Transforming the primary curriculum by modelling with data within STEM contexts

Incorporating STEM activities into the primary curriculum remains a challenge for teachers who do not have content knowledge and pedagogical expertise in all of the four STEM disciplines. It is, therefore, important research explores potential solutions to the issue. This presentation will showcase STEM learning activities developed for a research project that is investigating the way in which students develop understanding of modelling with data. Now in its third year, the longitudinal study is following students as they progress from Year 3 to Year 6. One aim of the project is to develop learning activities that address STEM outcomes whilst also putting the emphasis on addressing statistics concepts in the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics. The statistics concepts include identifying variation within and between samples, and using graphical representations to make decisions. Topics covered include: Hand-made versus machine made products (Year 3), Heat transfer and influence of insulation (Year 3), Survey development and question posing (Year 4); Forces and properties of materials (Year 4); and Viscosity (Year 5). A feature of this presentation will be the celebration of students’ work and achievements. The Modelling with Data project is a collaboration with Prof Lyn English (QUT) and Prof Jane Watson (UTAS).