Like many others, I am increasingly concerned about the number of students involved in STEM subjects [Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths] particularly female students. Liz and Jon both did English degrees, but now work at UCL, [for almost 200 years, one of our top Universities for 'STEM' research projects]. I did a Maths degree, Bob's first degree was physics, and then he worked as an electronics design engineer.. so of course we're encouraging Rosie to experience a 'broad curriculum'-science and maths alongside English and art.
A couple of years ago, I bought this book in a sale for £2 [why was it so cheap? it had only just been published] Liz thought it was probably a bit advanced for Ro - but I was sure it would be useful eventually.The blurb on the back was very encouraging, and I loved the fact that the engineer on the front looked to be female.
It was on the shelf in the lounge - not with the other children's books, and on Tuesday Rosie saw it and asked to look at it. "Of course!" I said- "and maybe we can try one of the projects inside it in a science lesson sometime"
"We did this!" said Rosie, pointing out the air pressure activity with a cone and a paper straw which we had made together last autumn.
There are 16 projects in the book, involving taste, touch, sight, smell and hearing. Did she want the bridge building, parachute launching or gravity pendulums? No...she opted for the magical woodland fairy den! [it deals with structural strength from triangles -but that's not exactly what attracted Ro]
We collected the materials on Monday afternoon, on Tuesday morning we painted a paper plate green, and painted our sticks in assorted colours [much pink] In the afternoon, we twirled ribbons and ricrac round them. Rosie arranged two playmobil people [reclothed as fairies, in sparkly ribbon, with cocktail stick wands] And together we tied three sticks into a tripod, talked about triangles, adding more sticks, and a leafy bed for the fairies to sleep on. Rosie was ecstatic about her creation - it was a pretty good likeness to the one in the book
I have to review this book as
*****The illustrations and instructions are good, and the fact that what you make looks like the picture is a big plus. I think we will do more projects from this in the days ahead.[It is aimed at ages 3-6, and
here is one of the cheaper sources]
A couple of years ago, I bought this book in a sale for £2 [why was it so cheap? it had only just been published] Liz thought it was probably a bit advanced for Ro - but I was sure it would be useful eventually.
Oh, look at the joy on her face! I think Rosie and her grandma made a lovely fairy den! :)
ReplyDeleteSo glad you didn't link to the detested (in my eyes) yellow and black online booksellers. I'm sick of hearing, "But they're so much cheaper!" as they take over the world day by day! Apologies if you use them but I just won't unless there's absolutely no alternative. This looks a wonderful book-so fun but scientific. I'm pleased to hear the arts are incorporated. Will you do a musical physics experiment with Rosie and different sized containers affecting pitch? I always loved that one! I do hope you share the results of more of these. We did a fun Maths lesson yesterday involving Throwing a beanbag and measuring in adult paces and then a metre stick. We then recorded 1st and 2nd chance results in a table and answered questions about the data. I'm in school 3 days this week and increasing my day each week, "To get me back into the swing of it.". Not sure that counts as necessarily travel when there was a wealth of adults yesterday.
ReplyDeleteBeanbags :we made them on Shapes Day but have not progressed beyond throwing to each other and throwing into a bucket. Thanks for the suggestions about Musical Physics. All ideas gratefully received!
DeleteDegree course coming up, I think!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun project - and a great book! You are keeping each other very busy!
ReplyDeleteIt's all about the fairies and their magic qualities and blowing the heads of dandelion clocks when you're only wee! Plenty of time for Isoceles Triangles and Pythagoras Therum
ReplyDeletewhen you get to those big institutions!!Enjoy your 'Grandma' time, Angela. It's fleeting!
Making learning fun is SO important. I'm exhausted each day when she leaves, but it's a good feeling. And so much less stressful than a regular classroom.
DeleteSticks out a mile how much your enjoying it Angela. You're so lucky. I still haven't seen the new baby 'in real life' yet and can still only have garden visits from the older two.
DeleteOh I do hope you can see the baby soon. I'm glad you have had visits from the other two, even if they were "distanced"
DeleteI'm convinced my interest in science came from helping my dad to make things in his shed. Holding the bit of wood or metal in place while he drilled it and fetching the right screw driver. Or helping him to mend something (on the dining table of course!).
ReplyDeleteMind you, I also enjoyed baking with my mum - learning anything in fact. So much more fun than being plonked in front of the telly. So well done you for getting Rosie absorbed in it.
Absolute agreement. I believe the correct educational term for this is the "sit by Nellie" teaching method! Watching an expert and working alongside them. I know many families are relying on the screen-schooling right now (well done BBC Bitesize for excellent programmes) but interaction with an enthusiast is preferable imho
DeleteYou are such a brilliant teacher. I am full of admiration.
ReplyDeleteYou are very kind. This has been my calling and career for so many years, and I love it
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