what point
shall we share
the challenge?
Learners could:
Demonstrate their understanding by writing
recounts, plays scripts, making a TV
commercial, organising an event, poetry,
dance, music, or making models…
[Insert your activities here]
The Challenge
Immersion…
(Proving learning, developing independence;
answering the question. Assessment opportunity)
Does it draw?
Competition – which produces the most attractive
or interesting image.
(Developing empathy and an understanding of
language through speaking & listening activities)
Groups of 2-3 to discuss ideas
Enquiry question:
In what ways can we build a
drawing ‘bot’ from junk?
Have-a-go
(Responding to learning by showing an understanding
repeatedly in a variety of ways)
Build a possible design and test it
Learners could:
Produce draft journal entries from different
perspectives; give verbal presentations; use
different instruments as representations, or
create mini cardboard models.
Learners could:
Create a tableau; hot seat; note down
ideas; words or sentences on sugar paper;
collect different elements of the
experience to create toolbox or learning
wall.
[Insert your activities here]
How and where
are we recording
our journey?
[Insert your activities here]
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Session structure
Choose the most accurate session diagram below (delete others and enlarge so that text corresponds with the appropriate stage of the shape.)
o
1-5mins Session leader discuss the idea and asks for volunteers to come up and touch the motor when
balanced and unbalanced and to comment of the increase in vibration. Ask the question “Can you think
of a way that this could be used to make the bit move”
o
o
5-30 mins In groups build the ‘bots’ during this time the facilitator goes to each group and repeats the
touch the motor when balanced and unbalanced and to comment of the increase in vibration exercise.
30-40mins Each group tries there ‘bot’ to the whole group.
o
40-50mins To adjust and improved and retry
o
50-60 mins Session leader “Can we build a drawing bot from junk?”, and “What made it move?”. The
groups are left with the question “How could we make this even better?”
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[Enquiry question] Can we produce a bot that
[Setting name]
HE STEM outreach session planning
draws?
Lead adult: Scott Turner
Supporting adults:
School: Primary School
Group: STEM club (year 5 and 6)
Teacher/s:
Specific resources required:
 Paper
 Drinks cans (empty) per group
 Pens (any that work)
 Sticky tape per group
 Electric motor per group
 Batteries and battery holders per group
 Broken propeller or other materials to
unbalance the motor.
Generic Learning Outcomes highlighted as appropriate (GLOs from www.mla.gov.uk)
Knowledge and Understanding
Knowing what or about something
xLearning facts or information
xMaking sense of something
Deepening understanding
How museums, libraries and archives operate
Making links and relationships between things
Skills
Enjoyment, inspiration, creativity
xHaving fun,
xBeing surprised
Innovative thoughts,
Creativity
xExploration, experimentation and making.
Being inspired
Activity, behaviour, progression
What people do
What people intend to do
What people have done
xReported or observed actions
A change in the way that people manage their
lives
Knowing how to do something
Being able to do new things
xIntellectual skills
Information management skills
Social skills
xCommunication skills
xPhysical skills
Attitudes and Values
Feelings
Perceptions
Opinions about ourselves (eg self esteem)
Opinions or attitudes towards other people
Increased capacity for tolerance
Empathy
xIncreased motivation
Attitudes towards an organisation (eg a
museum, archive or library)
xPositive and negative attitudes in relation to an
experience
Additional Notes
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Activity plan
WOW:
Introduce the question of the session. “Can we produce a bot that draws?” volunteers to come up and touch the motor when balanced and unbalanced
and to comment of the increase in vibration. Ask the question “Can you think of a way that this could be used to make the bit move”
Immersion:
In groups build the ‘bots’ during this time the facilitator goes to each group and repeats the touch the motor when balanced and unbalanced and to comment of the
increase in vibration exercise.
Have a Go:
In groups build the ‘bots’ during this time the facilitator goes to each group and repeats the touch the motor when balanced and unbalanced and to
comment of the increase in vibration exercise.
Re design and re testing the idea after seeing other groups solutions
Challenge:
Each group tries there ‘bot’ to the whole group.
Plenary:
“Can we build a drawing bot from junk?”, and “What made it move?”. The groups are left with the question “How could we make this even better?”
Different groups of children to consider:
SEN/G&T/EAL/BGME
What would you like the teacher to do/ focus on?
The idea of design it together -> Build it-> test and learn from the mistakes
DesignBuild |
^
V
| _____Test
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Possible post-session activities or signposts.
Activities: How could we make this even better?”
Resources: http://junkbots.blogspot.co.uk/
People to contact
Scott Turner (scott.turner@northampton.ac.uk)
Places to visit:
Useful websites/publications:
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