Learning by Solving Environmental Problems: Primary Students’ Experiences of E-STEM Activities

This chapter reports on E-STEM activities (i.e., learning STEM by solving environmental problems) carried out in a primary school in Shanghai. These activities simulated the work of environmental engineer using constructed wetlands to solve the problem of eutrophication. After 91 Primary 4 students completed these activities, a survey was administered to them to assess their engagement in these E-STEM activities and their STEM career aspirations. Among these students, 12 were interviewed about their experiences with the E-STEM activities to explore the impact on the students. The students were highly interested in E-STEM activities and had moderate STEM career aspirations. Significant positive correlations were revealed between the students’ interest in E-STEM activities and their STEM career aspirations. The interview data further indicated the positive impact of E-STEM activities on students’ intrinsic interest in learning, knowledge about STEM, and STEM career aspirations. This study generated additional empirical evidence supporting the positive effects of E-STEM activities on both learning and career aspirations. Finally, suggestions are made regarding the implementation of E-STEM activities in primary schools.