Kyalami Prep learners join the technology craze

The Grade 6 learners of Kyalami Preparatory School were tasked with designing and building a model or interactive game using motors, buzzers and light bulbs which represents each learner individually.

According to the school’s science teacher, Kirsten Prevett, the challenge was to come up with a unique design which can use series or parallel circuits. “This assignment was not only about the structural design and building the circuit.

“The children had to work together to plan for the time allotted for each task and which resources they would need to build their design. With this information, the children drew scientific diagrams using formal electrical symbols.

“It was wonderful to see the children problem-solving when their circuits do not work and the delight on their faces when everything came together. Activities such as soldering, drilling, sanding and sawing were some of the skills used by the children.”

She added that this project forms the basis for their Grade 7 energy transformation project which takes the concepts further. “There are no limits to extending the children beyond the constraints of the classroom. The Grade 6 projects are an extension of the pupils’ learning.”

Prevett and the learners looked at various projects before the learners planned for their project during class. “They drew up the scientific diagrams using the formal electrical symbols.

“This project is not only about the circuit – it’s about planning (time and resources as well as the structural design), sourcing materials, communication skills as well as harnessing their problem-solving abilities when circuits do not work. Skills like soldering and sawing, depending on who is helping the child and how much extension they allow, was encouraged too.”

Prevett concluded that because learning is never done, adults supervising the project can extend the learners beyond the limits of the classroom.

Details: Kyalami Preparatory School

011 466 0526.