Fox Blocks iBuild STEM Program
The Thinkers, Tinkers and Makers class | Term 4: Bridgeneering | |
A class for thinkers, tinkers, and makers (Grades 2 to 4). Our iBuild class is a fun group lesson, with the kids working together to construct, design and engineer lots of different projects. How is an iBuild class structured? A typical iBuild class will see the students working on a project in pairs or small groups over the 60 minute class . During the class there is a short lesson explanation time and a build time. At the end of the lesson the adults are invited into the classroom to explore what the kids have constructed during class, and hear a short summery from the teacher. How many kids are in a class? There are 8 to 10 children and one educator in an iBuild class. What materials do you use? As with all our Fox Blocks courses, iBuild uses a mix of resources throughout the 3 year curriculum. Each term has a core resource (usually Lego, K'Nex, or Fischertechnik) and then adds complimentary resources such as LittleBits, Quadrilla, Snap Circuits, Light Stax, Plus Plus, IQ Key, or Magformers. In Fox Blocks we teach kids that all resources, big or small, simple or complex, are simply a tool to learn how something works. Often the more simple a resource, the more scope there is for design, invention, creativity, and original ideas. In this way we mix and max our resources to suit our projects. This enables kids to use their 'tools' in ways they may not have used before, and to discover new resources they have not seen before. How long does a class run for? Each class runs for 60 minutes, and each unit is 8 weeks long. What do the kids take home each week? Each week a photograph is taken of each child with their completed model. Over the term this builds into a portfolio of work that is collected in the final week of each unit. What topics are covered in iBuild? iBuild is a 3 year curriculum, offering 4 different units each year (one for each school term), and covering a range of topics from junior robotics, town planning, space, structures, and lots more fun and creative concepts. Coming up in 2024 our units will be as follows:
My Child is in Grade 4, will they be Challenged Enough?
Absolutely! Our Fox Blocks STEM curriculum is structured to build confidence in the early weeks of term (easier activities with high success achieved) and then introduce more complex challenges as the term progresses.
Each lesson also includes an initial activity that all students complete, followed by an extension activity that offers additional challenges for those who are ready for more. This ensures that even the most eager and capable learners are kept engaged.
In each class there will be a mix of students who have attended for several years, and students who are brand new to the program. We believe that the strength in our program is the ability to engage kids at both levels, keep confidence and enjoyment high, and kids quest for knowledge growing every class!
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Term 1: Lego Machines & Mechanisms This term, we will gain a solid understanding of simple machines, structures and mechanisms by constructing Lego Technic models in this mechanical engineering masterclass. Term 4: Bridgeneering This term, we’re diving into the fascinating world of bridge engineering! We will explore iconic real bridges around the world , uncovering their rich histories and marvelling at the engineering genius behind their construction Together we will build the Sydney Harbour Arch Bridge, London Tower Bascule Bridge, Brisbane's own Story Bridge, and more! Construct these engineering masterpieces, investigate the science of load distribution, and explore how these structures bear immense weight and withstand the forces of nature. Bookings Essential
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Where did the Fox Blocks program come from? Well, let us tell you—Fox Blocks STEM is our homegrown hero! Designed and developed right here in Brisbane by our incredibly talented team of teachers at Flying Fox Studios, the program is the brainchild of our lead curriculum developer, Justin Gilfillan. Justin brings a unique blend of real-world engineering expertise (thanks to his work as a Mechanical Engineer with local councils and government) and top-notch teaching skills (he’s also got a Master’s degree in Teaching and Learning!). For over 15 years, we’ve been running the Fox Blocks program from our Everton Park studio, and thousands of curious, creative, and clever kids have walked through our doors. Our passion? To give kids a well-rounded STEM experience that dives into all branches of the STEM tree—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths. In every class, we make sure your child is learning in a hands-on, engaging way that weaves all these elements together into a fun, exploratory adventure! Whether your child is tinkering, building, or engineering, they’re soaking up knowledge in ways that are playful, powerful, and practical! |