Applied Learning Programme (ALP) – STEM Education

Overview

As pioneers of the future, learning will be re-imagined at Anderson Primary through Eureka!, our STEM Applied Learning Programme (ALP). Eureka! focuses on igniting students’ natural curiosity and developing learners with a dare-to-try spirit and the passion to explore the various disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Through purposeful multi-disciplinary learning experiences, Andersonians will see the usefulness of their learning in the real world and become active, creative and caring environmentalists and agents who are knowledgeable in the use of materials and matter. Deep learning will be promoted by connecting classroom learning with real-life applications and providing opportunities for Andersonians to creatively apply concepts to solve authentic problems.

Eureka! comprises various STEM modules delivered through the curriculum, after-school enrichment, CCA and external programmes and competitions. These STEM modules focus on experiential learning, self-discovery through doing, and cultivation of thinking dispositions of a Mathematician, Scientist and Engineer. The Engineering Design Process will be used to scaffold students’ thinking, facilitate the processes of problem solving and provide the structure for product design. We hope that these varied learning experiences will inspire Andersonians, as Pioneers of the Future, to contribute towards STEM research, innovation and enterprise and pursue STEM-related careers to serve the good of society.

Multi-Disciplinary Eureka! Modules

(i) P1 Eureka! with the Catapult

How can you knock down castle walls without being anywhere near them? Students explored why catapults were invented and how they work before making their very own catapult using recycled materials such as a bottle cap, ice cream sticks, tape and rubber bands. With a successful launch of an object from their self-constructed catapult, students earn their very own Eureka! badge.

(ii) P2 Eureka! goes outdoor with PAL – Transforming Food Waste into Sustainable Soil Materials

Core ideas and practices of science are integrated into the lower primary PAL – Outdoor Education module to complement and broaden Andersonians’ perspectives as they explore the diversity of plants around them. As budding Young Botanists, students identified leaves of different shapes and sizes and used their creativity to make various leaf art pieces.

Students also attended a Microgreen enrichment workshop to use sustainable growing materials such as Cocopeat and Vermicast (an organic fertiliser) to grow microgreens in a fabric planter. Students learnt about the phases of a Microgreen Life Cycle and compared the properties of different type of materials (e.g. fabric, bamboo, cork) used to make fabric planters.

(iii) P3 Eureka! in Zero Waste Management – Prototyping a Stationery Item

Taking on the role of a Zero Waste Ambassador, students were tasked to create a stationery prototype using recycled materials. The Engineering Design Process was used to facilitate this prototyping phase where students applied what they have learnt in the topic of Materials to imagine and research for a useful classroom stationery item using paper and plastic.