Science Learning Area News

Geelong Technology School opening

On Tuesday the 9th of October six students from MFG played a starring role in the opening of the Geelong Technology School with the Minister for Education, Mr James Merlino.

Brodie Clingan Yr 7

Ella Colquhoun Yr 7

Sophia Richards Yr 8

Daisy Russell Yr 8

Georgia Clingan Yr 9

Sophie Watson Yr 9

Leading up to the opening day, the six girls worked on a STEAM task called ‘The Last Mile’ where they were challenged with the following design brief:

Ford has a problem: There is a fixed mindset around mobility. Smart mobility solutions is an emerging transport concept. Ford needs you and your team of designers to design a practical solution to help people to get from a train/car park, to their final destination - making the “Last Mile”.

The girls designed and built model hovercrafts!  They spent a morning at the Tech School last term thinking, building, trialling and testing their designs. They didn’t all work the first time, and lots of adjustments and new prototypes were needed.

But with perseverance, persistence, experimentation and collaboration they all created a moving, working hovercraft. During the formal opening of the Geelong Technology School the girls were able to showcase their awesome designs and working models, and explain to Mr Merlino how they tackled this challenging task.

Daisy best explained the process when she commented on the importance of asking questions along the way when they faced obstacles and then being able to have the time to explore those questions.

The Geelong Tech School will work with local secondary schools to enhance student learning and build the skills needed in future workforces. We are best positioned for our students to use the Tech School because we are within a 5 minute walk!

Learning will centre on industry-led projects in a high-tech environment. Innovative educational programs will be developed collaboratively by industry partners and teachers while being supported by experts in their fields. Technology will include computer applications, 3-D printers and laser cutting machines, robotics, design and electronics. 

https://www.thegordon.edu.au/gts

4th Annual Maker Faire

On October 11th 40 Grade 4-5 girls from Montpellier, Leopold, Clifton Springs and Geelong East Primary schools attended our fourth annual ‘Maker Faire’ (not an official Maker Faire event). This day also happened to be International Day of the Girl which was quite appropriate seeing as this day aims to highlight and address the needs and challenges girls face, while preparing then to enter a world that is being transformed by innovation and automation.  Each of the students participated in 3x45 minute workshops and many of these were designed and led by our MFG students. These workshops included coding using Spheros and Lego Mindstorm, playing with MakeyMakey, building structures and testing in an earthquake simulator, a robotics showcase and Virtual Reality experience. 

The primary school students had a challenging but enjoyable day and our students did us proud!  Many thanks to Bailee Adamson (Yr 11) and Karla Beaumont (Yr 10) who ran a workshop, Mr Toussaint and Mr McGarigle who worked with students to run workshops, and to Lachlan Patrick, Jo Eaton and Jordan Nowell from Deakin Uni who ran workshops too.

Mrs Toone

Leader of STEAM Learning and Initiatives