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 took part in STEM Week, engaging in hands-on experiences designed to develop creativity, collaboration and problem-solving skills through real-world challenges.
Throughout the week, students led their own learning as they investigated, designed, tested and refined solutions across a wide range of STEM activities.
Year 7 students explored engineering, coding and design through activities such as catapult construction, bridge building, balloon buggy races, paddleboat design and the Protect the Egg challenge. Robotics tasks, including the ADF Saves Tank mission, saw students program Edison robots to navigate complex environments, alongside LEGO design challenges, circuit building, neurographic art and the STEM Whiz Quiz.
I learnt that teamwork is very important when it comes to STEM because there are lots of chances to make new friends, learn something new about your friends, or talk to someone you thought you never would.
A highlight was the Precious Plastics incursion, where students transformed recycled materials into new products, gaining valuable insight into sustainability and circular design.
It was great to learn about how much plastic is in our oceans and how we can help to clean it up.
Year 8 students participated in excursions to Werribee Open Range Zoo and Frankston Tech School, connecting classroom learning with real-world contexts through science, technology and design experiences.
We got to make our own keychains using technology and equipment that we do not usually use at school.
Across both year levels, STEM Week highlighted the importance of curiosity, collaboration and problem-solving. Students were able to apply their learning in practical and engaging ways, strengthening their skills while exploring how STEM connects to the real world.