STEM

Welcome back

It has been great to see all the students back and eager to get started on this terms learning.

Our big focus in Term 4 is on Artificial Intelligence. 

The Foundation, and Level 1/2 have classes have spent the first 2 weeks getting better acquainted with ScratchJr. This is an app that starts to teach block coding at a beginner level. Most students have already used ScratchJr in their own class learning time, but in STEM they will get a better understanding of how computers think and how to give direct instruction. The experimentation with ScratchJr leads on to using the Dash Robots and Sphero Bolts as they move through middle and senior primary. It also give them the entry level understanding into how AI is programmed and how it can start to think for itself.

Having already worked with coding earlier in the year, the 3/4 and 5/6 classes are taking a more in depth look at Artificial Intelligence. They have already learnt the key factors that determine whether a machine has intelligence as opposed to simply clever programming. As the term progresses they will have opportunities to contribute data to different AI systems, and see how machine learning occurs. They will also look at the pros and cons of integrating AI into everyday life, considering the safety concerns, ethical implications and potential for advancements in science and technology.

An exciting term of STEM is already underway.