Assistant Principal Innovation, Inclusion and Wellbeing

STEM

A word we hear constantly in education is STEM. But why is the integration of 4 learning areas (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) such a buzz-word in education?

STEM is more than just those four learning areas; they expand to crucial skills for Australia’s changing future. The Department of Education (2022) explains that entire job sectors are emerging or disappearing, and workforces are rushing to keep up with change. The learning of STEM skills benefits our students as it prepares them for the emerging jobs of the future. STEM learning is also important for students in their everyday life in our contemporary world, with the rise of new technologies in biomedicine, microfabrication, robotics and artificial intelligence. The ability to understand and apply data, and develop solutions to complex problems, will be important life skills.

Over the last few weeks, our students have participated in activities which focus on STEM skills. Our Year 6 students analysed building designs, then created prototypes and built constructions to withstand the weight of one can for 60 seconds. Their building materials were restricted to promote sustainability to limit waste. We also had fun with rockets to test how the amount of water in a water rocket impacts the pressure, weight and flight time. From the data collected, the students developed an understanding of basic physics, and the different forces our rockets need to negate to ensure a longer flight time.

With these learning experiences and the units of work in the classroom which focus on the development of STEM skills, our students will be well-prepared to flourish in an ever-changing world.

Yours in Love Peace and Learning,

Jason Puttnins

Assistant Principal: Innovation Inclusion and Wellbeing