Abstract:

This project is framed in the field of learning STEM content with K-12 students. The paper presents an example of application of wikis for teaching STEM contents and we reflect on the implications of this methodology entails collaborative learning.

The long-term goal of this project is to design a methodology through which make learning experiences based on projects within virtual communities and collaborative groups. Due to previous educational research, we have concluded that the proper understanding of collaborative practices is essential in order to lead to the collective production of knowledge to develop tools and virtual learning contexts that actually support the acquisition of STEM content and skills related.

A wiki is a web application that allows for a quick and effective online collaboration. Working with a wiki any user can edit and write the contents. Wikis are open and editable by users.

K-12 STEM content of the Spanish curriculum can be divided into 6 main groups: Home installations, Electronics, Technologies of information and communication, Control and robotics, Pneumatics and hydraulics and Technology and Society. This paper describes a project based learning collaborative activity, in which the students design a house based in bioconstruction principles.

The project also promotes a web competition between different secondary schools. In the competition students present a scale 1:50 model of the house designed thus promoting the promotion of scientific and innovation culture among students.

Keywords:

Problem-based learning, Scientific vocations, STEM contents, K-12 Engineering education, collaborative work, social networking, wiki-projects.