What captures the students interest more than wanting to know what is going on behind the large white wall next to their classroom? This term the curious Year 4 students in Room 29 with Mrs Humphreys decided to investigate by making periscopes. What a wonderful ISTEAM opportunity this provided!
Much learning followed including understanding how light is reflected, how mirrors work and carefully measuring not only themselves, but the wall itself and the difference in both heights. Large sheets of cardboard were used to create 3D shaped periscopes. This involved creating nets. Understanding angles and placing the mirrors appropriately also added to the learning.
On completion, the students tested their periscopes by peering through the lower viewing hole and peeking at the workers working on the building site beyond. Excitement was high, and even more so that they had worked successfully. All the students were able to have a turn including a special guest, Mr McIntyre, who was invited to join in the peeking fun.
ISTEAM certainly allows our students to work collaboratively to solve real problems in a learning focused environment and furthermore have fun!
