A ( ) to stand on?

1. A ( ) to stand on? THE USE OF LEGOS TO CREATE AWARENESS AND INTEREST IN SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY IN THE PRIMARY SCHOOL Presented by: Ingrid Esterhuizen Laerskool Wierdapark Centurion, Gauteng

2. Session Overview • Welcome • Why promote interest in science and technology at primary school level? • Role of OBE • What is the current situation? • LEGO as a tool • First Lego League explained • Case Study • Question and answer/feedback

3. Science and Tech: why the fuss? Breathtaking developments in biotechnology, nanotechnology, quantum mechanics, medical science, space travel, information technology, sports medicine, robotics, laser technology, the Hadron Collider … can we afford NOT to promote Science and Technology?

4. Science and Tech: why the fuss? As a developing country, South Africa faces a severe shortage of Science and Technology skills in all sectors: education, industry, mining, telecommunications, etc. The trend is global. According to the publication Computer Society Connection (April 2008), the number of students enrolled in computer science in Northern America declined 49 % from its peak in 2001/2002.

5. Science and Tech: why the fuss? Strategically important to ensure that school leavers moving into the labour market or into further study have the appropriate background and capacities to succeed, as work and educational environments become increasingly technologically intensive.

6. Science and Tech: why the fuss? “Manpower competencies ... derive from the nature and quality of the teaching which pupils receive at school.” -The Journal of The SA Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (July/Aug 1997)

7. Science and Tech: why the fuss? • Catch’em! • when they’re young • where there is a healthy gender ratio • (Why gender? Women severely underrepresented in the (SET) sector - see report "Facing the Facts: Women's Participation in Science, Engineering and Technology“ by dr Heidi E. Prozesky

8. And OBE? Fortunately: Department of Education foresight to introduce Technology as a school subject in the OBE curriculum. • Unfortunately the reality is: • poorly trained teachers • classrooms poorly equipped for the subject (lack of tools, workspace, etc.) • remains mainly theoretical and at a basic level. • full potential of the subject field remains unexplored

9. Help! Is anybody out there? South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement Eskom Expo for Young Scientists Science Unlimited Exhibition

10. Why LEGO? Let the darlings play while they learn and learn while they play! Cultivate awareness, exposure, interest • LEGO as an integrated tool provides: • the mechanics • the programming • a practical and affordable • graphical user interface (GUI)

11. What is FIRST LEGO League? • FIRST LEGO League (FLL): • global programme • gets kids excited about science and technology • ages 9-16 • theme-based Challenges • research, problem solving, and engineering

12. Why FIRST Lego League? • Integrating various learning fields (Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Electronics) in a compact time frame • Promotes fundamentals of the Revised National Curriculum Status - values, skills, attitudes • The cornerstones of the program are its Core Values, which emphasize contributions of others, friendly sportsmanship, learning, and community involvement.

13. Why FIRST Lego League? • "Gracious Professionalism“ • (dr. Woody Flowers, FIRST US national advisor) • high-quality work • emphasizes the value of others • respects individuals and the community • knowledge, competition, and empathy are comfortably blended • part of pursuing a meaningful life

14. Aspects of the Contest Research – Detail - Creative Presentation - Innovation Technical – Robot - Programming Robot Performance 3 x rounds Teamwork 8+ weeks

15. 2008: Climate Connection Challenge LAUNCH Aug/Sept 2008 CONTESTS Northern 24&25 Oct 2008 Southern End Oct Nationals 7 Dec 2008

16. Case Study Laerskool Wierdapark in conjunction with French South Africa Technical Institute in Electronics – F’SATIE (Tshwane University of Technology) THE START: F’SATIE approached school with FLL concept OPPORTUNITY: saw LEGO as a tool to promote interest in Science and Technology ACTION: Identified candidates with help of Technology teacher Meeting with parents and learners – concept and commitment explained Selection of team members Setting of dates First team meeting Consecutive practice sessions

17. Results: the • Team stuck together because of mutual interest • Exposure to programming – a first for most • Team spirit • Generate wider interest – expo participation, etc. • Development of vital skills, values, attitudes • Spin-off – brothers, sisters, classmates become interested

18. X Results: the • Time: finding it! • Team conflict • Boys treating girls as “dummies” • Frustration: “when the wheels fall off!”

19. Pitfalls Remember the FLL Core Value: What we discover is more important than what we win. Do we want to use LEGO as a tool to promote Science & Technology? Then it must be: process first; contest after.

20. Pitfalls • Team selection • not about getting the cleverest on board • promote interest and awareness in the otherwise uninvolved/disinterested • (Tip: do not let the teachers choose – they tend to be results-driven. Ask the coach/mentor!)

21. The Road Ahead? • Getting industries involved: sponsorships, expertise • Integrated teams (i.e. different schools, global teams) • Start early: train them from gr. 1 • Teach basics – how gears work, levers, sensors, etc. • Mentors and coaches: training, involvement, etc.

22. Contact Details F’SATIE (TUT) Dr Elmarie Biermann Cell: 082 785 0734 email: biermanne@tut.ac.za PRESENTER Ingrid Esterhuizen Cell: 082 377 4916 email: ingridest@xsinet.co.za FIRST LEGO LEAGUE SA www: fllsa.org.za