As part of RISE Week (Reflect – Year 12 Retreats, Innovate – Years 7 and 8 STEM Week, Study – Years 10 and 11 Exams, Explore – Year 9 MUSE), Years 7 and 8 students embraced STEM Week through a diverse range of hands-on learning experiences that challenged them to think creatively, collaborate with others and solve real-world problems.
Throughout the week, students took the lead in their learning, with teachers acting as facilitators as they investigated, designed, tested and refined solutions to a variety of engaging challenges.
Year 7 students explored engineering, coding and design through activities including catapult construction, bridge building, balloon buggy races, paddleboat design and the popular Protect the Egg challenge. Students also developed their problem-solving skills through robotics-based tasks such as the ADF Saves Tank mission, where teams programmed Edison robots to navigate complex environments. Other activities encouraged creativity and innovation through LEGO design challenges, circuit building, neurographic art and the STEM Whiz Quiz competition.
A highlight for Year 7 was the Precious Plastics incursion, which demonstrated how plastic waste can be transformed into useful products. Through hands-on activities, students gained valuable insights into recycling, sustainability and the circular economy while exploring practical STEM applications.
Year 8 students participated in a range of exciting experiences including excursions to Werribee Open Range Zoo and Frankston Tech School. Their STEM Week activities challenged them to apply design thinking, scientific investigation and engineering principles in authentic contexts.
Students programmed robots to complete missions, investigated a forensic science mystery and engineered balloon-powered rockets and roller coasters. They also explored creativity through art inspired by Keith Haring and tackled a Design Thinking challenge focused on creating innovative solutions for Gorilla Doctors working in remote environments.
Across both year levels, STEM Week highlighted the importance of curiosity, critical thinking, resilience and teamwork. By connecting classroom learning with real-world applications, students developed valuable skills while discovering how STEM can be used to address challenges, drive innovation and make a positive impact on the world around them.