Year 6 are currently involved in study of electrical energy concepts within their Physical Sciences unit. Their teachers saw this as an opportunity to include some digital technologies work as there is clear alignment between the two areas. This includes the nature of digital systems (like EV3 robotics), input and output devices, circuitry which allows a robotic device to function, the use of various electrical such as switches and globes and the use of sensors that gather data.
Mr Bayliss set up a rotational learning situation in the Year 6 rooms – using Ev3 robots, the LittleBits from the Library MakerSpace and some circuitry gear he already had. It was a busy and interesting session with the children all enjoying the chance to explore, prototype and construct robots collaboratively. It was great to see the problem solving that was occurring with students having to work out how to get circuits to work effectively and what to include in the way of components – and then when things weren’t working – why they weren’t and having to work together to solve any issues.
It was also a perfect example of the alignment that we are exploring as a school this year between the new Digital Technologies Curriculum and other areas. By being creative and incorporating design elements within planning, teachers can seize the opportunity that this new curriculum presents to consolidate, deepen and extend understanding in multiple curriculum areas and to even accelerate this learning.
Physical Sciences:
Electrical energy can be transferred and transformed in electrical circuits and can be generated from a range of sources
The elaborations include:
- recognising the need for a complete circuit to allow the flow of electricity
- investigating different electrical conductors and insulators
- exploring the features of electrical devices such as switches and light globes
- investigating how moving air and water can turn turbines to generate electricity
- investigating the use of solar panels
- considering whether an energy source is sustainable
Digital Technologies
Examine the main components of common digital systems and how they may connect together to form networks to transmit data
Design, modify and follow simple algorithms involving sequences of steps, branching, and iteration (repetition)
Implement digital solutions as simple visual programs involvingbranching, iteration (repetition), and user input