WTS
Newsletter
Teacher PL series Micro:
bit Advanced Session
The advanced session of Micro:bit Teacher PL series was run virtually on 17th March. At this session we explored more advanced features and coding operations. Attendees also learned how the fundamentals of computer programming can be combined with micro-controllers and peripheral components to create interactive electronic and electro-mechanical applications. The session covered the following:
- LEDs
- Servos (motors)
- Radio
- Demo on how to connect a relay
- Grove kit sensors and their integration with micro:bit
Attendees also:
- Compiled a portfolio of programs that utilise a range of micro:bit features and components
- Developed an understanding of how to introduce micro:bit in their classroom and apply it to simple projects.
Student Ambassador day
On the 22nd of March, 43 students from our secondary partner schools participated in their first Student Ambassador Workshop at the Whittlesea Tech School.
We started the day with the Talisman activity, with students working in pairs to design and develop custom name badges. Students then moved through the following skill up sessions:
- Micro:bit – Input/output
- Illustrator/Laser cutter
- TinkerCAD
Second session starting on 31 May 2021
If you would like to get in early and register your Student Ambassadors for the second workshop on the 31st of May, please use the link below.
As a Student Ambassador you will:
• Engage with a variety of technology on-site at the Tech School• Develop communication skills through running activities at Tech School events• Develop leadership capabilities including teamwork, communication, facilitation, collaboration, creativity.• Network with students from other schools, industry partners and community groups
What's on offer:• Team-building: how to build an effective team (ANZ Bank)• Science communication workshop (Science Gallery Melbourne)• Planning and implementation of the annual Maker Faire• Access to technology and equipment (Makerspace) Telstra and DETStudents will explore the relationship between bees and food security by creating a bee friendly environment. They will learn about the science of bees and bee colonies, environmental factors that affect hive health, discover CSIROs smart hive technologies, and use data from the CSIRO Bees with Backpack project.
Register using the below form:
AutoCrops Program Day
This week we launched our AutoCrops program for the Year 9 Epping Secondary College students. Students learnt about urban farming and designed an innovation for Farmwall, a local urban farming enterprise and our industry partner. The innovation in question was for a home-based aquaponics system that many Melbournians used to grow their own food over 2020. The students came up with various ideas that will help Farmwall with the various challenges they wish to solve. Students created sketches and 3D-printed prototypes, as well programmed micro:bit sensors to showcase their ideas. The innovations they designed will be judged by the Founder and CEO of Farmwall, Geert Hendrix, with the winning school taking home their own Farmwall aquaponics system, and the winning team a personal Farmwall kit to start growing their own veggies at home. We’d like to thank the students and their teachers for being a part of the program, and wish them the best of luck in the competition!
Tech School Programs -
Book now!
Introduction to Entrepreneurship
After the successful delivery of two terms of Introduction to Entrepreneurship program, we have re-vamped our 2021 offerings. In the spirit of design thinking, this new iteration of the program is based on feedback from students, teachers, schools, and stakeholders. If you have individual students, whole classes or year levels that would like a deep dive into the methodologies used in the start-up ecosystems globally - we have the program for you! The Introduction to Entrepreneurship covers entrepreneurship mindset, how to ideate for a business/impact idea, and how to test your idea using the business model canvas and value propositions. Tools used globally by innovation labs, pre-accelerators, and accelerators across many domains, including social impact. The program is super flexible from online/face-to-face offerings right from a 2-day intensive or 5-week (90 min) sessions.
We have two streams:
1. two day face to face program for partner schools;
and
2. high ability program for Government Schools through the Victorian Enrichment Series offered online and face to face.
Both programs provide a pathway to our Student Academy accelerator 5 day intensive program. They say that the economy in the next decade will be the decade of the Entrepreneurs! Let's give our students a head start! Book a quick consultation with Aisha Dani - Program Manager to find out more: AishaDani@melbournepolytechnic.edu.au
Bees with Backpacks
Industry partner:
CSIRO, Telstra, Tech Schools and DET
The Bees with Backpacks program will have students exploring the relationship between bees and food security by creating a bee friendly environment. They will learn about the science of bees and bee colonies, environmental factors that affect hive health, discover CSIROs smart hive technologies, and use data from the CSIRO Bees with Backpack project. The program is mainly completed at school using our teaching and learning resources with a timeframe of around 6 to 7 lessons.After completion of the school based component, schools will book a one day session at the Tech School for students to build their prototype using our facilities. Later in the year, there will be a showcase event for the best design solution with Tech Schools across the State participating in a design and pitch session.
Email: whittleseats@melbournepolytechnic.edu.au
With the subject:
Bees with Backpack program booking
New After School Club - DESIGN CLUB
The Tech School Design Club is back! For those with a passion in digital design. Over six weeks, students engage in topics that include basic drawings, tracing, perspective, gradient and collage using industry-standard design software, Adobe Illustrator. Our expert facilitators will provide live demonstrations of tools and techniques, followed by time allocated for students to create their own designs or work on individual activities or projects.Tech School staff will be on hand to provide support and guidance where needed. Each session will conclude with a group discussion and an opportunity to share. This club will provide a fun opportunity to be creative whilst learning how to use a powerful and professional design tool!This program in particular, looks to inspire girls into the world of STEM. A flyer will be sent to schools next week. Let us know if you're interested via the link below and we will send you an application form including details of the sessions.
When: Term 2, 2021
Time: Wednesday 4:30pm to 5:30pm
Location: Whittlesea Tech School
Year Level: 7 to 12
email: whittleseats@melbournepolytechnic.edu.au
Map my school competition
It's an opportunity to teach students mapping skills in a fun activity that uses satellite data to uncover and map how much shade is on your school grounds. SheMaps have created all the teaching resources for you, and curriculum mapped the student activities to Digital Technologies, HASS and Geography subjects. Winners will be getting 10 DJI Tello drones!To learn more and to register, click the link below!
https://education.shemaps.com/mmscomp?r_done=1
MAKE: Learning Labs
The MAKE: Community is piloting a mentoring program for students between the age of 17 and 24 years old. Students will be working with mentors on personal project and benefit from the mentor's expertise and knowledge. The program will initially run for 4 months with mentors volunteering their time for up to 1 hour a week. If you would like to know more about mentoring opportunities and MAKE: Learning Labs, email the MAKE: Community below.