Empowered Learner

Students take control of their learning when they build, test, and refine designs using Strawbees.

By setting their own learning goals, experimenting with different materials, and troubleshooting design flaws, students gain independence in the learning process.

When programming Strawbees projects using micro:bit, they personalize their learning experience by iterating on their code and adjusting mechanical components to improve functionality.

A student designing wind-powered turbines can adjust blade angles and wind speed to optimize performance, applying self-directed learning to refine their design.

Assessment: When introducing any of Strawbees lessons begin by explaining the learning experience to your students. Describe how they would be using Strawbees connectors and/or the micro:bit to create a project. Emphasize that they will take an active role in choosing, achieving, and demonstrating competency in their learning goals.

Learning Goal Setting: Guide your students in setting their own learning goals related to the project. Encourage them to think about what they want to learn or achieve through this experience. Discuss how their goals can be informed by the learning sciences, such as principles of design thinking, engineering, or computational thinking.

Research and Exploration: Provide your students with resources and materials to conduct research on Strawbees, the micro:bit, and related concepts. Encourage them to explore tutorials, videos, or other learning materials to deepen their understanding of the technologies and gain insights from the learning sciences. Facilitate discussions to help them connect their goals with the knowledge they acquire.

Project Planning and Design: Support your students in planning and designing their projects based on their learning goals. Encourage them to consider the capabilities of Strawbees and the micro:bit and how they can leverage these technologies to achieve their objectives. Promote creative thinking and problem-solving by asking open-ended questions and providing guidance as needed.

Construction and Programming: Provide time and resources for your students to construct their projects using Strawbees and program the micro:bit. Encourage experimentation and iteration as they encounter challenges. Foster a growth mindset by promoting resilience and encouraging them to seek support, collaborate, and iterate on their designs to achieve their desired outcomes.

Competency Demonstration: Give your students opportunities to demonstrate competency in their learning goals. This could include presentations, exhibitions, or sharing their projects with the class or a broader audience. Encourage them to articulate how their projects align with their learning goals and the knowledge they gained from the learning sciences.

Reflection and Self-Assessment: Facilitate reflection sessions where your students can evaluate their progress, identify their strengths, areas for improvement, and how well they achieved their learning goals. Encourage self-assessment and self-reflection to foster metacognition and ownership of their learning process.

Digital Citizen

Strawbees encourages students to consider sustainability and responsible material use in design, helping them develop ethical approaches to technology.

When working on collaborative projects. Designing a smart city model with Strawbees, for instance, allows students to explore ethical considerations of urban planning, such as energy consumption and environmental impact, while also understanding the role of technology in shaping future communities.

Introduction to Digital Citizenship: Begin by introducing the concept of digital citizenship to your students. Explain that digital citizenship refers to the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities of living, learning, and working in an interconnected digital world. Discuss the importance of acting and modeling safe, legal, and ethical behaviors online.

Safety and Responsible Use: Emphasize the importance of online safety and responsible use of technology. Discuss strategies to protect personal information, avoid cyberbullying, and practice responsible digital communication. Reinforce the idea that digital citizenship extends beyond the physical classroom and into the online world.

Rights and Responsibilities: Explore the rights and responsibilities that come with being a digital citizen. Discuss topics such as freedom of speech, privacy, copyright, and intellectual property. Encourage critical thinking about ethical dilemmas and responsible decision-making in the digital realm.

Ethical Considerations: Help students understand the ethical implications of using technology. Discuss topics such as digital footprint, online behavior, and the impact of their actions on others. Encourage empathy, respect, and responsible use of digital tools during the learning experience.

Incorporate Digital Citizenship into the Project: Connect the principles of digital citizenship to the project using Strawbees and the micro:bit. Encourage students to think about how their creations can promote positive digital interactions, address real-world issues, or raise awareness about ethical considerations related to technology.

Reflection and Discussion: Throughout the learning experience, facilitate regular reflection sessions and discussions to encourage students to think critically about their actions and decisions as digital citizens. Prompt them to consider how their project aligns with the principles of digital citizenship and how they can model safe, legal, and ethical behaviors.

