Acquire 'future skills' in a hands-on way with pneumatic construction kits

at the St. Johannes School in Bakum / Niedersachsen (DE)

Grade 9
Subject: Technology
STEM Pneumatic
Deployment period: 2024

THE CHALLENGE

We at St. Johannes-School are also undergoing a process of transformation and must be ready for fundamental changes in order to enable children and young people to lead sustainable lives. At the same time, there is an acute shortage of skilled labour in the technical professions. Students need to be introduced to the basics of technology and IT in a fun way. Suitable teaching materials are needed to enable young people to develop creative solutions for technical tasks independently and as part of a team.

The aim is to bring STEM subjects at the school into the modern age with attrative learing objectives.

Robert Rother-Reinelt & Axel Wernke-Stefan, Teachers

THE SOLUTION

With the help of the fischertechnik construction kits, numerous curricular requirements can be taught and learnt in a practical way. The pneumatics sets provide a practical introduction to the basics of pneumatics and mechanical systems. The kits contain components such as compressed air cylinders, valves, hoses and other parts that make it possible to control movements or actions using compressed air. Students can create models in which compressed air is used, for example, to open or close fl aps, move arms or carry out other mechanical movements. The construction kits also promote an understanding of technical relationships and the development of problem-solving skills. They offer an exciting opportunity to put theoretical knowledge into practice and at the same time encourage creativity and technical thinking. By building and modifying the models, students can also experience the importance of precision and careful planning. This hands-on experience makes our lessons not only educational, but also particularly motivating and engaging for the students.

I could never quite grasp the topic of 'pneumatics' before. However, when fischertechnik models were introduced in our classroom, I understood the principle right away. Not only did I enjoy building them a lot, but the lessons became very diverse and interesting because of it. I wish we had more lessons like that.

Lena S., 15 Years old

THE RESULT

Due to the successful work with the STEM Pneumatics kits, Tobias Hannich expanded the curriculum by introducing additional STEM Statics learning kits focusing on statics. Initially, several small-scale models were created, culminating in a class pinball machine powered by pneumatics. "The hands-on approach with fischertechnik is truly about 'grasping' the concepts!" The hands-on lessons were significantly enhanced with fischertechnik. During the construction of the eight fischertechnik models, the functionality of pneumatics became evident. Little instruction was needed as the class independently built models in various teams and worked on accompanying task sheets. The groups supported each other, enhancing their abilities to work in teams and develop problem-solving strategies. "When the finished models are tested and the everyday applications of compressed air become apparent, new worlds of technology open up and connections become clear," says Tobias Hannich.