This document describes a STEM challenge for students aged 7-14 that teaches about flooding in Bangladesh. The challenge is cross-curricular, involving science, technology, engineering, math, geography, and citizenship. Students test materials to design flood-resistant structures, learn about the impacts of climate change and flooding on communities in Bangladesh, and discuss how to help people prepare. Teachers' notes, worksheets, videos and other materials provide everything needed to run the challenge. Student feedback shows they gained deeper awareness and understanding of flooding issues and some were inspired to pursue engineering to help vulnerable communities.

1. A STEM challenge for 7-14 years
Produced as part of the Make the Link EC funded project
www.practicalaction.org/beattheflood

2. How do we get started?
Pupils Look at the photographs of flooding and decide where they belong
on the world map. This leads to a discussion on climate change and who
it affects the most…poor people who contribute the least to it.

3. A ‘very’ cross curricular
challenge!
Science…testing material for strength and absorbency
Technology…comparing different structures for strength and
resistance to wind then designing a structure
Engineering…choosing materials and structure based on
several factors…making an informed decision.
Mathematics…working out the cost of materials.
Geography – Looking at landscape of Bangladesh, maps of world the
world and Watu Island
Citizenship - What can we do to reduce both flooding in Bangladesh
and help people prepare better for it? Looking at interdependence in
a globalised society.
English – Presenting back to the class, verbal and written
communication

4. What resources support
the challenge?
• Teachers notes
• PowerPoint presentation
• Pupils worksheets
• Pupil evaluation sheets
• Pupil certificates
• Case study
• Videos
• Poster
…basically everything you need and more!

5. Pupil materials

6. A video from Bangladesh
http://practicalaction.org/video-beat-the-flood
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OyF50dHvCo

7. What pupils say about the
project
’we did a practical on absorbency of
different materials and how to compare
them. We used steel because it was fully
waterproof and bamboo because it was
available on the island’’
Isabelle, age 14
‘I love this project since it links my
two favourite subjects, science and
geography together’
Rachel, 12 years
‘Oh no!!!!’

8. Deepening awareness and
understanding
‘’the floods don’t allow people to get around the island so they
don’t have access to school and healthcare’’
14 year old boy
‘I think this has given us more awareness of what happens during
floods. Even though it is on the news this gives us a deeper
insight as to what happens in those communities, and usually you
just don’t realise that’
14 year old boy.
It is clear you never know when the weather will change. The
climate is changing due to global warming. It is warming
because of human pollution. Weather is getting more extreme.
A flood-proof house would help.
9 year old girl

9. The long term impact
‘’Today has been amazing. I really didn’t know that when you see people
in the third world on the tele they rely on scientists and engineers to help
them. I thought engineering was really complicated but actually it can be
really simple ideas that helped others. I really want to do this when I am
older’’
Tom, 11 years
When asked if they had any ideas on how they
could make a difference pupils aged 12-14 said:

10. This is what teachers say
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSHnP0IBtD8
‘Great for a cross-
curricular activity’
‘We have included it in
our school’s curriculum’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8rMmUlbx3k

11. www.practicalaction.org/beattheflood