Showcase and Share: Provide opportunities for students to showcase and share their projects with others, such as classmates, parents, or the school community. Encourage them to articulate the digital citizenship principles they incorporated into their creations, fostering a culture of responsible technology use.

By following these steps, you can facilitate a learning experience where students not only engage in hands-on creation using Strawbees and the micro:bit, but also develop an understanding of digital citizenship principles. Through this experience, students will recognize their rights, responsibilities, and opportunities in the interconnected digital world while acting and modeling in ways that are safe, legal, and ethical.

It is important to continuously reinforce and model good digital citizenship practices throughout the learning experience and beyond.

Knowledge Constructor

Students move beyond passive research to active problem-solving while using Strawbees.

By researching structural engineering principles and applying their findings to construct strong and stable Strawbees bridges, they develop a deeper understanding of design concepts. As they test different bridge models and analyze failure points, students engage in an iterative learning process that mirrors real-world engineering challenges.

This hands-on approach reinforces the importance of research, data collection, and critical thinking in scientific inquiry.

Introduce the Learning Experience: Begin by explaining the learning experience to your students. Describe how they will be using Strawbees, a construction kit, and the micro:bit, a programmable device, to construct and create projects while critically curating, evaluating, and constructing knowledge.

Clear Learning Goals: Define clear learning goals for the project. Encourage students to identify specific knowledge areas or skills they want to develop. Discuss the importance of critical thinking, research, and synthesizing information from various sources to construct new knowledge.

Research and Resource Exploration: Guide students in conducting research and exploring various resources related to the project. Introduce them to reliable and age-appropriate sources such as books, articles, websites, or expert interviews. Teach them how to critically evaluate sources and gather information that supports their learning goals.

Note-taking and Organization: Teach students effective note-taking strategies to capture important information from their research. Encourage them to organize their notes using digital tools, such as digital notebooks or collaborative platforms, to facilitate knowledge construction and retrieval.

Critical Evaluation: Guide students in critically evaluating the information they have gathered. Teach them to analyze sources for credibility, bias, and relevance to their learning goals. Encourage them to compare and contrast different perspectives and synthesize information to construct their own understanding.

Knowledge Construction: Support students in synthesizing and constructing knowledge based on their research findings. Encourage them to make connections, draw conclusions, and develop their own ideas and theories. Provide opportunities for discussion and collaboration to deepen their understanding.

Project Creation: Using Strawbees and the micro:bit, have students create projects that reflect the knowledge they have constructed. Encourage them to apply their newfound knowledge in innovative ways. Foster creativity and experimentation, allowing students to showcase their unique interpretations and applications of the information they have gathered.

Reflection and Self-assessment: Provide opportunities for students to reflect on their learning process and assess their progress. Encourage self-assessment and metacognition by asking students to evaluate how well they achieved their learning goals and identify areas for further improvement.

Innovative Designer

Enabling students to think like engineers by designing, prototyping, and improving their Strawbees creations.

Through a design-thinking approach, students build solutions for real-world challenges, such as developing earthquake-resistant buildings or kinetic sculptures that move using mechanical linkages.

A student designing an interactive animal model can incorporate servo motors and Strawbees connectors to replicate natural movement, refining their prototype through testing and iteration. This encourages creative problem-solving while reinforcing engineering principles.

Introduce the Learning Experience: Begin by explaining the learning experience to your students. Describe how they will be using Strawbees, a construction kit, and the micro:bit, a programmable device, to engage in innovative design thinking and create solutions to real-world problems.

Problem Identification: Encourage students to identify a real-world problem or challenge that they are passionate about solving. Guide them in understanding the context of the problem and its impact on individuals or communities.

Ideation and Brainstorming: Facilitate brainstorming sessions where students generate creative ideas and potential solutions to the identified problem. Encourage them to think outside the box, consider diverse perspectives, and explore a range of possibilities.

Design and Prototyping: Guide students in designing and prototyping their innovative solutions using Strawbees and the micro:bit. Encourage them to consider the needs and constraints of their target audience and iterate on their designs as they refine their solutions.

