A STEM challenge for 7-14 years

Produced as part of the Make the Link EC funded project

www.practicalaction.org/beattheflood

How do we get started?Pupils Look at the photographs of flooding and decide where they belong

on the world map. This leads to a discussion on climate change and who

it affects the most…poor people who contribute the least to it.

A ‘very’ cross curricular challenge!

Science…testing material for strength and absorbency

Technology…comparing different structures for strength and

resistance to wind then designing a structure

Engineering…choosing materials and structure based on

several factors…making an informed decision.

Mathematics…working out the cost of materials.

Geography – Looking at landscape of Bangladesh, maps of world the

world and Watu Island

Citizenship - What can we do to reduce both flooding in Bangladesh

and help people prepare better for it? Looking at interdependence in

a globalised society.

English – Presenting back to the class, verbal and written

communication

What resources support the challenge?

• Teachers notes

• PowerPoint presentation

• Pupils worksheets

• Pupil evaluation sheets

• Pupil certificates

• Case study

• Videos

• Poster

…basically everything you need and more!

Pupil materials

A video from Bangladesh

http://practicalaction.org/video-beat-the-flood

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OyF50dHvCo

What pupils say about the project

’we did a practical on absorbency of

different materials and how to compare

them. We used steel because it was fully

waterproof and bamboo because it was

available on the island’’

Isabelle, age 14

‘I love this project since it links my

two favourite subjects, science and

geography together’Rachel, 12 years

‘Oh no!!!!’

Deepening awareness and understanding

‘’the floods don’t allow people to get around the island so they

don’t have access to school and healthcare’’14 year old boy

‘I think this has given us more awareness of what happens during

floods. Even though it is on the news this gives us a deeper

insight as to what happens in those communities, and usually you

just don’t realise that’14 year old boy.

It is clear you never know when the weather will change. The

climate is changing due to global warming. It is warming

because of human pollution. Weather is getting more extreme.

A flood-proof house would help.9 year old girl

The long term impact

‘’Today has been amazing. I really didn’t know that when you see people

in the third world on the tele they rely on scientists and engineers to help

them. I thought engineering was really complicated but actually it can be

really simple ideas that helped others. I really want to do this when I am

older’’Tom, 11 years

When asked if they had any ideas on how they

could make a difference pupils aged 12-14 said:

This is what teachers say

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSHnP0IBtD8

‘Great for a cross-

curricular activity’

‘We have included it in

our school’s curriculum’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8rMmUlbx3k

www.practicalaction.org/beattheflood