Science Technology Engineering and Maths
Foundation
This fortnight in STEM, the Foundation students took a brief pause from their boat-building projects to explore how technology has changed over time.
They focused on the evolution of how food is kept cold—starting with the early use of blocks of ice stored in insulated cabinets to keep things cool, all the way through to the modern fridge/freezers we use today. Students were fascinated to learn that some fridges now even have digital screens and smart technology built in!
This exploration sparked great conversations about how inventions improve over time to make our lives easier and more efficient. It was a fun and meaningful way for our students to begin thinking about the purpose of technology and how it continues to evolve.
Students will be returning to their boats soon!
Year 1
This fortnight, our Year 1 students took a short detour from their balloon car projects to explore the fascinating journey of how technology has developed over time.
One of the most surprising discoveries was learning that at the start of the 1950s, many families didn’t have a television in their homes! This mind-blowing idea led to thoughtful discussions about what life might have been like without the screens and devices we’re so used to today.
Students used their imagination to picture what it would be like to live in a home without a TV or tablets and then cast their minds forward to predict what technology might look like in the future. From floating TVs to holographic phones and robot helpers, their ideas were full of creativity and curiosity!
Year 2
Year 2 students have been working incredibly hard on their Most Magnificent Thing projects—and their creativity has truly shone! Inspired by the picture storybook, students have been following the design process step by step: planning, sketching, modelling with playdough, and now building their final creations.
What makes this project so special is that each student has a clear purpose behind their design. Inventions like helpful robots, eco-friendly vehicles, animal shelters, cleaning machines, and even snack dispensers for classrooms have been developed! Each creation reflects not only imaginative thinking but also thoughtful problem-solving and teamwork.
Once their magnificent things are built, students will create a design card to explain the function and purpose of each part of their invention. This helps students connect their ideas to real-world solutions and understand that good design has meaning and intention.
Year 3
Year 3 students have been busy discovering how different materials help keep things cold as part of our ongoing investigation into heat transfer and insulation. Through experiments, students tested various classroom materials to see which ones were most effective at slowing down the melting of ice. These activities have helped build a strong understanding of how insulation works and why it’s important in everyday life.
Looking ahead to Term 2, students will be putting their new knowledge to the test by designing their very own new and improved lunchboxes! They’ll consider factors such as insulation, durability, and functionality, applying the skills they’ve developed this term to create lunchboxes that help keep food fresh for longer.
Year 4
Year 4 students have been diving into the world of biosecurity and robotics by taking on the excitingchallenge of designing their own biosecurity robots! Building on what they've learned in class about pest control and protecting our environment, students are working to adapt one of the existing robots at school to represent a specific biosecurity measure or pest control method.
This project encourages students to think critically about real-world problems and how technology can be used to solve them. They have been exploring solutions like traps, barriers, natural predators, and even detection systems, and are now creatively applying those ideas to their robot adaptations.
It’s been amazing to see the students combine their knowledge of design, technology, and environmental science to create something with a meaningful purpose. We can’t wait to see their robots in action as they work to protect Australia’s biosecurity—one invention at a time
Year 5
Year 5 students have been hard at work designing and building their own water wheel prototypes as part of their exploration into renewable energy and simple machines. Using their understanding of how water wheels work, they’ve been testing and refining their models to better understand how water flow and blade design affect movement and efficiency.
As they wrap up their prototypes, students are preparing to take the next big step—designing a final version of their water wheels to be 3D printed! This stage will allow them to apply their learning in a digital format, considering both function and form as they bring their water wheel designs to life with precision and creativity.
It’s been fantastic to see their problem-solving skills and engineering thinking shine through, and we can’t wait to see their final 3D-printed models in action!
Year 6
Our Year 6 students have been diving into an STEM assessment task, where they are challenged to design and create their own mini-games using Spheros. This project encourages students to think deeply about game design, player experience, and technology integration.
Students are responsible for developing all aspects of their game—from setting up the rules and scoring system to determining how the Sphero will be used as part of the gameplay. They are also designing their own game cards, which will serve as an instruction guide for others to follow.
Once complete, their games will be tested by a peer class, who will follow the game card instructions and provide feedback.
Media Hub Launch at Craigieburn Primary!
Craigieburn Primary is excited to announce that our brand new Media Hub in the STEM room is officially up and running—complete with equipment to support student creativity and digital storytelling!
Students in 6A were the first to try out our new Green Screen setup and Voice Production station, diving into the world of media creation with enthusiasm and curiosity. From experimenting with backgrounds to recording high-quality voiceovers, our students are already beginning to develop exciting new skills in digital communication, storytelling, and media editing.
We can't wait to see how students across the school will use this new space to bring their ideas to life—whether it’s through news reports, creative films, podcasts, or digital presentations. The Media Hub is all about hands-on learning, collaboration, and building the skills of tomorrow—today!
