-Ozgu Ozturk, CCAL- EFL Teacher, SCIENTIX Ambassador/ National Geographic Certified Teacher
e-ISSN 2349-2155
ABSTRACT
The term STEMis frequently used these days without being aware of its real meaning. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics;‘A’ is added for ‘Art’ to make it STEAM.The present study aims to integrate STEAM activities with English language teaching and learning.
Keywords:English language teaching, STEM, STEAM.
Introduction
English plays an important role as the lingua franca of science and technology. Students need to improve their language skills for being equipped with the necessary skills as individuals in the global society. We will soon witness the emergence of many new business lines that do not exist today due to the developments in society, technology, and economic activities. These new job opportunities will require raising new generations who are creative, collaborative, communicative, and critical thinkers. These are the main 21st century skills that STEAM education aims to improve (21st Century Skills and Competences for New Millennium Learners in OECD Countries | READ Online, 2009).
Classroom Practice
Both STEAM activities and English language learning activities were used in the classroom. It was conducted for young learners. This age group of students are genuinely curious about everything and ready to learn in any way. The activity used may seem like CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning); however, it is different in a way. In CLIL we teach the subject and the second language at the same time. But here, in the STEAM-integrated method, we teach English through five different subjects: STEAM. Every activity is related to the topic to be taught in English but the activities are organized in all the five subjects. The feedback from the students indicated that STEAM could make them enjoy learning English. It has been seen that the study was successful in bringingtogether different disciplines. Thus, the study suggests that ESL teachers implement STEAM in their English classroom practices, as it can boost their students’ interest in learning both English and STEAM subjects.
Process
Brainstorming:The teacher starts the lesson with a story-telling activity:
I woke up early and then I went to the kitchen to prepare my breakfast. But guess what I saw on the table? (The students give their opinions.)
I saw a magic cup! Yes, it was magical because it was changing its colours! First, it was blue, then it turned to green. When I looked in, there was a drink that smelled nice! Can you guess what was in it? (The students give their opinions.)
I drank it. And, suddenly, something happened to me. I started to become smaller and smaller. I was as small as an ant! And I found myself in a garden. What other small things could I see? (The students give their opinions.)
Well, now let me introduce you to whom I met in the garden:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=le5OZCqvRIU
Yes, today we are going to learn about our bug friends!
Discussion:
The teacher asks these questions and the students discuss the topic with the teacher’s guidance.
· What happens in the garden when we have lessons at school?
· What kind of living things are wandering in the garden?
· Are they friends or foes?
Lead-In:The teacher starts playing the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5RSpMQQOpw
How A Caterpillar Becomes A Butterfly
After watching the video, the students will discuss what other life cycles they know.
1. STEM Subject 1: Science
The teacher explains what bugs are and what pests are. She explains the difference between them.
She asks: “How many types of bugs can you name?” (The students give their answers; the teacher writes the answers on the board.)
Then, she asks: “How many pests can you name?” (The students give their answers; the teacher writes the answers on the board.)
The teacher asks the students to count the number of bugs and pests separately.
2. STEM Subject 2: Technology
The teacher groups the students and then she opens a digital grouping game.
‘Our Bug Friends’ https://learningapps.org/watch?v=pjti1h31k20
3. Non-STEM Subject: English
Then the teacher asks a question: “How to keep pests away from home without harming them?”
The teacher reads the digital story by showing it on the smartboard.
https://issuu.com/vaultcommunications/docs/pestdetectivesebook-singlepage?e=5615942/2718086
‘The Pest Detectives’ by Susan Carraretto
The teacher asks some questions about the story.
https://www.blooket.com/edit?id=608aca35496731001ea62568
4. STEM Subject 3: Engineering
The teacher shows the students some examples of safe insect traps in order to keep the insects away without harming them. Then, the students will design their own safe insect traps.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6az6ZoPd5o
5. STEM Subject 4: Mathematics
The teachers show the students some multiplication exercises on a worksheetand the students solve the problems. Then, the students colour the handout the teacher gives them according to the numbers.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wWtuixjv5yzabjNRYCQqvvFrTlg4groS/view?usp=sharing
6. STEAM Subject 5: Arts
The teacher offers two options to the students.
1. Design your own bug with using some waste materials
2. Draw the picture of a bug they want.
Final Assignment:
The students will prepare a poster about bugs and pests and they group them. They can use photo-collage or drawing techniques.
Resources
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=le5OZCqvRIU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5RSpMQQOpw
https://learningapps.org/watch?v=pjti1h31k20
https://issuu.com/vaultcommunications/docs/pestdetectivesebook-singlepage?e=5615942/2718086
https://www.blooket.com/edit?id=608aca35496731001ea62568
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6az6ZoPd5o
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wWtuixjv5yzabjNRYCQqvvFrTlg4groS/view?usp=sharing
