EPC STEAM Collaborative Addendum 2023-24 by Frank Cheung https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5 Please Take This Time to Drop Your Questions or Concerns Prior to the PCLT Meeting. Feel free to comment or add a new thread. en-us 2023-09-05 01:33:41 UTC 2023-09-22 02:29:07 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f5dc.png Are We in Agreement with the Responsibility? frank_cheung1 https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2684049549 2023-09-05 02:03:47 UTC https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2684049549 Student STEAM Crew frank_cheung1 https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2684081419 STEAM wants to create a student STEAM crew consist of the highest class(es) in EPC.
GS 2 students (1 class)
FS 4 students (2 classes)
BP 8 students (4 classes)


Their primary responsibility will involve assisting in the testing of new equipment, troubleshooting devices, and providing general upkeep for all STEAM-related materials and rooms, under the direct supervision of an adult. These activities will occur exclusively during break and/or lunchtime.

If all sections are in agreement, I will proceed with drafting the process for selecting members.
]]> 2023-09-05 02:24:26 UTC https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2684081419 Please relay to teachers of the changes. frank_cheung1 https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2684334408 2023-09-05 05:47:46 UTC https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2684334408 Challenge 1: Table and stool height frank_cheung1 https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2684361837 Table with wheels: 90cm
Stools: 67cm

The stools and tables are too high for Junior Building students (7-11yos). In almost every lesson, there are children falling off the stool.

  1. Table Height: The table height should generally be set so that the student can comfortably sit with their feet flat on the floor or on a footrest. This helps to maintain good posture and reduce strain on the lower back. On average, a table height of approximately 56-76 cm can be suitable for this age group. Adjustable tables are ideal as they can accommodate different students.
  2. Stool or Chair Height: The stool or chair height should allow the student's knees to be at a 90-degree angle when seated, with their feet flat on the floor or on a footrest. Adjustable chairs or stools are advisable to accommodate the varying heights of students in this age range. The seat height should typically fall in the range of 36-46 cm from the floor.
]]> 2023-09-05 06:08:52 UTC https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2684361837 Challenge 2: Young GS student Access frank_cheung1 https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2684377568 Currently, we do have class of children as young as 5 in the Junior Building. Should they have access to J206A? If so, table & stools height need to be the equivalent to KS1 standard.]]> 2023-09-05 06:20:09 UTC https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2684377568 LEGO Wall frank_cheung1 https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2684391721 Now that CLC is no longer occupying this room, a LEGO wall can be installed in this area. Not much is needed other than purchasing some Lego baseboards (12-16) and extra Lego pieces around school.]]> 2023-09-05 06:30:45 UTC https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2684391721 Challenge 1: Stool & Workbench Height frank_cheung1 https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2684506001 FACT--

  • Workbench: They are 83cm height with wobbly legs due to wheels taken off. The workbenches are not fit for purpose. 
  • Stools: Currently they are approximately 46cm & some won't stay flat. They need to be replaced. Height required depending upon replacement workbench.
  • Y3&4 children are using the 68cm stools to saw wood pieces.

For Ages 7-11: Workbenches for primary school students should be around 65-75cm in height. Therefore, adjustability is a good option to accommodate students of varying heights. 74 should be perfect for workbench. Otherwise, 70cm is a good all arounder with 50cm stools.
]]> 2023-09-05 07:54:27 UTC https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2684506001 Challenge 1: Unclear Vision for the Room frank_cheung1 https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2684506186 FACT: 

  • I-204, originally a Tri-Section Common Room, underwent a transformation into a Multi-purpose Makerspace at the beginning of the 2021-2022 academic year. For more detail, please refer to this accompanying document. 
  • Initially, 62cm-high workbenches were installed. However, it was subsequently revealed that the room was used by German Kindergarten children for lunch, and the tables were too high for them to reach. Consequently, the decision was made to return the tables and chairs to their original configuration. As a result, the room continued to function as an infant kitchen, even though it had officially been designated as the makerspace.
  • Since its conversion into the infant makerspace two years ago, the room has seen limited utilization.

