-Mathegramming Team
A five day Science Technology Engineering Arts and Maths (STEAM) Camp was organised by all the Auroville schools from 27th May to 31st May to inspire and engage young children in STEAM activities. Children participated in STEM activities over a course of five days at different venues. STEM Land introduced children to electronics, Makey Makey, games, puzzles, programming, and craft work. Each day 25 children between the ages of 6 to 13+ from different schools in Auroville came to STEM Land.
We began the sessions by talking about the link between universal values (Monica Sharma, 2017) and technology, as the two are often assumed to be on opposite ends. We used examples of instances when technology was used constructively versus destructively to enable children to imagine the numerous ways in which technology can be imbibed with values. Sessions began with “Stand and Fear” a tool used in Radical Transformational Leadership to recognise our universal values and harness them to manage our fears.
The students were divided in five groups, and they were asked to think about a person they admire most, someone they look up to but not from their immediate circles, – maybe a character from a film, a celebrity etc. children were then asked to think about the qualities in that person that inspire them. The children began to think about their values and what they stand for. Then they shared their thoughts with their partners. The session closed with children affirming their universal values and sharing their insights about what they got to learn about themselves, children shared that this exercise made them feel proud and confident.
Hands-on Activities with Makey-Makey
After the leadership session, we divided the team into five groups. The children were introduced to Makey-Makey, before the session began children were asked to collect leaves or other conducting materials from the school campus. Children were not only excited but also curious to know why they were doing so. After the children got back to the classroom, the Mathegramming team explained how Makey-Makey works – the kit allows users to connect conducting materials like leaves, vegetables, water, etc. to the computer functions of arrow keys, mouse and space-bar using crocodile clips. When those objects are touched, they send signals to the computer, producing different sounds or elicit other responses (such as increase in the size of the sprite on Scratch) depending on the programs we put in Scratch.
Understanding Makey Makey
Basic Components: We showed the children the main components of the Makey Makey kit, including the circuit board, crocodile clips, and USB cables.
How It Works: We explained the concept of conductivity and how Makey Makey uses this principle to turn objects into touchpads. Children learned how to connect Makey Makey to a computer and set it up to work with different software programs.
Hands-On Activities with Makey Makey: Each group worked on a different Makey Makey project. Below are the highlights:
1. Banana Piano
We connected alligator (crocodile) clips to bananas, each representing a different piano key. Using a Scratch program, we mapped each banana to a musical note.The children played their banana pianos, creating tunes by tapping the fruit. This activity was not only fun but also a great introduction to basic programming.
2. Dancing Console
We created a dance mat using foil and paper, connected to Makey Makey. The children programmed a dancing game where stepping on different parts of the mat would show different dance moves on the screen. The children took turns showing off their dance skills.
Additionally children also participated in the following activities:
- Games and Puzzles: children played many games and puzzles that helped them enhance their critical thinking and collaboration skills.
- Scratch Programming: Kids learned the basics of coding using Scratch, creating their own animations and simple games. This activity helped them think logically and apply their thinking.
- Math Materials: Children also explored math materials like Dienes blocks and fraction kits, they were briefly introduced to how these materials can enhance their understanding of mathematical concepts.
- Kirigami: Similar to Origami, kirigami is also a Japanese art that creates three dimensional designs. It helps them to understand how different folds and cuts can turn into 3D creations.
Conclusion
While children enjoyed the STEAM Camp, they were struck by wonder looking at how Makey-Makey works, everytime children were introduced to Makey-Makey at least one child in the group expressed their wonder using “How cool is that!”. As adults who want to instill values of collaboration in children, we at STEM Land were moved by how compassionate, responsible and fair children were when exploring materials including Makey-Makey, they all ensured that each child in the group is getting a chance to explore the materials.
The children were excited and inspired to adopt a new perspective about technology. We are looking forward to having more such sessions to continue sparking curiosity and creativity in young minds.