Embodied Learning for Primary Classrooms
Co-designing STEM training and playful learning tools that bring movement into education.
Project Overview:
Move2Learn4Teachers brought together educators, researchers, and science centres to co-design professional training and playful resources that build confidence in teaching STEM through embodied learning — using gesture and movement to support young learners. Led by Professor Andrew Manches, the project developed the market-ready STEM Charades game, an accredited online teacher training course with SSERC, and practical insights now reaching classrooms across Scotland and beyond/
Team:
-
Lead Researcher: Prof. Andrew Manches, University of Edinburgh
-
Partners: Glasgow Science Centre, Science Museum Group, SSERC, Graphic Science, Pling Ltd.
-
Funders: Wellcome via ScotPEN Engagement Award; ESRC Innovation Fellowship
Goals & Activities
- Empower Teachers: Co-design training to increase STEM confidence.
- Engage Young Learners: Make abstract STEM ideas physical and relatable.
- Translate Research into Practice: Transform educational theory into real-world classroom tools.
- Scale for Impact: Build sustainable models via accredited courses and licensed games
Project Outputs
STEM Charades
- A playful learning tool co-designed with teachers.
- Now licensed and commercially available via Pling Ltd.
- Subject packs include Maths, Science, and Planet Earth (Climate Change focus).
Accredited Teacher Training Course
- Developed with SSERC: 6-unit online course on Embodied Learning.
- Launching to 200+ teachers in 2024, with international potential.
- Includes gesture-based teaching strategies and classroom videos
Publications & Resources
- Open access journal article: Journal of Emergent Science – Issue 24
- Downloadable COVID-19 STEM Charades pack in English & Spanish
- Coming soon: Climate Change topic packSWEA Final Report_Move2….
