Secondary 9/10

SJG

During Term 2, SJG experienced the new five week STEAM program, which encourages critical thinking and problem solving skills. The students really enjoyed working collaboratively with one another, in order to successfully complete the brief. During the program the students learnt to design and construct a maze using recycled materials and construction tools. Once the maze was built, the students needed to code two different robots through the maze. Although, this was described, by the students, as the most trying and difficult part of the task, the students demonstrated enthusiasm and perseverance throughout the process. SJG is looking forward to having a go, at all the STEAM programs offered, in Secondary 9/10.

SMP

SMP embraced the new STEAM units by building their own sensory garden. We investigated the difference between living and non living things as well as the parts of a flower. After visiting the Sculpture garden at Heide Museum of Modern Art we decided to make a garden that appealed to the sense of smell.  We investigated several plants and decided on a selection of herbs that are nice to smell and safe to eat.  We enjoyed planting our garden and are looking forward to using some of our herbs in cooking later in the year. 

SKA

SKA have been creative this term for their STEAM program. The students worked collaborating to plan, design and construct recycled artwork.

We began the term by having a closer look at the recycling system in Australia and how many artists try to incorporate recycled materials into their artwork. SKA decided on a mosaic sign they would showcase in the 9/10 Common Room. 

Over the course of 5 weeks, the students used problem solving skills to measure and manipulate different recycled materials in order to create an effective sign. Each Friday, SKA students carefully pieced together small pieces recycled wrappers and CD's to produce a colourful sign for all 9/10 students to enjoy. 

SKL

SKL have been busy, making soap on Friday mornings.  Earlier in the term we visited Lush and The Body Shop at Doncaster shopping town to research the type of product we wished to make. We have chosen to make a pure and natural soap using goats’ milk soap base, creating a beautiful soap product. So far we have made beautiful butterfly soaps and a cleansing bar containing oatmeal and honey. The students have enjoyed the scientific approach we have taken, when making this product. Look out for “AWESOME” soaps by SKL an SGJ, on sale near you soon. ….. Also bath bombs coming soon!

SGJ

SGJ and SKL are collaboratively working together to make beautiful bars of handmade soap made from goat’s milk and other natural ingredients.  In the future we hope to produce bath bombs and salt scrubs.  All our products are palm oil free and haven’t been tested on animals.

Our skin-care products’ brand name is ‘Awesome’ and we soon plan to sell our soap for $1 a bar. Stay tuned.  All the money we raise will go towards adopting an orang-utan at the Melbourne Zoo for a year.  Our target is to raise $120.

SSB

The students in SSB were really focused and creative throughout the ‘ Recycled Art’ Steam Program. Students researched mosaic patterns and selected their favourite to copy onto baking paper then stencil onto the form ply. Students recycled CD’s and DVD’s, they sanded , then painted and broke them into many pieces to glue onto the black form ply. They all worked collaboratlivly to ensure  the mosaic patterns look stunning.

SMB

STEAM Bridge Building has definitely proven to be an engaging program. Initially students were all under the impression that the task was simple, build a bridge that was maximum 30cm in length and 20cm width. Well, what a challenge that proved to be. Restricted with available materials, students were very quickly researching ways to make the strongest and most durable bridge of all. 

Weeks 1 and 2 students researched different types of bridges and where to find them in Australia. Week 3 is a busy week, using only marshmallows and dry pasta students attempted to create a sturdy bridge. Much to the surprise of many, it was a lot trickier than anticipated. From these attempts, students then began using either pencil and paper or their laptops to come up with a design for their own creation. Week 4 was the big week using plain cardboard, newspaper, magazines, tape, skewers and CD discs students began their build. Week 5 students were able to improve their design and they each had to present to the class. 

SCB

For the first five-week block of STEAM for this semester, SCB used their skills to create a moving Lego car. The first step was building the Lego car itself! Students needed to carefully follow the instructions so that their car was built correctly and would not break apart. Next, students needed to use Little Bits to create a circuit that would enable a motor to run. This is what students found the most challenging! They needed to work together and help each other to figure out what goes where and how they are going to make their car move. Once the students were able to create a working circuit, they then needed to attach the motor to the wheel axel so that the wheels would spin and their Lego car would then move! Students had a fun time creating their moving Lego car and were very persistent and determined throughout the whole process.

Sam Birrell,

Secondary 9/10 Team Leader