This Works! -competition introduces children to the fascinating world of technology
FFTIThis works! -technology competition is aimed towards primary grades from 1 to 6. The competition, which was initiated by the Federation of Finnish Technology Industries FFTI offers teachers an excellent way for interdisciplinary and integrative education, where the creativity and innovativeness of the children is greatly encouraged. The competition invites children to make use of their knowledge in mathematics, physics, language, art and handwork skills.
Generating ideas and making toys is a pleasant way for children to learn from the fascinating world of technology. The children also keep a diary and implement their design of an advert. This Works! is not only about competing. It is about bringing together an enthusiasm for teaching, and learning.
This Works!-technology competition has two categories. The first category is for grades one to three, while the second category is for grades four to six. During the competition the children work in groups. They design and make a mobile toy from the materials given to them. They also design an advert for the toy and keep a diary of their entire working process. The activities are carried out during different subject lessons at school. The competition has been accomplished together with the Ministry of Education.
This year's competition proved to be a success. The primary schools produced excellent innovations and their solutions were original. The materials given to the children were utilized creatively with great diversity. The children in this year's competition were 21 500. They designed and built nearly 5400 mobile toys. Three groups from both categories were awarded with a prize.
http://www.teknologiateollisuus.fi/openet/uutiset/alakoululaiset-nayttivat-aalto-yliopistolle-mallia-innovoinnissaPicture: The first prize in the first category went to Laura Jäätteenmäki, Anna Mäenpää and Sofia Sulkakoski from Kauhajärvi, Lapua. The jury considered the girls' innovation 'Snowball' to be a very versatile toy.
Comments (7)