Staging Constructionist Learning about Energy for Children with Electrochromic Displays and Low-Cost Materials

Well-funded classrooms often provide a variety of learning materials such as computers, robotics and other expensive equipment to facilitate STEM Learning activities for children. However, exploring natural phenomena such as electrical energy is possible through very simple activities. In this paper we explore how cheap low-cost materials and simple electrochromic displays can be designed to support experiential learning about energy and power generation. For this we employed a mix of open-ended play and exploration as well as staged and goal-oriented activities. We developed two learning activities that involve children constructing working models that generate power including constructing a wind turbine and assembling a solar power harvesting house. We studied how children engaged in the activities and how the materials helped them understand the topic. All children could construct and complete the building tasks and were generally positive about the experience. We identified challenges encountered by children including interactions with the construction materials and electrochromic screens as well as insights about the mental models children have. We discuss challenges for staging learning through play with found low cost and local materials and provide implications for the design of constructionist oriented STEM learning.