Modular Science Kit as a support platform for STEM learning in primary and secondary school

Renato Rogosic*, Benjamin Heidt, Juliette Passariello-Jansen, Saga Björnör, Silvio Bonni, David Dimech, Rocio Arreguin-Campos, Joseph Lowdon, Kathia L Jiménez Monroy, Manlio Caldara, Kasper Eersels, Bart van Grinsven, Thomas J Cleij, Hanne Diliën

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The need to develop interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills in young pupils has driven many educational systems to include STEM as a subject in primary schools. In this work, a science kit aimed at children from 8 to 14 years old is presented as a support platform for an innovative and stimulating approach to STEM learning. The peculiar design of the kit, based on modular components, is aimed to help develop a multitude of skills in the young students, dividing the learning process into two phases. During phase 1 the pupils build the experimental setup and visualize the scientific phenomena, while in phase 2, they are introduced and challenged to understand the principles on which these phenomena are based, guided by a handbook. This approach aims at making the experience more inclusive, stimulating the interest and passion of the pupils for scientific subjects.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)439-444
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Chemical Education
Volume98
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 9 Feb 2021

Keywords

  • Hands-on Learning
  • Elementary/Middle School Science
  • Multidisciplinary
  • STEM Subject
  • 3D Printing

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