Girls in the STEM Program

On March 13 and 14 this term, two of our year 9 students had the opportunity to be involved in a ‘Girls in STEM’ day, that was ran at the Ballarat Tech School. These two girls were outstanding in their representation of Woodmans Hill Secondary College, and relished in the chance to learn more about the opportunities involved in the STEM field.

“The Girls in STEM program is designed to help open the minds of girls interested in STEM by the endless job opportunities available in this field. This day involved a tour of Bartlett’s factory, a crash course in laser cutting and designing a product made of sheets of PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Bartlett’s provided these sheets, because it was a wasted material. We worked in groups of four, with other students from a variety of schools in Ballarat. During the program, we also had two women who showed us the importance of STEM in their workplace, and they gave us examples of how what you choose to study won’t always become your career.

Our group ended up designing and making a bag, which included a working pocket, a shopping list, and a clip that connects to a trolley. Amelia and I worked with two girls from Ballarat High to create our bag. We created a great product and made great friends along the way.

The program was an eye-opening experience that showed the opportunities that come with STEM. I made valuable friendships and learned important skills that can help me advance my career with STEM.”

                                               Tilly Burke 

“The program that Tilly and I attended last term was a great experience. We got to meet heaps of other girls from the Ballarat region that also enjoy Science and Mathematics. On the first day, we visited visit the Bartlett Blinds Manufacturing Company, and we learned all the different steps that go into making their blinds. When we arrived back at the tech school, we got to design our own phone stand using a laser cutter.

The next day we got into groups and had to design something using the leftover PVC that Bartlett Blinds have no use for. Our group designed a wipe-able shopping bag with a reusable shopping list attached, and a strap so you could connect it to a shopping trolley. We had to draw it, design it and create it, and then we even had to market it to the Tech School designers! Overall, it was an amazing program to be a part of. I can’t wait to take part again this term.

                                               Amelia Strait