Our First STEM Project of the Year: Building Trees

​This year we are determined to make an effort to incorporate more STEM lessons into our classroom. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.
We were learning about the most common trees in Ireland, their features, how we recognise them and what they do for our environment. Each pod then had the task of researching one of the trees on the iPad, sketching a design of what they wanted it to look like and the materials they would use to build it. Finally, they worked together to construct the tree, making sure it stood up independently, had the correct shape and colour leaf and bore some resemblance to the tree they chose. 
The important thing to remember in a STEM lesson is that mistakes are vital because we learn from them and learn how to change and adapt what isn't working and it also enhances our problem solving skills. 
Here are some pictures of the finished products!

Please note that children worked with only the other children in their pod!