STEM News
Deakin Science and Engineering Challenge
At the Deakin Science and Engineering Challenge excursion on Wednesday, students were separated into groups of four, each group was assigned a colour band and then completed two set activities in the day. We competed against groups from other schools that were assigned the same colour in each activity.
My activities for the day were Confounding Communications and Wind Turbine.
From creating a complex code from only three colours, to building an aerodynamic wind turbine, my group engaged in a variety of fun and interesting tasks.
Other events included building traditional Aboriginal fish traps and designing a model plane, as well as a plethora of others.
Whilst everyone else was doing two activities, one team spent the entire day dedicated to building a bridge out of limited amounts of cardboard, wood, and tape. At the end of the day, all the schools gathered around to watch all the bridges get tested by progressively heavier weights.
The EDSC team's bridge performed very well, only being beaten by one other bridge.
Sadly, we didn't win the entire event, however it was still an amazing educational experience for all students involved.
Big Science Competition
The Big Science competition is an online competition testing science knowledge, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills and is open to years 7-10 students globally. Congratulations to the following students who achieved a High Distinction in the competition.
- Avyaan - 8C
- Ethan - 9C
- Eamon - 9A
- Vishvahhan - 9G
- Evan - 10L
Also, to other students who achieved Distinction, Credit and Participation certificates. The certificates will be distributed to students in the coming weeks.
STEM Challenges
The year 9 STEM classes recently designed and constructed a Rube Goldberg machine. A Rube Goldberg machine is a chain reaction-type machine or contraption intentionally designed to perform a simple task in a comically overcomplicated way.
The challenge was to construct a machine no taller than 50 cm high that a marble would take as close to 30 seconds to reach the bottom.
The students were judged on the common elements of a Rube Goldberg machine in the design as well as critical and creative thinking and collaboration.
Sally Polidano
Leading Teacher Science/STEM