Creative Approach 4: Scientific Inquiry

According to Banks and Barlex (2014) Science and Mathematics are a part of the STEM subjects which are an important aspect of Secondary school education. Guest speakers from Techniquest arrived at our seminar for us to take part in different activities. They are a Science discovery centre which promote scientific inquiry across the curriculum. I took part in a series of mini activities which linked scientific inquiry with subjects such as maths, across the curriculum.  Additionally, the cycle of scientific inquiry shows how this creative approach can be used in academic education. I have created a mind-map using the scientific inquiry skills for conducting an independent research.

DCELLS (2010) suggests that the Mathematical Development in children in the Foundation Phase is considered to be one of the seven key areas of learning. Visual aids can be used in twenty first century education to enhance children’s learning; techniquest provides children the opportunity to link scientific inquiry and Mathematics together. Pupils are able to learn hands on about topics such as forces, mass, genes and volume in an interactive environment.

So how can this be used in the classroom? Techniquest provides schools with the opportunity to bring in guest speakers to teach children about science in a creative way. These workshops will help for students to work in teams to carry out activities which promote problem solving skills and critical thinking. By asking questions, pupils can have the opportunity to broaden their knowledge about Scientific learning.

Reference List

Banks, F. and Barlex, D (2014) Teaching STEM in the Secondary School: Helping Teachers Meet The Challenge. London: Routledge.

Wales: Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills, (2015) Curriculum for Wales: Foundation Phase Framework. Cardiff: Welsh Assembly Government. Available at: http://gov.wales/topics/educationandskills/earlyyearshome/foundation-phase/?lang=en (Accessed: 23 April 2016).