{"id":2524,"date":"2018-11-04T10:12:22","date_gmt":"2018-11-04T10:12:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mathscitech.org\/articles\/?p=2524"},"modified":"2024-10-04T13:21:42","modified_gmt":"2024-10-04T12:21:42","slug":"exploring-electronics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mathscitech.org\/articles\/exploring-electronics","title":{"rendered":"Electronics in the Junior School – Gateway to Technology"},"content":{"rendered":"

Electronics, computing, and applied mathematics are gateway subjects<\/strong> to modern technology<\/a>.<\/p>\n

For young learners, we believe that electronics provides an ideal entry point. It is practical, with manipulables. It is easy to see cause and effect. With the right equipment and approach, exploring electronics can begin for children as early as 3 years old. <\/p>\n

There are many tangible benefits for young learners getting started in electronics: <\/p>\n

    \n
  1. fine motor skill development,\n
  2. an intuition for how technological things work at a component level,\n
  3. the integration of technology into the palette for imagination and creativity,\n
  4. improved self-confidence,\n
  5. strengthening a growth mindset,\n
  6. building resilience,\n
  7. raising the threshold of frustration,\n
  8. better dexterity,\n
  9. stronger focus.\n
    \"\"

    A three year old wiring his first circuit and the joy at seeing the LED, which he selected, light up!<\/p><\/div>\n

    <\/p>\n

    How to make electronics accessible to young learners?<\/strong> Working with young learners on these topics should be an exploration between parent (or older mentor) and child, with the older mentor essentially the team’s sherpa (guide) to avoid pitfalls, carry the load, smooth the trek, and point out the wonders. Without such a partnership, a young child’s natural curiousity will quickly turn to frustration and abandonment as their basic dexterity and analytical comprehension are (not surprisingly) insufficient for them to be independent. However, with help at hand to keep the momentum going, they can and do comprehend a surprising amount. Sharing the wonder of electronics and the joy of the “maker culture” is of priceless benefit<\/a> to young children.<\/p>\n

    How much are young children able to achieve?<\/strong><\/p>\n

    This will obviously depend on the child and the adult partner accompanying them on their learning journey (co-journeyer – for programming<\/a>, for electronics<\/a>). With an enthusiastic parent and child, the following are possible:<\/p>\n

    In Electronics:<\/strong><\/p>\n