Nurturing Neuromorphic Systems Education in Schools through Kiwrious Science Experience
In the realm of interactive STEM education, Kiwrious stands out as a trailblazer, combining physical sensor kits with digital platforms to create an engaging learning experience for students. Although search results do not provide specific details about the Kiwrious Science Experience or the Kiwrious Sensor Kit, it is known that these tools promote hands-on, inquiry-based learning.
The Kiwrious Sensor Kit, a collection of six sensors, enables students to measure various parameters such as volatile organic compounds, temperature, humidity, conductance, UV/light level, and heartbeat. These kits are designed to integrate seamlessly with curriculum-aligned activities, encouraging exploration, data analysis, and critical thinking.
Kiwrious aspires to make scientific capabilities accessible to every student in New Zealand, regardless of ethnicity, gender, or socio-economic status. This noble mission is backed by a strong network of sponsors, including AWS, Cloud9, MinterEllisonRuddsandWatts law firm, Toi Foundation, COMET Auckland, and the University of Auckland.
The Kiwrious Science Experience is supported by a professional development community of teachers, with Dr Dawn Garbett, an education researcher, leading the charge. Dr Garbett has been instrumental in masterminding teacher resources, user testing, and piloting the sensors and web-based platform in several schools.
One such school is Kaikohe Christian School, where teacher Theresia's students have benefited greatly from the Kiwrious heart sensor. They discovered that thinking about a "crush" can make their heart race almost as much as running around the classroom. This hands-on learning experience has helped Theresia's students become more aware of the importance of carefully writing up their methods and findings.
Theresia has found that the Kiwrious Sensor Kits have helped her break out of her teaching mould, alter her thinking to inquiry-based, and improve her students' approach to scientific theory. The kits have also encouraged students to contribute ideas, replicate and remix others' inquiries, and appreciate how scientists develop and verify new knowledge.
An online survey has been developed to gauge students' motivation and confidence in doing science, and the results indicate that the students' inquiries are improving over time. This progress is supported by the Kiwrious Inquiry Editor, which encourages students to make multiple observations, provide descriptions, present findings, and share results.
The Kiwrious Science Experience kit was created by Associate Professor Suranga Nanayakkara from the University of Auckland and his team at Augmented Human Lab in the Auckland Bioengineering Institute. The platform also supports peer review and commenting on others' findings, fostering a national community of young scientists who recognize the potential and limitations of scientific inquiry.
Kiwrious's work aligns with the Curious Minds initiative, a government programme that encourages and supports all New Zealanders to ask questions, solve local problems, and uncover innovative science and technology solutions for a brighter future. Resources like Super sense - an introduction to artificial sensors and Sensing data, a level 4 Connected article with a focus on digital sensors and air pollution levels in Christchurch, are part of this initiative.
In conclusion, Kiwrious is revolutionizing STEM education in New Zealand by providing engaging, hands-on learning experiences that foster scientific capabilities in students of all backgrounds. For more precise and updated details, checking Kiwrious’s official resources or product descriptions is recommended. Interested schools can also register their interest to receive the Kiwrious Sensors Kit on Kiwrious's website.
The Kiwrious Sensor Kit, comprised of six sensors, allows students to measure various parameters such as temperature, humidity, heartbeat, and UV/light level, integrating seamlessly with curriculum-aligned activities to encourage exploration, data analysis, and critical thinking.
In collaboration with a professional development community of teachers, Kiwrious aims to make scientific inquiry accessible to all students in New Zealand, fostering a national community of young scientists who recognize the potential and limitations of scientific inquiry, aligning with the Curious Minds initiative.
