STEAM - Geometric Models

We encourage you to teach STEAM both through and between disciplines (transdisciplinary).

This lesson could be used across multiple strands of the curriculum, including Science, Maths, and Visual Arts. Consider focusing on a curriculum strand that will complement other areas of learning you and your students are working on.

Syllabus outcomes: MA2‑1WM, MA2‑2WM, MA2‑3WM, MA2‑5NA, MA2‑7NA, MA2-10MG, MA2-14MG, VAS2.1, VAS2.2, ST2-5WT.

General capabilities:  Critical and creative thinking, Literacy, Numeracy

Unit of work: Learning Through Art & Craft – Primary.

Time required: 120 mins.

Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – the level of support required will depend on a number of factors, including student comfort with construction and the complexity of the shapes that students decide to create.

• 3D Shapes Venn Diagram Sheet (one per student)
• 3D Shapes Design Sheet 
• 3D Shape Analysis Sheet (printed back to back, one per student).
• 10mm grid paper
• Black Straws
• Device capable of displaying presentation and video
• Making a 3D Model Step-by-Step Instructions (equipment to project to the class).
• Pencils and erasers
• Student Worksheet (one copy per student)
• Scissors (ensure left- and right-handed scissors available)
• Spaghetti string (colours at teacher’s discretion)

This lesson is designed to build students’ competencies in the following skills:

• Creativity
• Critical thinking
• Problem solving

STEAM Education:

Over recent years, the importance of STEM has been heavily promoted and discussed within fields of education. This has been within the context of ensuring that the next generation of students are provided with relevant knowledge and skills for the 21st century. STEM acknowledges the importance of the interrelated nature of science, technology, engineering and mathematics and the prominence of these skills in a world of continuous technological advancement.

What was missing from this original acronym, however, was an acknowledgement of the vital importance of artistic and creative thinking. The ability to think outside the box to develop artistic and creative solutions. 

The relevance of art is integral to success in all of the original STEM areas, and so STEAM education is now moving to the forefront. Significant figures in science and technological advancement (notably Leonardo DaVinci, Albert Einstein and Steve Jobs) valued and applied the contribution of artistic skill into their work and art, design and creativity is also pivotal to success in industries such as marketing, advertising and promotion.

This is an original Cool+ lesson.