The Erasmus+ STEAM-Connect project offers the opportunity to benefit from the synergies between teachers in different national, cultural and social environments. The project aims to connect teachers of different subjects, parents, artists, educators and researchers from different disciplines to develop innovative transdisciplinary workshops and pedagogies together to enhance collaborative STEAM learning for students of all abilities and backgrounds. The STEAM lessons plan below has been developed as part of the STEAM Connect project, and is available for all teachers, parents and educators who are committed to multidisciplinary learning.
Topic: Chair Design
Purpose:
The “Chair Design” unit is an educational program designed to integrate elements of Physics, Mathematics, Art, and Engineering. Targeted at students aged 12-14. This curriculum spans multiple sessions, where students explore the complexities of designing and building a functional and aesthetically pleasing chair. This project not only engages students in practical design and engineering challenges but also deepens their appreciation for the artistic and ergonomic aspects of everyday objects. This unit aims to cultivate a holistic understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of design and engineering. By creating a chair, students are not just making an object to sit on; they are engaging in a complex integration of art, science, and practical functionality. The goal is to empower students to think critically and creatively about the design challenges and to appreciate the integration of aesthetics into functional everyday objects.
This lesson plan has been developed by teachers of 2College Cobbenhagenlyceum Tilburg (The Netherlands).
Learning goals:
• Technical and Design Skills: Students will learn the basics of ergonomic design, material properties, and the engineering behind stable structures.
• Artistic Expression and Appreciation: Emphasizing the art and history of chair design, the unit encourages students to explore various artistic styles and cultural significances of chairs.
• Mathematical Application: Through activities such as scaling and measurement, students will apply mathematical concepts to ensure their designs are both practical and proportionally accurate.
• Collaborative Learning: Working in teams, students will enhance their communication and cooperative skills, crucial for successful project-based learning.
Structure:
The unit is divided into several key phases, each focusing on different aspects of the chair design process.
- Concept and Design: Introduction to ergonomic principles and the history of chairs, followed by brainstorming and initial sketches.
- Scientific and Mathematical Exploration: Investigation of the forces acting on chairs and the material properties needed for stability and durability.
- Artistic Development: Students will create detailed designs, considering aesthetic elements like color, form, and texture.
- Engineering and Construction: Transition from design to prototype, using various tools and materials to construct a chair that is both functional and visually appealing.
- Evaluation and Iteration: Testing and refining their designs based on peer feedback and practical use to understand the real-world applications of their creations.
In order to see the full lesson plan, click here.
See more STEAM lesson plans on our STEAM Connect page.
KA220-SCH-C8F150FC
Coordinator: UNIVERSITE DU LUXEMBOURG, www.uni.lu
Partner organizations:
UNIVERSITAT LINZ, Austria, www.jku.at
UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI TORINO, Italy, www.unito.it
UNIVERZITA KOMENSKEHO V BRATISLAVE, Slovakia, http://www.uniba.sk
Experience Workshop Oy, Finland, www.experienceworkshop.org
