TOPIC: Unlocking STEAM: Practical Activities for Primary Classrooms
DURATION: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (5 hours)
FACILITATOR: Dr. David Samuel
Workshop Description:
This engaging workshop will equip primary school teachers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to effectively integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) into their existing curriculum. Participants will explore the principles of STEAMeducation and engage in hands-on activities that demonstrate how to connect science concepts with art, music, movement, and design. From building simple machines to creating nature- inspired artwork, this workshop will provide teachers with practical, low-cost strategies for fostering creativity, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary learning in their primary classrooms.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Define STEAM education and explain its benefits for student learning.
- Identify opportunities to integrate STEAM principles into existing science lessons.
- Design and implement hands-on STEAM activities that are engaging and relevant to primary students.
- Utilize readily available materials to create low-cost STEAM learning experiences.
- Assess student learning in a STEAM-integrated environment.
Target Audience: Primary school teachers
Materials Required:
(A) General Supplies for the Workshop:
- Projector and Screen
- Whiteboard with Markers
- Laptop/Computer for Facilitator
(B) Activity-Specific Materials:
(1) Building Simple Machines (9:30 - 10:30 am)
Recycled Materials:
o Cardboard tubes (paper towel rolls, toilet paper rolls)
o Cardboard boxes (various sizes)
o Plastic bottles (various sizes)
o Plastic caps
o Straws
o Craft sticks
o String
o Rubber bands
Fasteners:
o Masking tape
o Duct tape
o Glue sticks
o Paper clips
Tools:
o Scissors
o Hole punch
o Rulers
o Markers
(2) Integrating the Arts into Science
Nature Journaling:
o Blank notebooks or journals (one per participant)
o Pencils, colored pencils, crayons, markers
o Leaves, flowers, twigs, and other natural materials (collected beforehand or during a short outdoor break)
Science-Inspired Artwork:
o Watercolor paints and brushes
o Construction paper
Music Integration:
o Examples of songs related to science topics (e.g., songs about the solar system, the water cycle)
o Speakers
TARGET GROUP: Primary school teachers