Author Archives: sbaydar

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About sbaydar

I have been a design and technology teacher in secondary school with a Master's Degree in “ Curriculum and Instruction”. I had 27 credits courses as a PhD student in “ Curriculum and Instruction” department in Yildiz Technical University. I’m a Scientix Ambassador and eTwinner. I care about STEM education and I want my students to gain awareness of STEM approach.

IF I SAY “APPLE” APPEAR; IF I SAY “PEAR” DISAPPEAR: STEM HOUSE

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Imagine a house that grows when we want it and shrinks when we don’t! What is ergonomics? Is it possible to design an ergonomic house? With STEM yes!

Student age:13-14

Subjects: math, engineering, technology

Objectives:

  • Calculates the area of ​​a rectangle, using square centimeters and square metres.
  • Solves problems that require calculating the area of ​​a rectangle.
  • Explain the importance of ergonomics in product design.
  • Express that functional differences lead to structural differences in architectural design.
  • Express the relationship between engineering and design.
  • Designs an ergonomic house using the engineering design process.
  • Makes sketches for design.
  • Converts draft drawings into three-dimensional visuals with the help of computer.
  • Creates the model or prototype of the design.

Materials that can be used: Computer, scissors, cardboard, Pvc foam board, plexiglass, clay, ruler, pencil, glue, etc.

Abstract: First of all, I explained the subject of field in mathematics to the students. Then I focused on the concept of ergonomics and showed examples from daily life. I started with the subject of architectural structures. We brainstormed and discussed ergonomics in architectural structures. Based on the information we obtained, I asked the following question: “If you were an engineer, what kind of ergonomic house would you design?” Students designed an ergonomic house using the Tinkercad web 2.0 tool. Later, they made a model or model of the house they designed with materials such as Pvc foam board, cardboard, plexiglass, clay, etc.

While implementing the house model, the students made use of waste materials as much as possible. They drew attention to small details such as doors, windows, fences in the garden, swings, etc. When designing small details, for example, they used 3D printing on flowers in the garden. They took care to design collapsible systems. They designed a portable balcony, terrace, roof, etc. Here are some examples;

EXCUSE ME, THE SPACESHIP IS FOR A NEW PLANET?

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Education in constantly changing world

It is an undeniable fact that the time our children live will be very different from the time we live. So the knowledge and skills that our children need to acquire will surely be different. The aim of education in the 21st century is to raise individuals who are sensitive to the environment, respectful to nature, who feel responsible for the society and planet they live in, and who have a developed citizenship awareness. Because the world is changing at such a rate that even it is surprising! It is very important to raise awareness for our students in order to leave a livable world to new generations.

LEARNING SCENARIO

Have you ever thought what do we do if our world becomes uninhabitable? What if the world expels us one day, where do we go? What challenges do we have to deal with? How do we settle? Is it possible to live on another planet? 

Abstract

Here I wrote this learning scenario to learn the answers that my students will give to these questions. This learning scenario targets both the cognitive, psychomotor and affective development of students. It has been prepared to enable students to find solutions to possible future problems with STEM. If human beings do not take precautions and act sensitively, possible dangers await mankind in the future. This learning scenario was prepared to attract students’ attention and raise awareness. I am a design and technology teacher at a secondary school. This learning scenario is suitable for students in the 12-15 age group (5, 6, 7 and 8 grade of secondary school) and could only be partially implemented due to the pandemic conditions.

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