Computer Science

Strawbees projects often involve engineering principles, often involving problem-solving and logical reasoning. These activities help students develop computational thinking skills, which are a fundamental aspect of computer science education. Projects involve integrating hardware components and sensors into their structures, where students learn to interface with the physical world using digital technologies. Students incorporate basic coding and programming concepts with the micro:bit while building, testing, and refining solutions to real-world problems.

Life Science

Projects can explore living organisms. For example, students create models of animal or plant structures using Strawbees to demonstrate how form relates to function or build miniature ecosystems, representing how different organisms interact with each other and their environment. This hands-on approach can help them understand the concepts of food webs and the interdependence of living species. Design models of organisms and their adaptations to specific environments, showcasing how living things evolve to survive in their surroundings.

Physical Science

Strawbees projects involving pulleys, levers, and other simple machines can help students explore concepts related to forces and motion. They can experiment with how different configurations of Strawbees affect the direction of forces. Students can create models that demonstrate energy transfer. For instance, they can build a roller coaster track that illustrates potential and kinetic energy with energy conservation principles.

Earth and Space Science

Strawbees projects can simulate geological processes like erosion, deposition, and plate tectonics. Students can create models of a landscape and demonstrate the effects of these processes with an earthquake simulator. Students can design weather instruments and models of atmospheric phenomena to explore concepts related to weather patterns, climate change, and meteorology.

Nature of Science

Strawbees projects inherently promote scientific inquiry and the scientific method. Students can formulate questions, make predictions, conduct experiments, and analyze data as they design and test their creations. Students identify problems, brainstorm solutions, create prototypes, and iterate on their designs, encouraging them to think critically about the societal impacts of scientific discoveries and technological innovations.

Geography

Students can use Strawbees to create 3D geographical models, including topographical features and landscapes. These projects can help students understand geographical concepts and map reading skills. Students can design models of eco-friendly renewable energy systems or sustainable urban planning, fostering an understanding of the environmental impact of engineering and technology.

Economics

Students can examine how engineering and technological innovations have contributed to economic development and prosperity throughout history. Build models that represent economic hubs, transportation networks, or industrial complexes. Students can explore the history of innovations and technological advancements by recreating and studying ancient inventions such as a mechanical crane or engineering marvels like catapults from various civilizations.

Reading

Many projects in Strawbees Classroom often require students to read diagrams to construct various models. This practice enhances reading comprehension skills as they extract information and procedural steps from written materials. They may need to read to understand scientific concepts related to engineering, physics, or other scientific fields. This reading comprehension connects science content with ELA skills, and this expanded vocabulary supports reading comprehension and improves students' overall language skills.

After completing projects, students may engage in reading activities involving reflection and self-assessment. They can read and evaluate their work, identifying areas for improvement and discussing their project experiences in written form.

Geometric Reasoning

Learning about geometric reasoning involves the ability to visualize and manipulate geometric objects in space. Strawbees projects often require students to work with various shapes, such as polygons, triangles, rectangles, and 3D figures. Engaging with these shapes helps students identify, classify, and manipulate geometric forms. Students must consider geometric concepts when planning and executing their creations, promoting an understanding of geometry's role in practical applications.

References

• CPalms