Science
Year 7 Monash Tech School Excursion
Year 7 Science students participated in an innovative educational program devised, in conjunction with industry partners, to foster design-thinking and 21st Century skills. An on-site experience at Monash Tech School included:
- a tour of the facilities
- use of new technologies to encourage a fresh understanding of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
- development of team working ability
- introduction of experiential design thinking skills
Students were exposed to new technology and machinery, the design thinking process and collaborative problem solving and were required to create either a bionic, implant or wearable device to support a condition of the body – hence the name of this program: SUPERHUMANS.
Students read about a patient who had an issue with their hand, eye, heart or kidney, then worked on a prototype to support their condition. Students worked through various layers of understanding to develop a holistic approach to solve the problem.
Once students had arrived at their plan they used software to build their 3D model then a high tech device was used to make a prototype.
The final component of this experience was for the team to create a presentation around their prototype - a 'pitch' to the audience.
Students worked in teams communicating and collaborating with each other in a respectful and supportive manner. They invested time and energy and ensured equity of contribution to solve a real-world problem. Conflict resolution, sharing of opinions and justifying an idea were all part of this future skills-based program.
Judging by the smiles, energy and commitment shown by our students the program was a success.
We would like to thank the team at MTS for providing us with the opportunity to visit their new premises at Monash University and to participate in this innovative 'real world' learning opportunity.
Mr Steven Kuruc
Science teacher
Year 8 Monash Tech School Excursion
For three days, two Year 8 Science classes visited the Monash Tech School to explore how renewable energy could impact towns in Victoria.
In teams, they created a company which was tasked with setting up a type of renewable source in a given Victorian town. The choices of renewable energy were either: hydro, solar, biofuel or wind. Half of the team created an app to be used to educate the town about why they should implement renewable energy, and they identified key advantages to the technology.
The other half used a program to simulate what the town would look like with renewable energy. Students were required to be creative in their problem solving to generate data about the town when using renewable energy.
Students enjoyed the opportunity to think about a real-world problem in this great facility which allowed them to develop their STEM skills in a new and challenging environment.
Ms Emma Love
Science teacher