STEAM

Our STEAM program prepares students for life regardless of the profession they choose to pursue. Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics teach students how to think critically and how to solve problems — skills that can be used throughout life to help them get through tough times and take advantage of opportunities whenever they appear.

The range of opportunities provided in 2023 built on students’ curiosity and connected STEAM learning to solve real world problems, including collaborative and individual learning experiences that were hands-on, inquiry-based and support the achievement of deep knowledge.

STEAM Electives

The year 7 & 8 electives aim to challenge and equip students with science, technology, engineering, art and mathematic (STEAM) skills to solve authentic problems for the complex world around them.

Year 7 highlights included:

Investigating the use of QR codes and creating video media that can be attached to personalised QR codes.

Using Sphero robots to positively enhanced students’ learning by engaged and empowered students with hands-on learning in coding.
Creating 3D printed objects by completing a design process
Exploring engineering challenges involving flight and/or bridge structures.

Year 8 highlights included:

Investigating electricity and creating working circuits to add to 3D designed products.
Exploring astronomy through both a scientific and cultural perspective, by learning about different celestial objects and spacecrafts.
Creating models and structures to survive and escape natural disasters, by learning about how they are formed and how to prevent major damages.
Exploring the design process by creatively building armour and weapons out of recyclable materials.

This year we launched ‘STEAM – Future Builders’, for year 9 and 10 students.

Highlights included:

Investigating the roles of both block and text coding when programming Sphero robots to meet creative challenges, such as obstacle courses and chariot builds.
Exploring aerodynamics by designing and 3D printing gliders to test and fly.
Creating individual flat pack furniture prototypes using a lazer cutter, to enhance students’ learning of cyclical manufacturing.

STEAM CHALLENGES

Gippsland Tech School

GTS expanded into south and east Gippsland allowing many of our students to experience their programs.

Year 7 & 8 STEAM - In the tech taster program, students learnt about how the world of work is changing and the skills that will be most important for them as they move into the workforce. Students explored and used industry changing technologies. The space science program explored how technology is influencing Space Science and Exploration, experience mixed realities to learn about the solar system and code robots to collect data in a Mars exploration simulation.

Year 9 & 10 STEAM – at the ‘Extended Reality’ program students explored virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality as an instrument to enhance world scenarios and learn about how extended reality technology fit as a tool for industry and community.