BASIC INFORMATION
- Local: Middle school in the Lisbon region
- Interdisciplinarity: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
- Participants: 10 students
- Age: 10-12 years old
- Duration: 75 minutes
- Partners involved: Institute of Education, University of Lisbon (IE-ULisboa)
Objectives of the activity
This activity aims to:
- Know about sound health and the impact of sound in the school environment.
- Understand scientific concepts about sound, such as sound waves, frequency, amplitude and propagation of sound.
- Explore how noise emissions affect hearing health and acoustic comfort.
- Use technologies such as micro:bits and sound sensors to measure noise levels in different areas of the school.
- Create prototypes of solutions to improve acoustic comfort.
- Research, plan and implement strategies for specific problems related to hearing health
- Observe and analyze data collected by the sound sensor to understand the relationships between the variables involved.
- Develop technological and digital literacy, as well as computational thinking and problemsolving skills.
- Use micro:bits as a programming platform.
- Learn about the components of the mirco:bit and how they can interact with the physical world.
- Develop technological skills, such as understanding sensors and the ability to design solutions.
- Design and build solutions using the mirco:bit and sound sensor, and iterate to adjust and improve the design.
- Interpret graphs and visualize data to identify patterns and trends.
- Relate sound variables such as frequency, amplitude and others, and express them mathematically.
Description of the activity
The activity was implemented as a school workshop in March 2024, during which the school organized multiple workshops. We were invited by the Parents Association to partake in one of these workshops. It was a day filled with engaging educational activities, and our workshop contributed to the enriching experience offered to the students. This collaborative effort between the school, parents, and external contributors underscores the importance of community involvement in fostering holistic learning opportunities for students. 10 students participated on the activity 9 girls and 1 boy from 10-12 years (5th to 7th grade).
The activities were conducted in various locations within the school, including classrooms and common areas, allowing for dynamic engagement and interaction among participants. The duration of each session was approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, providing ample time for meaningful exploration and learning experiences.
The learners engaged in hands-on exploration, data collection, and analysis, fostering a deeper understanding of the concepts discussed. Additionally, learners collaborated with peers, shared insights.
The activities were implemented through a combination of structured guidance and open-ended exploration. Learners were introduced to key concepts and tools, followed by practical application and experimentation. Facilitators provided support and guidance as needed, encouraging autonomy and self-directed learning.
Knowledge, skills, and attitudes developed by the learners
Learners developed understanding of scientific principles related to sound and health, along with basic skills utilizing technology tools such as micro:bits and sound sensors.
Difficulties experienced by the learners and the strategies developed to overcome these difficulties
Learners encountered challenges troubleshooting technical issues. To address these difficulties, facilitators provided additional guidance.
Picture: Instituto de Educação (IE)
Key Success Factors of the LHA
Key success factors included the hands-on nature of the activities, which facilitated active engagement and deep learning. The integration of technology tools provided a novel and engaging learning experience. Additionally, the support and guidance provided by facilitators and the involvement of the school community contributed to the overall success of the activities.
OUTCOMES
- Reflecting on the workshop, it’s clear that it was a success, reaching beyond our goals. Students engaged actively with technology, gaining hands-on experience in understanding the impact of sound on health within their school. The use of micro:bits and sound sensors not only introduced them to programming but also to tangible problem-solving as they developed solutions to improve their environment.
- Despite the challenges, such as troubleshooting technical issues, the support provided by facilitators allowed students to overcome obstacles, enhancing their critical thinking and resilience. The active, hands-on learning approach proved to be a key success factor, facilitating deep engagement and a memorable educational experience.
- The activities resonated particularly well with our diverse group of learners, fostering a collaborative and inclusive space for innovation. This approach to interdisciplinary learning, blending STEM concepts with practical application, is vital in preparing students for a technologically advanced world.
