Exploring Nature with STEM – A Nature-Based Modular STEM Discovery Education System

Abstract

This invention relates to a modular educational system and discovery kit that supports nature-based STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning for early childhood and elementary school students. The system offers a learning model that integrates nature observation, measurement, experimentation, and discovery processes. Current STEM educational materials lack an integrated learning system that allows students to systematically observe nature, take measurements, and record the data they obtain. This makes it difficult for children to connect their nature observations with scientific processes. This invention offers a modular discovery box system that combines nature-based STEM learning tools, task cards, and a discovery journal to solve the aforementioned problem. The system includes measurement and experimentation tools such as a magnifying glass, ruler, hygrometer, UV light, and solar energy experiment module, allowing students to observe nature. It also provides task cards to guide students through their exploration and a discovery journal to record their observations. The system enables students to complete nature-based exploration tasks through task cards, record observation and measurement results in an exploration journal, and develop scientific thinking skills by interpreting the data obtained. In this way, it contributes to children learning through exploration of nature and developing their problem-solving and research skills. The invention can be used as a portable and applicable STEM education system in preschool and primary school settings, STEM workshops, nature education programs, and individual learning processes.

Description

1 TARIFF Exploring Nature with STEM – A Nature-Based Modular STEM Discovery Education System Technical Area This invention is based on educational technologies and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) principles. It relates to the field of learning systems. Nature-based observation, experimentation, and discovery, especially for preschool and elementary school students. a modular STEM discovery education system and training that enables them to learn through activities It is directed towards the kit. The invention is a 10-piece set consisting of nature observation tools, task cards, a discovery journal, and experiment modules. developing students' scientific process skills through the education system It aims to... State of the Art Today, various educational kits and experiment sets have been developed for STEM education. However, most existing systems are only experimental tools or scientific 15 It consists of toys and is a learning model integrated with nature observation. It does not offer. In the current training kits;  A task system that allows students to observe nature systematically not available, 20  structured learning where they can record observation and measurement results no vehicle available,  Experiment, observation, and discovery processes are presented independently of each other. Therefore, students develop scientific thinking, observation, and data skills by interacting with nature. They need an integrated STEM education system where they can develop collecting skills. 25 It is heard. 2 Purpose of the Invention The purpose of this invention is;  To enable children to learn by observing nature, 30  Developing STEM skills at an early age,  Presenting experiment, observation, and discovery processes within an integrated learning system,  students' ability to measure, collect data, and record observation results to improve their skills The goal is to offer a modular STEM discovery education system designed for this purpose. 35 The invention also allows students to interact with nature, raising environmental awareness and It aims to raise awareness of sustainability. Brief Description of the Invention The invention is a modular 40 that enables students to carry out nature-based exploration tasks. STEM is an education system. The system generally consists of the following components:  nature-based storybooks  nature observation tools  Experiment modules 45  STEM task cards  exploration log These components are presented in a discovery box. Students use task cards to... They conduct observation and experiment activities in nature and record the results in a discovery journal. It records. 50 3 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The system developed as part of the invention is presented in a STEM discovery box. The discovery box contains the following educational materials: 1. Nature Observation Tools 55 The system includes various observation tools for students to study nature. These tools are: • magnifying glass  ruler  humidity meter 60  UV light device These tools allow students to study plants, soil, and other natural elements in nature. and can take measurements.  The magnifying glass (1) shown in Figure 8 allows students to examine plants, soil and natural materials. It is an observation tool that allows them to examine things in detail. 65  The ruler (2) shown in Figure 8 will enable students to measure the length of objects in nature. It is a measurement tool that enables them to perform these tasks.  The humidity meter shown in Figure 8 (3) is used to measure the environmental humidity of the students. It is a measuring device that enables this to be done.  The solar panel shown in Figure 8 (4) is one of the 70 renewable energy experiments. It is the energy module that enables this to happen. Thanks to these tools, students can learn about plants, soil, and other natural elements in nature. It is able to examine and measure. 2. Solar Energy Experiment Module Within the system, a solar energy experiment was conducted to teach the concept of renewable energy. It has a module. This module consists of the following components: 4  mini solar panel  LED light module  connection cables 80 Through this module, students will learn about the impact of solar energy on electricity generation. can observe. 3. STEM Task Cards The system includes mission cards featuring nature-based exploration tasks. Task cards guide students through the following activities: 85  nature observation  taking measurements  energy experiments  mathematical discoveries Each card features a specific exploration task, allowing students to conduct research in nature. 90 4. Discovery Journal A discovery within the system where students can record their observation and experiment results. He has a diary. Inside the exploration log:  observation areas 95  measurement recording sections  drawing areas It is located there. This structure allows students to document their discoveries and fosters scientific thinking. They can improve their skills. 100 Explanations of the Figures  The unboxing template shown in Figure 3 illustrates the foldable carrying case of the STEM discovery box. and shows the storage structure.  The STEM task card shown in Figure 5 outlines students' nature-based exploration tasks. It is the guiding material that enables them to carry out their tasks. 105  The discovery journal shown in Figure 6 records the students' observation, measurement, and experiment results. It is recording material that allows them to keep records.  The system component diagram shown in Figure 7 illustrates the STEM discovery education system. It demonstrates its modular structure and the relationship between its components.  The magnifying glass shown in Figure 8 allows students to make nature observations. 110 It is an observation tool that provides this.  The ruler shown in Figure 8 is used for carrying out measurement operations. It is a measuring instrument.  The hygrometer shown in Figure 8 is a measuring device that allows the measurement of humidity levels in nature. It is a device. 115  The solar panel shown in Figure 8 is used in renewable energy experiments. It is the energy module that enables this to happen. Advantages of the Invention Thanks to this invention:  Children learn by observing nature 120  STEM learning is supported by tangible materials.  Experiment, observation, and discovery processes are presented within an integrated system.  Students' scientific thinking and problem-solving skills develop  Environmental awareness and sustainability consciousness are increased References 125 Ministry of National Education (2024). The Turkish Century Education Model. UNESCO (2020). Sustainable Development Goals Education. National Research Council (2012). A Framework for K-12 Science Education.

Claims

6 REQUESTS 1- Nature observation tools, experiment modules, STEM task cards, discovery journal, and story. consisting of nature-based learning materials; enabling students to observe, measure, experiment and a modular STEM that enables them to carry out data recording processes in an integrated manner Discovery education system. 5 2- The system described in Request 1 includes a magnifying glass, ruler, hygrometer, and UV light device for nature exploration. It consists of observation tools. 3- The system described in Claim 1; for conducting renewable energy experiments. The solar energy system consists of a mini solar panel, LED light module, and connecting cables. It includes an experiment module. 10 4- The system described in Request 1 will enable students to observe nature, take measurements, conduct energy experiments, and It includes STEM task cards that enable students to make mathematical discoveries. 5- The system described in Request 1 records the observation, measurement, and experiment results of students. It should include a discovery log they can obtain. 6-The system described in Request 1; exploration carried out by students through task cards 15 It has an integrated learning structure that allows it to record its tasks in a discovery log. 7-The system described in Request 1; a story that supports nature-based STEM learning. It includes books.

Images