Doors open on outside STEM teaching methods
An “inspirational” training day has opened the door for educators across Argyll and Bute to extend their skills in delivering outdoor learning.
Hosted at MAKI Pups outdoor nursery, the teacher training on Wednesday May 1 explored ways to teach science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) in outdoor settings.
Making full use of the nursery’s grounds in woodland near Kilmory Castle, the professional development workshops explored methods to support pupil-led inquiry and the best ways to use natural resources to support learning across the curriculum.
The training was led by Paul Malcolm, Argyll and Bute’s primary science development officer.
Speaking after the learning event, he said: “Effective planning for taking STEM outdoors, including encouraging pupil-led inquiry, is not only extremely engaging for pupils but brings learning to life in a relevant way.
“We are lucky to have wonderful outside areas in Argyll and Bute such as the MAKI Pups site, but effective outdoor STEM learning can happen anywhere, urban or rural, STEM is everywhere and anywhere you look.”
Also joining the outdoor learning workshops was Argyll environmental charity, ACT Now, which runs a STEM outdoor education programme.
Its project manager, Jamie Joyce, told the Argyllshire Advertiser: “We really appreciated this opportunity to host so many educators at MAKI Pups and to share STEM learning knowledge.
“It was a really excellent opportunity to recognise the value in learning in outdoor spaces. Paul’s knowledge and experience during the staff training day last week was really valuable.”
ACT Now’s outdoor STEM project has been running since November 2023 working with home-educating families and local schools.
The organisation shares its lesson plans with school staff so that the sessions can be replicated with future classes.
The project, funded by the Drax foundation, has delivered learning sessions on bicycle repair, building outdoor activity frames, species identification at a local beach, planting seeds and caring for the plants as they develop.
Jamie added: “In all that we do, there is a focus on developing hands-on technical skills, utilising everyday resources, and fostering social skills in STEM planning and development.
“We very much look forward to continue to create ties with Argyll and Bute education, and other educational partners, into the future to support all learners with inspirational outdoor STEM learning."
His comments were echoed by Paul who told the Argyllshire Advertiser: “STEM teaching and learning is of integral importance in developing many skills such as curiosity, critical thinking, problem solving and inquiry.
“This is hugely important in broadening the career pathways of our pupils and ensuring future innovation, development and sustainability of STEM industries in Scotland. Linking this to themes of sustainability and the real-life contexts our pupils live in is also extremely important.”