Engineering design in the primary school : Applying stem concepts to build an optical instrument
Journal article
King, Donna and English, Lyn D.. (2016). Engineering design in the primary school : Applying stem concepts to build an optical instrument. International Journal of Science Education. 38(18), pp. 2762-2794. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2016.1262567
Authors | King, Donna and English, Lyn D. |
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Abstract | Internationally there is a need for research that focuses on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education to equip students with the skills needed for a rapidly changing future. One way to do this is through designing engineering activities that reflect real-world problems and contextualise students’ learning of STEM concepts. As such, this study examined the learning that occurred when fifth-grade students completed an optical engineering activity using an iterative engineering design model. Through a qualitative methodology using a case study design, we analysed multiple data sources including students’ design sketches from eight focus groups. Three key findings emerged: first, the collaborative process of the first design sketch enabled students to apply core STEM concepts to model construction; second, during the construction stage students used experimentation for the positioning of lenses, mirrors and tubes resulting in a simpler ‘working’ model; and third, the redesign process enabled students to apply structural changes to their design. The engineering design model was useful for structuring stages of design, construction and redesign; however, we suggest a more flexible approach for advanced applications of STEM concepts in the future. |
Keywords | STEM; science; mathematics; technology; engineering; primary; sociocultural |
Year | 2016 |
Journal | International Journal of Science Education |
Journal citation | 38 (18), pp. 2762-2794 |
Publisher | Routledge |
ISSN | 0950-0693 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2016.1262567 |
Scopus EID | 2-s2.0-85007271715 |
Research or scholarly | Research |
Page range | 2762-2794 |
Funder | Australian Research Council (ARC) |
Publisher's version | License All rights reserved File Access Level Controlled |
Output status | Published |
Publication dates | |
Online | 23 Dec 2016 |
Publication process dates | |
Accepted | 16 Nov 2016 |
Deposited | 16 Jul 2021 |
ARC Funded Research | This output has been funded, wholly or partially, under the Australian Research Council Act 2001 |
Grant ID | ARC/LP120200023 |
https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/8w626/engineering-design-in-the-primary-school-applying-stem-concepts-to-build-an-optical-instrument
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