Applied learning program
After one science class, I also participated in an applied learning program at Yuka Junior High School in two areas.
When the class started, it became clear that the students had been working on the project for several weeks. Most students (groups of four) had prototypes made of Lego and other materials that moved, beeped, and flashed.
The school’s applied learning programs focus on coding and electronics. Students need to select a real problem and prototype a solution to the problem using the Microbit, a mini-programmable computer. You will also need to announce your project at the end of the semester.
Mdm Seah shares that all mainstream MOE secondary schools offer their own applied learning programs, with just over half of them offering science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs. The applied learning program is available to all students in secondary education and interested students can continue to take it as an elective in secondary education.
“It’s an unexamined subject. Applying knowledge from different locations and specifically linking it to electronic devices is a lot of application learning,” said class teacher Lim Sien Long. increase.
“Specifically, what they learned is actually a mixture of programming, electrical circuits, and design, especially the design thinking process. So, not only is it practical, but the students are logical and systematic. You will also learn how to think in ways. At the same time, they will be able to demonstrate their creativity. ”
This was all very new to me. When I was in school, there was no coding at all. The closest comparison I could think of was the ICT lesson we took. My school was fortunate to be the first to pilot a tablet computer in 2009. I spent most of my time on these lessons thinking about how to play online games with my friends.
Solve real problems with prototypes
I sat down with Damian and his groupmates Anya Wong, Anika Nadilla and Nathan Chen and asked them to explain how the flashing gimmicks at their tables work. ..
Anya was happy to share that the prototype was working properly and completed the presentation slides.
“This is to measure the noise level in the environment. Some people may illegally cut down trees, cause noise pollution, or hunt in the forest. Therefore, the noise level is 85db. If so, this sensor will turn on the LED to warn you that something is wrong, “she enthusiastically explained.
Their prototype consisted of a building in the woods made of Lego. There was a sound meter “outside” the forest, connected to the microbits and LED signs “inside” the building. I shouted at the prototype and started it. It worked and beeped to indicate that it actually violated the proposed noise limit.
“We not only wanted to solve the problem of noise pollution, but we also wanted to detect illegal human activities such as hunting, so when they are doing those activities, the noise level is It will definitely increase, “said Anya, adding that sensors installed in the forest would detect noise.
She added that authorities could respond to the threat if warned of illegal activity. Another idea they had was to plant speakers in the woods. It automatically alerts you when the noise threshold is reached.
