Any subject lead in a primary school is pivotal to shaping the cognitive and creative development of young learners. However, this role comes with a set of unique challenges - from curriculum planning to ensuring learner engagement and fostering an inclusive learning environment. STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) subject leads are no different here, they also encounter numerous hurdles when looking to deliver an approach. This is where innovative solutions, such as Strawbees, can transform STEAM subject lead challenges into learning opportunities.
The Strawbees Approach To Learning
At Strawbees, our mission is to give teachers the tools to inspire and empower learners through hands-on learning experiences. We believe in a playful and exploratory approach to education, allowing children to build, invent, and prototype, turning abstract concepts into tangible projects.
Our kits and free educational online resources are designed to integrate seamlessly into both the National Curriculum and the Curriculum for Excellence with many resources aligned to both, offering a multi-sensory learning experience that supports diverse learning styles.
Below we have compiled a list of the most common challenges STEAM Leads face and how Strawbees is helping to find a solution to each one.
Challenge 1: Resources Must Be Aligned To The Curriculum
One of the primary challenges for STEAM subject leads is ensuring that activities align with the National Curriculum or the Curriculum for Excellence. Many educators need help finding the time and resources to incorporate hands-on projects without disrupting the flow of their lesson plans.
Solution: Strawbees modular kits and comprehensive lesson plans are designed to integrate seamlessly with national curricula. Our platform, Strawbees Classroom, offers curricular-aligned resources, detailed lesson plans and open-ended challenges that cater to various subjects within STEAM learning. Any subject lead can easily integrate these plans within their school setting, reducing the burden of planning while maximising educational impact.
Challenge 2: It’s Difficult To Maintain Learner Engagement
Keeping learners engaged is a common struggle, especially in subjects that they may perceive as difficult or uninteresting - we can all relate to how difficult long division is or how some science lessons just didn’t capture our attention. This is where the multi-sensory, interactive nature of Strawbees can make a significant difference.
Solution: Strawbees kits are built around the principle of learning by doing. By allowing learners to build their own structures, their natural curiosity keeps them engaged. The act of creating something tangible fosters a deeper understanding and makes retention of STEAM concepts much easier. Additionally, the Strawbees online lesson plans and builds (via the Strawbees Classroom platform) often require collaboration, promoting teamwork and communication skills – essential 21st-century skills and competencies.
Challenge 3: How Do I Cater For A Variety Of Learning Capabilities
In every classroom, there is a spectrum of learning needs and abilities. Subject leads must ensure that all learners, regardless of their starting point, can access and benefit from STEAM activities.
Solution: Strawbees has been designed to allow for differentiated learning by providing scalable projects, lessons and activities that can be adjusted in complexity, at an individual level. Whether learners are beginners or more advanced, Strawbees kits cater to various levels of learner proficiency. For example, younger learners might start with simple structures and basic shapes, while older or more advanced learners can move on to intricate mechanical builds or even coding with micro:bit integration. This flexibility ensures that all learners remain challenged and engaged at their own personal learning level.
Challenge 4: I Don’t Have Much Experience In STEAM Learning
Supporting teachers in their professional development is vital for the successful implementation of STEAM initiatives. Many educators may feel unprepared or lack confidence in delivering STEAM content effectively.
Solution: Strawbees offer comprehensive professional development resources to empower educators. This includes workshops, online webinars, step-by-step guides, and detailed instructional materials through the Strawbees Classroom platform. These resources are designed to help teachers gain confidence in STEAM pedagogy and effectively use Strawbees in the classroom or after-school club. By investing in teacher expertise, we look to enhance the overall quality of STEAM education and ensure sustainable, long-term teaching practices.
Challenge 5: We Have A Tight Budget Which Leads To Resource Constraints
Limited budgets and resources are a common constraint for primary schools, especially when it comes to integrating advanced STEAM activities into the classroom.
Solution: Strawbees kits are designed to be cost-effective while providing high educational value. Kits are reusable, durable, and adaptable, meaning that they can be used across different projects and year groups, maximising their utility. Additionally, the Strawbees Classroom platform offers free access to a wealth of lesson plans and challenge ideas, allowing educators to continue delivering enriching STEAM experiences without the need for constant resource replenishment.
Challenge 6: It Can Be Hard To Encouraging Creativity And Critical Thinking
Balancing structured learning with creativity and critical thinking can be a complex task for subject leads. It’s essential that while achieving educational standards, learners also develop problem-solving skills and innovative thinking.
Solution: The Strawbees approach inherently promotes creativity and critical thinking. By inviting learners to design, build, test, and iterate their creations, Strawbees encourages learners to think of different solutions and approach problems from multiple angles. Projects often present real-world challenges that require inventive solutions, which nurtures a growth mindset and the ability to think critically.
Summary
Being a subject lead in primary schools is no small feat, given the multifaceted demands of the role. However, with the right tools and strategies, these challenges can become stepping stones toward creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment. At Strawbees, our commitment is to support educators in transforming classrooms into spaces where creativity, innovation, and critical thinking flourish.
By leveraging the adaptable, engaging, and inclusive nature of our STEAM kits and resources, subject leads can overcome common obstacles and provide learners with a rich, hands-on learning experience that prepares them for the future. Whether it's curriculum alignment, fostering learner engagement, differentiating learning, enhancing professional development, managing resources effectively, or encouraging critical thinking, Strawbees stands alongside each school as a partner in educational excellence.
