Nuffield STEM Projects
Nuffield 11-14 cross-curricular STEM Projects encourage students to develop the skills to explore questions in depth using science, mathematics and design & technology. The projects are set in authentic STEM contexts which leads to a better understanding of how these disciplines (along with engineering) work together in the real world. This collection includes two projects:
• Nuffield STEM Futures challenges students to rethink a future in which humans can thrive in spite of the global threats of increasing population and resource depletion. Students realize that by mimicking closed loop systems in nature it could be possible to plan a prosperous and waste free future for all.
• Nuffield STEM Games explores some of the fundamental principles that make games fun to play and exciting to watch. Students investigate the impact of rules, scoring, equipment and training in order to invent a exciting new game of their own.
Both of these projects are divided into themed modules called 'pods'. In the preliminary pods
students are explicitly taught a set of learning skills focusing on information retrieval, communication, planning, modeling and teamwork. These skills help them to develop a STEM ‘fluency’ as they navigate between the knowledge, skills and understanding that make up the individual STEM subjects. In the final pod groups draw on these skills in order to identify a key question, plan research and explain their findings. Both STEM projects conclude with an exposition where groups present their findings and reflect on their learning.
This collection includes the power points that drive the learning in each of the pods.
The full set of resources including video clips, animations, teachers' notes, students' sheets and CPD modules is available free at the Nuffield Foundation STEM Projects site.
HEALTH and SAFETY
Any use of a resource that includes a practical activity must include a risk assessment.
Please note that collections may contain ARCHIVE resources, which were developed at a much earlier date.
Since that time there have been significant changes in the rules and guidance affecting laboratory practical work.
Further information is provided in our Health and Safety guidance.
Nuffield STEM Futures
This project allows students to think positively and creatively about different visions of the future. The activities are designed to celebrate human ingenuity rather than apportion blame or induce guilt. Specifically students are challenged to rethink a sustainable future based on the principles of closed loop systems in nature.…
Nuffield STEM Games
This project allows students to consider the nature of games and sports in depth. What are the characteristics of games that make them enjoyable to play and watch? How can games be redesigned for different participants and different occasions? How can kit and equipment be designed to improve performance? Students explore these…
Review
Activity time: 10 minutes and upwards
Level / prior knowledge: Key Stage 3 and 4
Subject…
Activity time: 10 minutes and upwards
Level / prior knowledge: Key Stage 3 and 4
Subject / curriculum links / skills: A bank of teaching ideas around sustainability; sections on waste, future transport, climate change and bio-cycles.
Preparation time: Data is ready to download. Multiple copies of games etc will require lengthy time to cut and bag.
Extra resources:n/a
Commentary:
A cornucopia of resources that support not only Key Stage 3 teaching but offers recent data for GCSE courses.
The extensive bank of materials has been prepared to be flexible – don’t underestimate the time needed to review materials, select and present to your classes.
I have successfully used the data on aluminium recycling with small group work with a Year 11 students preparing for 21st century GCSE science.
A resource which could be visited in both Key Stage 3 and 4. A splendid example of cross curricula STEM.
Collection author
Resource by: Nuffield Foundation
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