Integration of Technology: Teach students how to integrate the micro:bit into their prototypes to add interactivity, automation, or data collection capabilities. Guide them in programming the micro:bit to enhance their designs and address specific aspects of the problem or solution.

Testing and Iteration: Provide opportunities for students to test and gather feedback on their prototypes. Encourage them to iterate on their designs based on the feedback received, identifying areas for improvement and refining their solutions for better functionality, efficiency, or effectiveness.

Documentation and Reflection: Have students document their design process, including sketches, diagrams, and explanations of their solutions. Encourage reflection on the challenges encountered, the creative problem-solving strategies employed, and the lessons learned throughout the innovative design process.

Showcase and Presentation: Provide opportunities for students to showcase and present their innovative designs to their peers, school community, or a broader audience. Encourage them to articulate the problem they addressed, explain their design process, and highlight the unique features and impact of their solutions.

Computational Thinker

Computational thinking is more than just coding, it involves breaking down problems and developing logical solutions.

With Strawbees and micro:bit, students explore algorithmic thinking by programming robotic mechanisms that respond to environmental stimuli. By coding a robotic arm to sort objects by color or size, students develop an understanding of loops, conditionals, and automation in real-world applications.

Through hands-on engagement, they connect abstract computational concepts to tangible outcomes, strengthening their problem-solving abilities.

Introduction to Computational Thinking: Begin by introducing the concept of computational thinking to your students. Explain that computational thinking involves problem-solving strategies, data analysis, and algorithmic thinking. Discuss the importance of breaking down complex problems, analyzing data, and designing algorithms to solve them.

Problem Identification: Encourage students to identify a problem or challenge that they would like to address using Strawbees and the micro:bit. Guide them in understanding the problem, its context, and potential approaches to solving it.

Decomposition: Teach students how to break down the identified problem into smaller, manageable components or sub-problems. Encourage them to analyze the problem and identify the key elements, variables, and constraints involved.

Pattern Recognition: Guide students in identifying patterns and relationships within the problem or data associated with it. Help them recognize recurring elements, trends, or structures that can inform their problem-solving strategies.

Algorithmic Thinking and Design: Teach students how to design algorithms, step-by-step sets of instructions, to solve the identified problem. Encourage them to think logically, plan their approach, and consider different scenarios or inputs.

Prototyping and Testing: Using Strawbees and the micro:bit, have students create prototypes of their solutions. Guide them in implementing their algorithms and testing their prototypes. Encourage iterative testing, feedback gathering, and refinement of their solutions.

Data Analysis: Introduce students to data analysis techniques relevant to the problem they are addressing. Teach them how to collect and analyze data using the micro:bit's sensors or other tools. Guide them in drawing insights from the data to inform their problem-solving process.

Reflection and Iteration: Provide opportunities for students to reflect on their problem-solving process, algorithm design, and prototype testing. Encourage them to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Foster a growth mindset and emphasize the importance of learning from failures and iterating on their solutions.

Creative Communicator

Students can communicate ideas visually and physically, turning abstract concepts into interactive models with Strawbees and the Pocketful of Ideas online channel and card decks.

Whether presenting an invention that addresses a community need or designing a storytelling machine with moving parts, students learn to convey ideas through a combination of physical and digital media.

A group project where students create an animated mechanical scene to illustrate a historical event, for example, merges storytelling with engineering, reinforcing interdisciplinary learning while enhancing communication skills.

Introduction to Creative Communication: Begin by introducing the concept of creative communication to your students. Explain that creative communication involves effectively expressing ideas and messages using a variety of digital tools and media. Discuss the importance of clear communication, creativity, and audience engagement.

Clear Communication Goals: Define clear communication goals for the project. Encourage students to consider the purpose of their communication, the intended audience, and the desired impact of their message. Discuss the importance of tailoring communication strategies to effectively convey their ideas.

Design Thinking and Storyboarding: Guide students through the design thinking process and encourage them to storyboard their communication project. Help them plan and visualize how they will communicate their ideas using Strawbees, the micro:bit, and other digital tools. This could include sketches, diagrams, or digital storyboards.

