STEM

STEM Term 1 Overview 2026

Prep

Prep students will explore the purpose of different robots and how they help people in everyday life. Students discuss where robots are used (such as at home, school, hospitals and in the community) and how they can make jobs easier or safer. Through drawing and talking about their ideas, students design their own robots and explain how their robot can help us. Students will be introduced to Botzee Mini lego robots and will build a range of simple robots by following clear, step-by-step instructions. This will supports the development of early problem-solving skills, creativity, fine motor skills and the ability to follow instructions while building confidence with basic technology concepts.

Year 1

This term in STEM the Year 1 students will be introduced to basic coding and robotics using Dash robots. Students will learn how to make the robots move by connecting a sequence of pictures and symbols in different apps. Through guided activities, students will practise solving simple problems by deciding which symbols are needed and placing them in the correct order. This will support the development of early computational thinking skills, including sequencing, logical thinking and problem-solving, while encouraging collaboration and confidence when using technology.

Year 2

This term in STEm the Year 2 students will be introduced to the Ozobot robot and explore how robots can follow commands to solve problems. Students will learn that Ozobots read and respond to black lines and specific colours to control movement and actions. Using an iPad app and Chromebook program, students will practise creating and testing simple commands to guide the robot through a range of challenges. This will develop students’ problem-solving, logical thinking and early coding skills, while encouraging experimentation, persistence and collaboration.

Year 3

This term in STEM the Year 3 students will extend their robotics and problem solving skills using the Dash robot. Students will use a more detailed coding app to create and follow increasingly complex sequences of commands. Through a range of challenge cards, students will work collaboratively to plan, test and refine their solutions in order to solve problems successfully. This will help strengthens computational thinking skills such as sequencing, debugging and logical reasoning, while also developing teamwork, communication and perseverance.

Year 4

This term in STEM Year 4 students will be introduced to LEGO WeDo kits and work collaboratively to explore and experiment with the components of the kit. Students will learn how different parts work together to create moving models and simple programs. Through engagement with real-life problems, students will be guided to design, build and test purposeful solutions. It will develop problem-solving, critical and creative thinking skills while encouraging teamwork, curiosity and an understanding of how technology can be used to solve real-world challenges.

Year 5

This term in STEM the Year 5 students will be introduced to the Sphero robotic ball and explore how it can be programmed to move using three key parameters, such as speed, direction and time. Students will work collaboratively to solve a series of problems and mini challenges by planning, testing and refining their programs. This will build computational thinking skills, including logical reasoning and problem-solving, while also developing teamwork, communication and persistence through hands-on robotics challenges

Year 6

This term in STEM the Year 6 students will extend their STEM learning using LEGO WeDo kits to design and create solutions to real-world problems. Working collaboratively, students will be guided through the processes of planning, building, testing and improving simple technological solutions. Students are also given the opportunity to select a problem they feel strongly about and undertake their own research to design a purposeful solution. This develops problem-solving, critical thinking and creativity, while fostering student agency, collaboration and an understanding of how STEM can be used to address real-life challenges.

James Daidone

STEM Specialist teacher