Picture provided by the author, attribution CC-BY

Our Wonderful Kids with STEAM project aimed to increase our students’ interest in science, technology, math and engineering. Apart from this, it is aimed to train individuals who can think creatively, solve problems and have 21st century skills by integrating STEM disciplines with each other. In our project, she saved her pocket money for a whole year to buy a knit scarf for a sister named Jane. However, when she went to buy it, she saw that the scarf was very expensive and could not buy it. Talking to her mother, she learned that she could recycle her old clothes. Then she took off the sweater that was too small for her and started knitting a scarf. Our Goals With this project, we aim to equip our students with 21st century skills. Especially with project-based learning, it is aimed to gain problem solving skills. Analytical thinking is aimed by coding. It is aimed to think creatively by learning the way of design. It is aimed to make new designs by using the tools necessary for daily life skills. It also helps to develop hand-eye coordination by making movements that require object control. When it comes to recycling, only glass, paper, plastic and metal come to mind. However, in recent years, it has been seen that the transformation of clothes is also important. It is aimed to raise awareness of our students in this regard.

Processing

The students were given information about the seasons and clothes according to that oak tree in order to explain in which season the scarfs will be used. In line with the story told, money and savings were emphasized. After learning from her mother that her clothes would be recycled because scarves are expensive, videos were watched on both what recycling is and how clothes are recycled. She knitted the knitting by taking the length measurements with the knitting apparatus she prepared for her scarf.

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Interdisciplinary collaboration

The students were given information about the seasons and what to wear according to that oak, and it was explained in which season to use the scarf. In the mathematics lesson, the subjects of saving money, saving money, measuring height in scarf measurement are covered. In addition, what recycling is and what can be recycled are discussed. In this area, it was emphasized that clothes can also be transformed. With the prepared knitting machine, children are provided to knit scarves. They also develop their vocabulary and understand the meaning of what they listen to and watch.

Results

Students’ designs and what they learned in the process are evaluated. In addition to science, mathematics, technology and engineering, they learn through interdisciplinary collaboration in terms of language development. Along with these, awareness has been created with recycling and clothing recycling, which has newly emerged importance in this field.

Author

Nurcan Okur completed his undergraduate education at Kırıkkale University, Department of Classroom Teaching, and his master’s degree from Gazi University, Department of Classroom Teaching. Throughout his 16-year professional life, he has given trainings using various methods and techniques and has been doing STEM studies for the last 4 years. The author is a STEM Ambassador and is actively involved in numerous eTwinning projects.

Tags: creative thinking, creativity, critical thinking, recycling, scarf, Science, STEM, Students, teachers