After conducting an informal survey among teaching staff in the Infant Section, it became apparent that some classes perceive barriers to utilizing the room. These barriers include unbookable time slots and items left on tables by other classes.
]]> 2023-09-05 07:54:37 UTC https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2684506186 Challenges 2: Unclear Expectation with Teachers frank_cheung1 https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2684507576
  • Given the increasing workload for the STEAM Coach, which involves managing multiple projects across three sections, it is no longer feasible for the coach to personally teach every STEAM lesson. This is due to the unseen responsibilities of planning, prototyping, sourcing materials, and creating tutorials for potentially 44 classes, each with multiple projects, within a single academic year. Furthermore, the task of maintaining and organizing spaces such as I204, J206, J305, and J306 has further compounded this challenge. Consequently, the STEAM Coach position will realign its role with its original job description, placing a primary emphasis on coaching teachers. The coach will step into lessons only when time allows.
  • STEAM Coach will be asking for assistants' help to clean up after each project.
  • Each Section has to decide on what prior knowledge children should possess before embarking on a project. For instance, if a project has a circuit, do you envision students to have some understanding and be taught of circuit either prior or during the project by classroom teachers?
  • Teachers must go through safety lessons with students prior to a STEAM Project.
    • ]]>     2023-09-05 07:55:49 UTC https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2684507576     Challenges frank_cheung1 https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2684509446
  • A Tri-Section Common Room with no designated staff to upkeep and maintain the room.
  • Perishables-- Year Group purchased ingredients need to be taken away. Too many expired items remained and continued to use for students.
  • Fridge-- Expired and rotten food remain in fridge for months.
  • Cleanliness-- Aprons & towels unwashed.
  • Upkeep-- Dish washing and re-racking needed after usage of items.
  • Noise Level-- see comment from Innovation Station Section.
    • ]]>     2023-09-05 07:57:16 UTC https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2684509446     Clarification: ICT & Coding Tri-Section frank_cheung1 https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2684569573 Please kindly convey to the classroom teachers that the Digital Leads in each section have the primary responsibility for ICT and coding. Nevertheless, the STEAM Coach does possess relevant expertise in pre-made lesson plans that is eager to share. Additionally, the STEAM Coach is more than willing to provide guidance and coaching to the Digital Leads in the area of coding.]]> 2023-09-05 08:51:02 UTC https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2684569573 Challenge 3: Noise When Two Classes in Session (J305 & J306) frank_cheung1 https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2685729617 FACT--

    When both the Jr. Kitchen and the Innovation Station are in session with different classes, the distractions are not conducive to learning.

    Proposed Solution--
    Amend the current booking system to one common space
                                                or
    Place slidable plexiglass to lessen the noise level.]]>     2023-09-06 00:46:55 UTC https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2685729617     Challenge 2: Room Maintenance and Inventory Management Coordinator frank_cheung1 https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2685768558 FACT--

    • J305 is a Tri-Section Common Room shared by all without a designated to maintain and upkeep the room on a daily basis.
    • One project is run in multiple classes, and often, time is a constraint when it comes to tidying the room after it has been used, which can become a safety concern.
    • Failure to return tools and resources to their designated locations can lead to wasted time searching for them or unnecessary expenses in repurchasing items.
    • Neglecting to return tools and resources hampers the progress of subsequent class projects.

    Proposed Solution--

    Hire a designated personnel, either full-time or after school over-time, to sort, clean, track and maintain the 4 rooms (I204, J206, J305, J306).
    ]]>     2023-09-06 01:15:08 UTC https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2685768558     Challenge 3: Age Appropriate Furniture for Makerspace frank_cheung1 https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2686221062 Currently, the furniture is age appropriate for cooking for children in the Infant Building. However, they are not suited for ages 5-7 Makerspace.

