Welcome to the latest edition of the Kang Chiao Future Skills (KCFS) Spotlight! At Kang Chiao, our Grade 1 and 2 students are immersing themselves in the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through hands-on learning experiences designed to spark curiosity and creativity. This innovative program fosters essential skills like problem-solving and critical thinking - qualities that will serve our young learners throughout their academic journey.  

What is KCFS?

　KCFS is a forward-thinking program designed to nurture students' abilities in STEM through a project-based, interdisciplinary approach. It encourages young learners to explore, create, and tackle challenges in practical contexts. Through KCFS, students work on a variety of exciting, practical projects that bridge science, technology, engineering, and math. By fostering a solution-oriented environment, KCFS prepares students for the future and empowers them to become the inventors of tomorrow.

Grade 1 and 2 STEM Curriculum: Real-World Problem Solvers

　In Grade 1, students explore the concept of biomimicry, learning how nature inspires human inventions. They discover examples like how the wings of birds influenced airplane designs and how the structure of beehives has shaped architectural ideas, helping students connect nature with technology. They study how ants, bees, mud daubers, and paper wasps organize their nests and apply this knowledge to create supply organizers that mimic the patterns of these insect nests. Additionally, they explore shapes by identifying and classifying 2D and 3D shapes, as well as investigating symmetry, vertices, and faces. Using this understanding of shapes, students design jungle gyms using straws and pipe cleaners. These hands-on activities establish a foundation for higher grade geometry lessons and help students view the world through a mathematical perspective.

　In Grade 2, students explore simple machines such as pulleys, levers, and wheels. By constructing these machines, they learn how they simplify tasks and overcome daily difficulties. The equipment trolley project encourages students to design and build functional trolleys, fostering joint effort and the application of engineering concepts. They also investigate the properties of light through experiments on reflection, refraction, and color, sparking curiosity and providing a foundation in basic physical science. Students then use these principles to design a light maze, where they track the path of light from its source (a flashlight) to the target.

Empowering Future Innovators

　KCFS is more than a STEM program; it’s a transformative learning experience. Through thoughtful evaluations, hands-on projects, and a focus on collaboration, we are nurturing the next generation of creative thinkers, critical problem solvers, and innovators. By preparing students with the tools to approach hurdles creatively, KCFS is empowering them to shape the future.