8th Primary School of Chania, Greece
Target group: 5th and 6th grade children.
Objectives:
1. Understanding water scarcity: Inform students about the causes and impacts of water scarcity on a global and local scale.
2. Scientific investigation: Conducting experiments to demonstrate filtration and water saving techniques.
3. Technological innovation: We encourage students to design and build models that can help conserve water or purify water.
4. Engineering solutions: Development of small-scale engineering projects, such as rainwater harvesting systems or irrigation models, to address water scarcity.
5. Artistic expression: Use of artistic works to raise awareness about water scarcity.
6. Community engagement: Involve the local community in the project by organizing awareness campaigns, workshops or exhibitions to share students' findings and solutions.
7. Interdisciplinary learning: Integration of various disciplines (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) for a holistic understanding of water scarcity and its solutions.
8. Critical thinking and problem solving: Cultivation of critical thinking skills challenging students to find innovative solutions to real water scarcity problems.
9. Environmental management: Cultivation of a sense of responsibility and management towards the environment and natural resources.
10. Cultivation of communication and cooperation skills. Encourage team building and teamwork to enhance problem-solving skills.
Methodology
Taking advantage of the STEAM approach, students form teams in order to explore, analyze and construct small-scale engineering projects as solutions to save water.
Tackle.
- Microbit and LEGO robotic chips
- Handicraft materials (cardboard, chopsticks, glue, pencils, watercolor paints, etc.)
- LEGO accessories
Work plan modules
Lesson 1. (duration one hour). Activation-in recent years our country has been experiencing a shortage of water, resulting in a problem in agriculture and in many urban areas lack of drinking water. What can we do? Recording ideas, solutions.
Lesson 2. (duration one hour). Children are divided into groups and each group decides which science, engineering and technology solution they propose to combat water scarcity. Drawing on paper, recording materials that will be needed.
Lesson 3. (duration one hour). Collection of information related to the mechanical construction chosen by each group.
Lesson 4. (duration 6 hours – 3 weeks). The teams begin building their projects. The following constructions were selected: a) artificial lake, b) rainwater storage, c) rainwater management for agricultural crops, d) urban water recycling and e) dam construction.
Lesson 5. Project presentation.