MIT Inspired STEAM Presentations in Primary

“I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.” -  Albert Einstein

A curious mind is an active mind – it is constantly in search of ideas and answers. Since the mind is like a muscle, it becomes stronger with regular exercise and the mental exercise caused by questioning and exploring is the best kind.

The children in the primary school recently embarked on a week of STEAM. But STEAM education goes beyond basic teaching in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths. It uses these subjects as access points for developing inquiry, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking and problem solving. 

During the week the children were able to partake in a variety of activities designed to deepen their understanding and pique their curiosity. These included: make catapults from lollipop sticks, looking at the artwork of Mondrian, creating artwork from the Fibonacci sequence, testing how earthquake proof structures are and building animatronic arms from tubes and balloons.

Part of the week also involved the curiosity challenge; an opportunity for students to explore what makes them curious - whether it is related to their current learning or not. Following your curiosity is important in helping young minds develop, which is why it is important we set aside dedicated curriculum time to allow students to do this.

When you are curious about something, your mind is expectant of new ideas and becomes more observant. Without curiosity, new ideas can pass you by since you are not open to receiving them and you miss out – because with new ideas comes excitement and discovery. A thought can literally be like opening a present on Christmas morning: it releases the same endorphins! Curious people are rarely bored, can see things from a variety of perspectives, often notice things others may not and are better at making connections between different things they have learnt.

Well done to all of the students for engaging with all of the learning with enthusiasm and articulating in such a mature way about their curiosity.  Thank you also to the teachers for planning such an exciting and enthralling week of learning.
 

Mr. Dan Smith

Deputy Head of Primary