Kang Chiao Spotlight Issue 26 (小學部)

　　STEM learning was implemented in our KCFS program in 2017. We have discovered that there are more benefits for the students than just application of science, technology, engineering and math. In KCFS classes, students are encouraged to experiment which allows them to build confidence and resilience. They are also often put into groups to find solutions to problems. This helps them understand how to collaborate with others in teamwork. Mr. Otter explains the advances that our students have made in the KCFS program. Mr. Munday provides a detailed description of the grade 6 Generator Project which helps students to see where electricity comes from.

　　The Grades 1 and 6 online English Open Days were held recently. Many parents participated in the online feedback activities. It was a great encouragement for the teachers and students. We sincerely invite all our parents to continuously join the online English Open Days to admire our students' growth and hard work.

　　106學年我們開始在高年級導入STEM教育精神的Kang Chiao Future Skills課程，隔年向下延伸至中、低年級，企圖以主題統整的方式，讓學生以工程設計思考的模式，應用科學、數學和科技來解決真實的生活問題。三年下來，KCFS團隊不斷研發並調整課程，我們發現除了知識的整合與應用，孩子們獲得更多潛藏於課程中的能力，例如：從失敗中再嘗試，所獲得的冒險精神與彈性，從團隊合作中琢磨出的溝通與協調能力，從實際操作的活動中，學會應用適當的工具和科技軟體，本期我們特別邀請Mr. Otter來說明KCFS課程如何帶給孩子超越數學、科學等，學科以外的能力。

　　此外，高年級KCFS的領域召集人，Mr. Munday分享了六年級剛完成的Generator Project（發電機專題）。電從哪裡來？如何產生？透過製作發電機，孩子學習發電的原理，接下來，他們會繼續探究如何運用自然資源產生能源，在享受電力帶來的便利生活之餘，思考如何兼顧環境的永續發展。

　　一年級和六年級的English Open Day線上發表已經順利舉辦，雖然無法邀請家長到校參觀，但是，家長們熱烈參與線上瀏覽與回饋，是對用心準備的師生最大的鼓勵，接下來各年級的English Open Day將依次舉辦，竭誠歡迎所有的家長參與，您的掌聲與喝采是孩子們持續前進的最大動力。

　　From 2017, Kang Chiao started phasing in what has become a successful STEM program for all grades one through six. When we first started our KCFS classes incorporating STEM, we looked to the future with hope in the potential benefits that such a program would offer. Now we reflect on the advances that have been made. I would like to focus on four areas where our students have made meaningful progress.

Knowledge Application

　　To successfully complete KCFS projects, students must apply theoretical knowledge they learn in other classes. In the Grade 4 Anemometer project, students use knowledge from their math class to calculate wind speed. In the KCFS classrooms, students put into practice by way of authentic conversation the English that they study in their regular English classes. There is a hidden benefit to this. When students realize that the knowledge they are acquiring in other classes is being used immediately in ways that impact them positively, they become motivated to perform better overall.

　　The KCFS classroom is a safe place for students to make mistakes. We embrace failure as part of the learning process. This has helped our students to build resilience, which enables them to keep going even when the going gets rough. As a result, because our students don’t fear failure, they are not scared of taking risks. Many of today’s innovations were created by people who were told that their ideas wouldn’t work and their response was simply, “Let’s try it and see.” Our students are also developing a healthy confidence that is rooted in a deep sense of accomplishment and competence.

Teamwork

　　In the KCFS class, students must work together to brainstorm ideas, imagine solutions, draw up plans, build and improve on prototypes, and give presentations. Our students have become better at listening and sharing ideas with persuasion. They are able to compromise in the face of disagreement. They are more open-minded; to not only appreciate their own opinions but also those of others. Learning these interpersonal relationship skills will stand them in good stead for the future.

　　From drills, hammers, pliers, box-cutters, clamps and scales, to google slides, Chromebook enrichment activities and the modelling program Tinker-cad, students are learning how to use a variety of tools and tech in authentic settings. On top of preparing them to be handy in the home, when they encounter new technologies they will embrace them rather than shy away from them. This will give them the upper hand in the global landscape, as the world is becoming increasingly tech-centred.

　　We have discovered that there is much more to our KCFS classes than science, technology, engineering and math. To both the students who go on to pursue careers in the sciences and to those who don’t, the KCFS classes hold a treasure trove of benefits. The skills that our students acquire in this class will continue to be of value to them long after they have bid farewell to Kang Chiao!