An approach to STEM: incorporating Design Technologies
Through an inquiry-based approach, we draw on the principles of Primary Connections to address curriculum requirements of both Science and Design and Technologies in these nine units.
The additional resources below support teachers to authentically embed Design and Technologies in existing science inquiries.
Planning and evaluating
Use this with students to inform how to plan and evaluate products and procedures.
Facilitating student evidence-based discussions
Use this to guide teacher questioning about student design.
Embedding the design cycle through science inquiry
Increase links between science and design technologies. Use this resource to inform planning, or to audit existing science inquiries.
Using a design portfolio throughout science inquiry
A design portfolio is a record of observations, experiences and reflections that provides evidence of the design process and insights of design thinking.
Units that address both Science and Design and Technologies
It's party time! Explore the observable properties of materials and how these properties influence the way a material is used. Design and create a party hat that can be worn in the sun or the rain.
Changes to the land and sky occur all the time - what do you see from day to day? Observe and investigate the effects of human interaction on the school environment.
The dominoes falling pushes the marble… The marble lands in the spoon and raises it… The spoon flips the switch… Ever seen a Rube Goldberg machine in action? In this unit explore the forces of push and pull and apply understanding to design your very own Rube Goldberg machine!
My, what big teeth you have… Find out how the physical features of dinosaurs and other animals help them meet their basic survival needs. Use this new understanding to design a defence against a dinosaur attack!
Everyday, more and more packages are being sent around the world. In the context of design, explore the properties of materials that make them suitable for packaging, and construct a package strong enough to protect a fragile gift.
Can you feel the pull? It’s like an invisible force. It’s magnetic! In this unit, explore magnets and the force fields they create. Investigate what is attracted to magnets and how far a magnetic field extends. Apply understanding to design and create a game that uses magnetic forces.
Water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink… Why? Because it’s salt water of course! In this unit, investigate how salinity affects the growth of plants and examine what that may mean for the environment.
Electricity - where would we be without it? It powers almost everything we use. But how does an electrical circuit work? Why does it need a switch? How is electricity generated, transferred and transformed?
On average, a volcanic eruption occurs somewhere on Earth each week! Volcanic eruptions are often seen as devastating events, but they are also instrumental in providing rich fertile soils and mineral deposits.