TED Foundation Intermediate is an innovative, year-long program that integrates technology, engineering, and design principles through a series of engaging, hands-on projects. By combining these disciplines through project-based learning and real-world applications, the program aims to develop interdisciplinary thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Students will participate in various activities ranging from laboratory experiments and coding projects to artistic creations and engineering challenges, all structured around big thematic units that demonstrate the interconnectedness of the STEAM fields.
Program Objectives:
- To provide students with a strong foundation in Technology, Engineering & Design
- To develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative design skills through hands-on, project-based learning.
- To develop practical skills in technology and engineering along with creativity and appreciation for design thinking.
- To promote teamwork and communication skills through collaborative projects and presentations.
- To encourage students to think innovatively and apply STEAM knowledge to solve real-world problems.
Learning Methods:
Thematic Units:
The program is divided into thematic units that each cover a particular real-world issue or challenge, such as climate change, renewable energy, smart cities, or digital arts integration. Each unit lasts about six weeks and includes components from all STEAM disciplines.
Design Thinking Sessions:
Regular sessions on design thinking where students learn to empathize with user needs, define problems, ideate solutions, prototype, and test their ideas.
Project-Based Learning:
Students work in teams to complete projects related to the thematic units. These projects require research, hypothesis testing, design, and final construction or presentation, embodying the integration of STEAM principles.
Examples include designing an eco-friendly home, creating a simple machine to solve a daily problem, or developing a multimedia marketing campaign for a hypothetical product.
Experiential Learning Opportunities:
Lab experiments to explore scientific concepts, coding exercises to develop technology skills, art projects to enhance creativity, and math challenges that promote analytical thinking.
Field trips to local science centers, museums, tech companies, and art installations to provide contextual learning experiences.
Workshops with guest speakers from various STEAM fields who discuss their careers and the applications of their work.
Reflection and Evaluation:
After each project, students reflect on their learning experiences through presentations and group discussions. They evaluate what was successful, what challenges they faced, and how they overcame them.
Teachers provide feedback not only on the final product but also on the process, teamwork, and application of STEAM concepts.
Project Portfolios: Students compile a portfolio of their work throughout the year, documenting their progress, reflections, and outcomes.
Peer Reviews: Students participate in peer review sessions, providing and receiving feedback on project work.
Presentations: Each thematic unit culminates in a presentation where students showcase their projects to the school community, including parents, other students, and teachers.
Program Requirements:
- Active participation in all project activities and team collaborations.
- Completion of all assigned projects, presentations, and reflective journals.
- Regular attendance at workshops, field trips, and guest speaker sessions.
Why Choose This Program?
The TED Foundation Intermediate offers 7th-grade students a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful, real-world problem solving while developing a broad range of skills across all STEAM disciplines. It encourages students to see beyond traditional subject boundaries and to understand the value of interdisciplinary thinking and collaboration. This program is especially suited for students who are curious, enjoy creative challenges, and are interested in how the world works from multiple perspectives.
