Our STEM electives
This year has seen the introduction of ten new Year 9/10 STEM electives ranging from 3D printing and robotics to digital art and coding. These electives have challenged both the students and teachers as we all learn together to explore the endless possibilities that new technology gives us. Here are a few of the electives on offer. Which ones would you want to do?
The Machines are Coming!
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How can I program, build and operate robots?
Students learn how to code using language specific to the robotics kit chosen (eg Scratch, C++). They then have an opportunity to build a robot (possibly from Hummingbird, Arduino kits), program it and operate it to do various functions/activities. Students then apply this knowledge to try and overcome a real-world issue using a robot as part of the solution.
The majority of class time will be hands-on learning first with the coding and then with how to build, program and operate their robot.
3D World
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How can we use 3D printers to create design solutions?
Students experience the design process by designing an object using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software and manufacture their object using a 3D printer. The 3D printers used in this program build objects layer by layer using biodegradable plastics. Skill development include: Observation, resilience through productive failure, mathematics, problem solving and troubleshooting, design thinking, engineering, communication and digital fluency. The majority of class time will be used for students to develop their ideas through the design process as well as printing out components of their design and producing a design folio.
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Digi Art
How did the first computers talk?
How can we use digital art/digital programs to communicate our ideas?
Students explore a range of digital art and graphic design programs, choosing the most desired application. Students then develop a ‘digital folio’, choosing a theme, researching ideas and developing introductory ‘studies’ or designs prior to the final outcome – This will be geared towards a final project which you decide upon (open ended – with the idea of constructing something which might include.. a comic book strip, an animation, digital images etc).
Students will investigate counting and playing with numbers in base 2 (binary), base 8 and base 16 (hexadecimal). They will study binary logic and Boolean truth tables, which is how computers operate (at a circuit level) with only "On" and "Off" or 1s and 0s. Students will be able to draw and read circuit maps, which is essential for creating new circuits. Students will maintain a portfolio of their learning. They will practice and drill manipulation of numbers in other bases. This subject is useful for an analysis of how computers were developed and how modern circuits work at a foundational level.
Our Place in the Universe
Was the moon landing faked? Are we alone in the universe? How did our universe begin?
Students will learn about the science behind missions into space, the moon landings, life cycle of stars, history of the discovery of things in the universe, creation of the universe, our solar system, reality of living on Mars, black holes, dark matter, constellations, astrology, solar and lunar events (eclipse, blue moon), comets, asteroids and evidence of alien life. Students will have choices in their project based learning such as designing a better space suit or developing living quarters for life on Mars.
"I have not failed. I have successfully discovered 10,000 things that won't work" Thomas Edison
