Technology is the process of investigating and designing to produce simple machines. Students at Mount Waverley North Primary School actively partake in technological activities. Robotics is a major unit in Level 4 technology using Lego and computers to create simple machines. In Level 3 the foundations of using Lego to explore and create simple machines underpins the work students complete in Level 4.
Involvement in robotics exposes students to critical, creative and collaborative thinking as well as scientific and technological concepts. Student conversations about the societal impact of technology occur in a real context. Scientific understandings include: movement, detection of stimuli, relationships between power and speed, actions and reactions. Technological understandings include design, construction and programming. Maths understandings include direction, location, spatial skills, lines and angles, perspective, time, 3D shapes and use of the four processes.
Robotics offers the opportunity to integrate science, mathematics and technology through investigation of engineering principles. Construction with LEGO in conjunction with programming (Robotics) develops student understandings in all three curriculum areas while enhancing problem solving strategies and creativity.
Students gain
* an expanded interest in Science and Technology
* improved self-esteem
* increased knowledge and understanding of robotics construction, programming and
* increased engagement in learning as indicated by improvements in cooperation and collaboration
* increased exposure to higher-order thinking skills and the use of problem solving strategies
* clearly established links between theory and practice and between the classroom
Technology encompasses creating and making using a wide variety of materials. Students are given parameters and these tasks challenge the students’ creativity and thinking skills. In Level 2 students participate in technology rotations using a variety of materials such as straws, construction paper, masking tape, newspapers and given a set time frame and limited materials to produce a finished product.
Within technology units, students are challenged to not only design and create simple machines but investigate different structures and analyse their effectiveness to function. They work together as a team to build their social and critical thinking skills.