Digital Tools and Media Selection: Introduce students to a variety of digital tools and media that can enhance their communication. This could include graphic design software, multimedia creation tools, video editing software, or presentation platforms. Help students choose the appropriate tools based on their communication goals and the requirements of their project.

Construction and Creation: Support students as they construct their communication projects using Strawbees and integrate the micro:bit into their designs. Encourage them to leverage their chosen digital tools and media to enhance their communication. This could involve incorporating visuals, multimedia elements, or interactive features into their project.

Reflection and Iteration: Provide opportunities for students to reflect on their communication projects and iterate on their designs. Encourage them to seek feedback from peers or mentors, and to make improvements based on the feedback received. Foster a growth mindset and an openness to learning from the iterative process.

Presentation and Engagement: Provide opportunities for students to present their communication projects to their peers or a wider audience. Encourage them to effectively communicate their ideas, engage their audience, and articulate the purpose and impact of their communication. Foster confidence and public speaking skills.

Global Collaborator

Strawbees projects provide opportunities for students to collaborate with peers across different cultures and disciplines.

Through shared digital platforms, they can engage in maker challenges that address global issues, such as climate change or sustainable architecture.

By designing a Strawbees shelter adapted for different climates and comparing solutions with other students, they develop a broader perspective on engineering and environmental science while building teamwork and communication skills.

Assessment: Begin by introducing the concept of global collaboration to your students. Explain that global collaboration involves working with peers from diverse backgrounds using technology to foster cultural understanding and global citizenship. Discuss the importance of empathy, respect, effective communication, and teamwork in global collaboration.

Identify a Collaborative Project: Select a collaborative project that allows students to work together with peers from different locations or cultural backgrounds. It could involve a shared problem or challenge that requires creative solutions using Strawbees and the micro:bit. Alternatively, you can connect with partner classrooms from other regions or countries to work on a joint project.

Virtual Communication Tools: Introduce students to virtual communication tools that facilitate global collaboration, such as video conferencing platforms, online collaboration tools, or project management platforms. Teach them how to effectively use these tools to communicate, share ideas, and collaborate with their global partners.

Cultural Understanding and Research: Guide students in researching and understanding the cultural backgrounds and perspectives of their global collaborators. Encourage them to learn about the customs, traditions, and values of their peers to foster empathy and cultural understanding. This could involve online research, virtual cultural exchanges, or shared presentations.

Collaborative Project Planning: Facilitate project planning sessions where students collaborate with their global partners to define project goals, roles, and responsibilities. Encourage them to leverage the unique strengths and perspectives of each participant to enhance the project outcomes. Emphasize the importance of effective communication, respectful collaboration, and active listening.

Collaborative Design and Building: Using Strawbees and the micro:bit, have students collaborate with their global partners to design and build their projects. Encourage them to exchange ideas, provide feedback, and work together to find innovative solutions. Foster a culture of collaboration, openness, and mutual respect throughout the design and building process.

Virtual Collaboration and Feedback: Promote virtual collaboration sessions where students can communicate with their global partners to share progress updates, ask questions, and provide feedback. Encourage them to engage in constructive dialogue, consider diverse perspectives, and make adjustments to their projects based on the feedback received.

Culminating Presentation and Reflection: Provide opportunities for students to present and share their collaborative projects with their peers, school community, or a wider audience. Encourage them to reflect on their global collaboration experience, share insights gained from working with their peers from diverse backgrounds, and highlight the cultural understanding and global citizenship fostered through the project.

Strawbees transforms the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards from abstract guidelines into meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. By engaging in project-based activities, students develop critical thinking, collaboration, and digital literacy skills essential for success in a technology-driven world.

Whether designing structures, coding robotic mechanisms, or tackling real-world challenges, Strawbees empowers students to become innovative, ethical, and resourceful digital learners. Through its integration with multiple educational standards, Strawbees supports educators in interdisciplinary learning, preparing students for the future through STEAM education.

Discover how Strawbees can transform your approach to STEAM learning while meeting ISTE standards. Explore Strawbees kits, lesson plans, and resources, and see how easy it is to bring innovative, standards-aligned computer science education to your students.