This blog post talks all about how to teach STEM without robots. You like the idea of incorporating STEM into your classroom but you don’t have any robots or robotic knowledge. I’ll also explains other topics that you can teach which incorporate all the elements of STEM when you don’t have the technology of robots on hand.
I WANT TO TEACH STEM BUT I DONT HAVE ROBOTS
It’s true! The number one question I get asked is “I want to teach STEM but I don’t have any robots”. A lot of teachers feel that STEM must include robots but STEM is so much more than that. In fact, there’s nothing written into the Australian or Victorian curriculum or the Next Generation Science Standards, that robots need to be used at all! The curriculum does begin to mention algorithms and binary coding in the technology strain, however algorithms can be taught using apps or online programs or they can even be taught in an unplugged setting, they do not need expensive robots.
People focus on the next wave of fancy technology advancements but that’s only one part of STEM. There’s so many more enriching ways to incorporate STEM when we look at the Science and Engineering fields. I could fill your yearly planner for 5 years, in every year level, by just looking at all the amazing Science and Engineering concepts that we could cover.
STEM IN MY CLASSROOM
So what can I teach that will cover all of the STEM curriculum if I don’t have robot? Let’s start with Renewable ENERGY. A very important, current and relevant concept for students. You could look into the science behind it. You could look at different ways people have developed Engineering solutions. And lastly your students could design and create their own version. The T in STEM also refers to Design Technology, not just Digital Technology. I use this renewable energy resource with my grade 5 and grade 6 students. We learn about each renewable energy source and then complete real models based on each type. It also lends itself for use in literacy with the different writing prompts.
We could look at FLIGHT. The Science behind how things can fly. The Engineering behind different aircraft and then allowing your students to design and build their own.
Plants. Growing your own food. How do plants grow? Can we design more efficient ways for plants to grow? What insects live in our gardens. Are they helpful or harmful? Can we engineer environmentally friendly insect repellent for plants? How can we test it? Can we document our progress and make a short documentary for the school?
COVERING THE STEM CURRICULUM WITHOUT ROBOTS
There are many many ways to include STEM without robotics and still cover the curriculum. Robotics are just one way to introduce concepts such as algorithms and coding, (you can also cover these concepts using online programs such as code.org or even unplugged options if you don’t have devices or internet access). Robots are not the answer to our prayers like some people believe.
This blog post has shown you a few of ways to use the Science and Engineering side of STEM without the need for robotics. I also hope this has given you the confidence to give STEM a try in your classroom.