Just play that's how you are going to learn.
- Farzana Ahmed
- Mar 7, 2017
- 2 min read
We had an opportunity to play around with verity of tools that’s could aid in teaching various aspects of the STEAM curriculum. Shelia said, “Just play. Just play that's how you are going to learn.” so we played.
OSMO
OSMO is an amazing tool that changes the way students can interact with Ipad. It uses an ipad, a reflector and cards to allow students to play using there hands. There are a variety of different kits and app that can be used to teach everything from fine mother skills to mathematic equations. The games can be played individually or in pairs and groups.
The tasks appear on the ipad screen and students use pen and paper or shape blocks or alphabets and number blocks on the table to complete the task. The ipad is fed the information on the table using the reflector.
As the task is carried out on a table in front of the ipad teachers or other students can easily view students working process.
https://www.playosmo.com/en/
Positives
Many different activities
Individual or pairs or groups
Competitive or non competitive games
Can be used by all age groups
Lots of visuals
Easy to use
Negatives
Needs an ipad
Some games can be frustrating
Cost
Need to buy different kits
Little bits
Littlebits is an kit with variety of electron building blocks. The electronic blocks are colour coded as (start, middle, end) and are magnetic making connecting easy. Teachers can pose problems and students can use the variety of input blocks and outputs to solve problems and learn circuits and electronics. It allows students to think creatively to solve problems, foster collaborations and teamwork.
http://littlebits.cc/
Positives
-Magnetic ends so easy to use
- Reusable
- Variety of inputs and outputs
Negatives
-Expensive
- need some prior knowledge and skill set
Conductible thread/ copper wire
Using conductible thread or copper wire is a very inexpensive way to teach students circuits. This allows students to be creative. Students can use it along with LEDs and batteries to solve set problems or create clothing or artwork.
Positives
Cheap
Teacher does not need much prior knowledge
Negatives
Can be fidgety, require trial and error.
Energy stick
Energy stick is a simple LED light with conductive ends. IT can be used to create closed circuit using human body to light up the stick. It can be very easily be used with all age groups. It can be used in lower grades to get students up and about or in conjunction with educational games. Older grades can use it to explore closed and open circuits.
https://www.stevespanglerscience.com/store/4-pack-of-steve-spangler-s-energy-stick.html
Comments