Design-Based Mathematical Modelling Within STEM Contexts

With the current global upheavalsGlobal upheavals and continued disruptions, the need for adaptive and innovative problem solvers has never been greater. This chapter advocates that the foundations for developing future-oriented problem solvers begin in the primary schoolPrimary school. One approach to such development is through implementing design-based mathematical modellingDesign-based mathematical modelling within STEM contextsSTEM contexts. Consideration is given to features of design-based mathematical modellingDesign-based mathematical modelling, which contrast with the requirements of traditional problem types. Examples of students’ responses to two design challengesDesign and implementation challenges are presented, namely, designing a mini-golf course and a new sustainable town. Both cases enabled multiple entry and exit points, various approaches to product creation, and opportunities for the innovative application of existing knowledge, thus providing agency for advancing STEM learning for all students.