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Integrating Science and Technology

in Kindergarten

Presented by

Dr Chris Preston

Faculty, Education and Social Work

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NSW Syllabus – Science and Technology K-6

Technological

design

Science

inquiry

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Science inquiry

– Identifying and posing questions

– Importance of scientific evidence

– Communicating findings

– Using ideas to explain

– Understanding of concepts

– First-hand investigations

Kindergarten – testing papers for a recyclable umbrella

Inquiry based science focuses on:

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Technological design

Multi-purpose torch

Design based technology focuses on:

– Solving real problems (relevant)

– Creative ideas and solutions

– Design and produce solutions

– Justifying decisions

– Evaluating procedures

– Hands-on design tasks

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Exploring torches – familiar products

A range of torches to examine

Lesson 1

– Blackout!

– What can we use for light?

– Torch: Use? Own? Purpose?

– Like and dislikes of torch samples

– Made from? Parts? Compare?

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How do torches work?

– What do you have to do to make

a torch work?

– How did you know or work out

how to insert the batteries?

– Will the torch work forever?

– Examine batteries

– Could we make our own torch?

– What would we need?

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DO you think we can make our own torch?

Torch on – torch off

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Annotating children’s torch drawing

Drawing sample 1

Draw the torch you made

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Lesson 1 good samples

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Lesson 1 good samples

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Lesson 1 poor samples

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Lesson 1 poor samples

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Drawing skills, prior knowledge & alternative conceptions

Teacher

annotation

Child’s

drawing

Child’s

writing

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Conclusion / discussion points

A basic torch

Lesson 1

Torches are a product that we use to:

– Produce light we can carry

– Help us see in the dark

– What parts did our torch have?

– How did we put them together?

– How could you turn it on or off?

– NOT teaching electricity to 5 y olds!

– Straight forward task, capable of

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Designing a multi-purpose torch

A range of readily obtainable materials to use

Lesson 2

– A black out again!

– Lucky we know how to make a torch

– Who can remember how we did it?

– Challenge: Design a torch

– Portable - can carry it

– Use as a reading light

– Looks like a torch

– What parts or features do we need?

– Here are the materials you can use

– Partner talk: how will you design it?

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Photos / videos – catch them DOING science & technology (ST)

Working together, steps to completion, variety of design ideas

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Communicating how they made amulti-purpose torch

1

7

Recounting the steps

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Confidently went BEYOND the design brief

1

8

Adding extra features

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Solving problems

1

9

Cannot explain the solution

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Solving problems

Can explain the solution

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Evaluating the design

See I can read a book using the torch we made

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Is it portable?

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Does it look like a torch?

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Can we read a book with it?

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But there’s more – how could you make your torch better?