Enabling Primary School Teachers to Deliver STEM Programmes with the Internet of Things: Challenges and Recipes for Success

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) offers opportunities for data collection, processing and visualisation driving fruitful mechanisms for the demonstration and execution of STEM activities. Nevertheless its application in a primary school setting is not straightforward. There are issues ranging from the capability to setup an IoT system in the class, sound knowledge of technical terminology, relevancy to curriculum and finally the provision of a positive experience to students. In this paper we discuss our experiences including lessons learnt towards providing an IoT platform for STEM promotion in primary schools, the challenges identified and the solutions formed to tackle them. The outcome, is a set of practices for making IoT practically applicable for STEM activities.