Learning
STEM
STEM Vision Statement
North Geelong Secondary College is aiming to nurture curiosity in Science, Technology and Mathematics so we can build students who are independent, self-motivated and resilient learners that have a strong interest in STEM subjects; through the development of skills in reasoning, inquiry and problem solving.
What is STEM?
STEM is an approach to learning and development that integrates the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Employer demand for STEM qualifications and skills is high and will continue to increase in the future. This means it is important to teach STEM skills as they provide students with the foundation to succeed at school and beyond. More information can be found HERE about STEM in Victorian schools.
What do you like about doing STEM activities?
“[Stem activities] are structured better to make sure everyone gets something out of it.”
“[Stem activities] are fun and they are not just theory work.”
“[Stem activities] are fun because I learned how to build the crane and to make other activities.”
Key elements of STEM education at North Geelong Secondary College
Problem solving
The ability to think through problems will be one of the most important skills students can learn to improve their futures. Tasks are scaffolded to allow students to use their problem-solving skills in safe but challenging situations. Reflection of their learning and techniques used is an important aspect of problem-solving.
Linked to the real world
Topics have some relevance to the real life. They could be linked to STEM industries such as engineering or technology. They could also be aimed at solving real life problems. For example, designing and building a structure to solve the problem of cleaning up oil spills.
Integrated
Units meaningfully incorporate multiple STEM subjects. This helps students make connections between content covered in multiple subjects.
Cooperative learning
Student are given structured opportunities to work in teams. This will improve important soft skills such as communication, adaptability, conflict resolution and leadership.
How are STEM activities different from other work you do at school?
“You are understanding what you are learning.”
“They are more hands on and about things I’m interested in.”
“It’s different because you don’t just sit there and do questions or copy stuff from the board, learning more things that I never knew.”
“They are physical activities that require skill to complete.”
STEM Initiatives at North Geelong Secondary College
Year 7
Students are introduced to STEM projects at Year 7 with various short STEM activities. These aim to engage students in problem solving tasks and improve their team work skills.
Year 8
Students in Year 8 complete four major STEM projects throughout the year.
- Bottle rocket design
Students design and build a rocket from a soft drink container and cardboard. Students then launch their rockets to see which design has the longest flight time. - Interactive statistics poster
Students use Makey Makey’s and the programming application Scratch to make an interactive poster, students create buttons on the poster that, when touched, play a recording of them detailing the Mathematic content. - Box design task
As apprentice cabinet makers, students are tasked with the real-life challenge of modifying the current and basic design sold by their boss’s business. Students are given a design brief to follow so they can design and build a more appropriate cabinet or cupboard. - Theme park rides
As a cohort, the year 8 classes design and build a model Theme Park, students choose which ride they would like to build and then test them for safety using eggs as human analogues.
Implementing STEM in the classroom takes a whole team to make the learning engaging and relevant to students. The Year 8 teaching team has worked hard to design, implement and reflect on the STEM units delivered.
Year 9 and 10
There are two STEM based elective subjects students are able to choose in Year 9 and 10.
STEM This subject has a focus on the engineering aspects of STEM. Students work through various real-life tasks in which they have to logically work through problems to find solutions. The tasks often allow students to design and build models as well as requiring them to collect and analyse data.
Robotics This subject has a focus on the programming and technology aspects of STEM. Students build and program robots to complete set tasks. Students are required to work through problems as they arise just like they would have to in a real life situation.
Extensive STEM resources
Below are just some of the STEM resources that North Geelong Secondary College has to engage students in STEM education. We are constantly updating our resources as new technology becomes available.
- STEM room
North Geelong Secondary College has a dedicated STEM room with easy access to technology. This allows classes to integrate technology in a meaningful way. It also gives students a sense of ownership as student work can be displayed. - NOA robot
These cutting edge robots are used to teach programming. - Drones
Drones are a fast growing area in STEM related careers. North Geelong Secondary College uses several drones to teach students real life skills like navigation and coordinates. These drones can be programmed by the students to fly set or adaptive paths. - LEGO Mindstorms
These LEGO kits can be used to make numerous and varied robots that can be programmed to solve real world problems. - 3D printers
3D printing is fast becoming useful in a wide variety of STEM careers
The dedicated STEM Coordinators have been working with many of the teaching teams to implement STEM projects across the college. We have also been working behind the senses to develop curriculum documentation to ensure the longevity of the STEM program. Specific rubrics have been developed to assess the STEM skills as well as reflection tools that can be implemented across the college. We welcome any feedback you may have on STEM at North Geelong Secondary College.
James Parker
Science KLA Leader & STEM Coordinator
