From my experience on the CanSat project these elements of IBSE are all truly transparent in terms of identifying and posing questions, designing and conducting investigations, analysing data, using models and explanations and communicating findings.
In specific terms the CanSat competition has provided our students an excellent opportunity to get practical experience in the design of complex systems that has its place firmly in the hi-tech sector. These skills feature highly in our smart economy for example, coding, electronic design, sourcing and specification of sensors, telemetry, design of printed circuit boards (PCBs), mechanical integration of sub modules in the Can and of course the dissemination of technical and other achievements via social networks, in parallel, to on site presentations to the captains of industry. Having acquired this real experience our students now have a very real sense that engineering is fun (a finding based on their enthusiasm and commitment throughout) and this has indirectly provided them with a greater understanding of what third-level prospectuses offer in terms of technical courses, by our colleges and universities.
In retrospect our students have learned so much and a lot of it would be at a level that is beyond the curriculum, set in second level. I believe this is a testament to IBSE and the vision of a student-centred approach in facilitating our students to achieve their fullest potential in their quest of delivering on CanSat’s objectives and even creatively generating extra objectives in their pursuit for excellence. All this has certainly paid off.
The competition in Norway next month will no doubt be intense but I have every belief that these students have what it takes to compete at the highest level, so keep your eyes fixed on this blog.
By Frank Murphy
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