    Due to the fact that GS Kindergarten (ages 3-5) occupies the room on a daily basis, any height requirement on new furniture will need to consider their age. Unless GS Kindergarten is allocated another space for usage.

    Kindergarten (Ages 3-5): For the youngest children, workbenches should be low, typically around 55cm in height. This allows them to comfortably reach and work on projects while sitting or standing.

    Infant Section Children (Age 5-7): For CP/KS1 students, workbenches should be around 65cm in height. Stools should be around 34cm high to compliment the workbench.]]>     2023-09-06 06:52:07 UTC https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2686221062     I204 for Children 5-7 Usage frank_cheung1 https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2686250365 FACT:

    •  French PS children do not use the room. (Food prepping done in class, teaching staff bring to I204 to bake)
    • British Nursery children do not use the room. 
    • British Reception children do not use the room. (Food prepping done in class, teaching staff bring to I204 to bake)
    • The room is suppose to be allocated for children ages 5-7. Currently, we do have German Section Children at that age range in the Junior Building. Although it is a longer walk, it would suit them better to use I204.
    • Infant building teachers (excluding BP Nursery & Reception) have expressed their desire to use the room more frequently with the children.
    ]]>     2023-09-06 07:16:11 UTC https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2686250365     Challenge 2: Resources & Equipment frank_cheung1 https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2687654693
  • Washing Machine-- Newly installed in 2023.
  • Oven: Presently, there is one available oven. Teaching staff have indicated the need for an additional oven.
  • Refrigerator: Staff either lacks the capacity or willingness to adequately manage and maintain sanitary standards.
  • Dishwasher-- Staff indicated a new one is required.
  • Removal of Unused Cooking Items-- Please direct all staff to take away any and all unused/unfinished perishables to avoid food poisoning of children. (found many items expired 5+ yrs)
    • ]]>     2023-09-07 00:19:24 UTC https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2687654693     Challenge 4: Tools & Equipment Storage frank_cheung1 https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2689677664 If I204 is to become a proper makerspace, simple tools and storage area will be needed. It is recommended to be placed on the left side from the entrance. ]]> 2023-09-08 01:06:05 UTC https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2689677664 Challenge 5: Part-Time Designated Custodian Needed frank_cheung1 https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2689702690 Aside from upkeep and maintain sanitary condition in I204, a person is needed, perhaps once a week after school to clean and inventory tools and equipment within the room if and when the room is renovated into an Infant Makerspace. This position can be in conjunction of overseeing J305 & J306.]]> 2023-09-08 01:23:15 UTC https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2689702690 Possible Entering or Hosting Local, Regional, FOBISIA Competition frank_cheung1 https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2689868214 To further promote and showcase the talents of TES students, I am interested in either entering or hosting a STEAM-related competition at the local, regional, or FOBISIA level. Our most recent participation was in 2019, before the Covid era, when we won the STEM Design Asia Invitation Tournament. I am confident that we can achieve continued success with the allocation of sufficient resources and time. Pending approval from the PCLT, the STEAM Coach will explore local competitions. However, if anyone has contacts at the regional or FOBISIA level in relations to STEAM Education, please kindly share the relevant information with me.]]> 2023-09-08 03:18:43 UTC https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2689868214 Current Status & Moving Forward frank_cheung1 https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2690193807 Currently, the CCRI budget includes coverage for essential tools and common consumable items, such as nails, 3D filaments, and hot glue in addition to restocking items in both cookery rooms.

    However, materials specific to individual projects, such as wood, buzzers, LEDs, and batteries, will need to be sourced from the section or year group budget.

    Ideally with the One-School-Ethos, it should be a centralized budget system where any teacher can access the materials required to complete their projects easily. For your convenience, Slide 4 contains links providing cost estimates for each project as a reference.
    ]]>     2023-09-08 06:50:46 UTC https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2690193807     Room Allocation frank_cheung1 https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2703505802 2023-09-14 05:39:19 UTC https://padlet.com/frank_cheung1/9izo1ybja0e7udy5/wish/2703505802