STEM

STEM CLUB

On Tuesday March 21 Academy’s first-ever STEM club meeting kicked off! STEM is notably a significant aspect of life at the Academy, which is why I knew when I applied to become a senior leader I wanted to give the students more opportunities to build an exciting relationship with STEM, so after working closely with the STEM teachers to plan activities and set up a club, I am proud to say our first ever meeting was a big hit! We got the students to stack cups, but the trick was they couldn’t touch the cups with their hands, after some thinking and some trial and error the towers were getting bigger and bigger to the point where we needed to run to get more cups. It was amazing to see the students find creative solutions that I would have never thought of. Some of my favourite memories when I was in year 7 were staying back into lunchtime completing pracs, getting to visually see why we were doing what we were doing, and being given the opportunity to come up with my own conclusions after some trial and error, things like this ignited my passion in STEM and it was incredibly heartwarming to be able to pass this on. Throughout the year, we will be meeting every Tuesday to perform activities in each area of STEM! So if you’re thinking about coming along, we’d be overjoyed to see you there! 

Ella Dale, Year 12

MATHEMATICS: Pi Day

The competition was a very intense competition, and all the other competitors did an amazing job. When I first heard about the competition, I was willing to compete and win for my class. When the day of the competition came closer, I started to get really nervous and worried that I wouldn’t do well. However, I was determined and confident at the same time. As soon as they called my name out to go to the stage in the spotlight, I started to control my breathing and had to make sure that I didn’t forget anything. I was really proud of myself when I won the competition because then I knew that all that hard work wasn’t for nothing. Overall, I am very happy that I won a point for my class (7 Silver), and I was able to beat my own score. 

Prytha Long 7 Silver

On Tuesday 14th of March (International Pi Day), the Maths Committee hosted a Pi recital competition for the Year 7s. Two students from each Mentor Group represented their class and tried their best to memorize as many digits of pi as they could, trying to beat last year’s record of 83. Pi practice parties took place a week before the competition to help prepare, and when it came to the day they all had their game faces on, ready to compete against one another!

When it came to lunch time, the atmosphere was through the roof! Many peers came to support their friends and to encourage everyone. The day was run by the Year 10 Maths Committee; Clara Faraci, Emma Otsuka, Eloise Aravena and Lucy Collins. The event was supervised by Mr Capp. 

Each student stood in front of the group, and overlooked their peers as they recited to the best of their abilities.

Everyone received tasty prizes, but the top 3 Pi Champions were… 

3rd Place - Martina Kaldas with 65 

2nd Place - Ruby Gauci 83

1st place, with 101 numbers - Prytha Long 

Overall it was a great day and, everyone left with a smile on their faces and looking forward to what the Maths Committee has in store for the rest of the year !

Maths Committee Yr 10 

F1 ROLEX GRAND PRIX

The VCE VET Creative and Digital Media Year 12 class recently attended a STEM event at the F1 Rolex Grand Prix entitled Driving Learning Program at the Melbourne Grand Prix in Albert Park.

Getting there on public transport was quite straight-forward as Yarra Trams had put on express trams to the GP from Spencer street. Although the trams were very crowded, everyone was in high spirits and looking forward to their day. The purpose of taking students along to such an event was to further inspire them to pursue their interests in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and understand the diverse pathways and careers that STEM and the motorsport industry can offer.

The students learned about how lightweight parachutes can be used to slow vehicles and took part in designing their own parachute to stop a small car. They also had the opportunity to visit a variety of presentations how STEM is used to enhance capabilities in organisations such as the Australian Defence Force, Victoria Police, iFly, Quantum Victoria and many more. In teams of three, our students even participated in a competition to see if they could change the tyre on an F1 racing car in under 2 seconds using an air-driven rattle gun. This was definitely a highlight.

Even with ear plugs, the noise of the cars was impressive and the speed at which they fly by was incredible. Although we did not have the best viewing point from which to watch the racing, we were still able to be fully immersed in the experience.

Here is what the students said:

“I liked the new experiences such as the pit stop and watching the racing. I found it interesting the professional’s speed at changing the tyres.” 

Cathy Vo Year 11

“Something I found most interesting and fun in the day was when my group and I changed a tyre together. It was quite stressful under time pressure and learning how to do it but in the end, it was fun and informative. I also loved watching the cars race. I have never seen that before in real life so watching and hearing how loud they were was amazing.” 

Ellen Daffey Year 11

“I enjoyed seeing the F1,2 and 3 practice. What I found interesting was the different groups there like the drones and the Army's burnout trucks. I also learned a bit more about how parachutes help slow down cars like in drag racing. Overall it was a really good day.”   

Claudia Aiton Year 11

I found the types of cars used in Formula 1 was interesting and how many people came to watch. It's also interesting to see how many people participate as drivers. I enjoyed the whole trip however I would've enjoyed it more if the view of the cars racing was better as I really enjoy watching vehicles racing. 

Ivy Vo Year 11

TERM 2

BEBRAS computational Thinking Challenge  (IT students) – First round

Top Designs (IT students) visit exemplary works from Creative and Digital Media students of 2022 

SYN-FM  participate in a Radio Tour at RMIT University and create a short radio show.

Kate Jones Information Technology Learning Leader