Science Technology Engineering and Maths 

Foundation

Over the past fortnight, our Foundation students have been learning how to communicate and collaborate effectively during STEM projects as part of their Design Technologies learning. Students have been working in small groups to plan, discuss and develop ideas before beginning construction. They have been learning to share roles, listen to each other’s suggestions and make joint decisions as a team.

To support this learning, students have been using our Makedo cardboard construction tool sets to design and build simple structures. Students have been practising the early stages of the design process - imagining, planning and creating, while also learning the language to describe what they are doing.

Year 1 and 2

Our Year 1 and 2 students have been exploring how computers are designed and how their internal components work together. Over the past few weeks, they have created model motherboards and have now begun constructing the outer case of their computer. As part of their Digital Technologies learning, students have been investigating key components, including the CPU, which acts like the computer’s ‘brain’ and processes instructions, the RAM, which is the short-term memory that stores information while the computer is working, and the hard drive, which is the long-term memory that keeps information safe when the computer is turned off.

Students are now applying this knowledge through hands-on construction. They are learning to measure accurately, mark materials carefully and cut pieces safely to build the case for their model computer. This task has supported their understanding of how digital systems are structured, while also helping them develop their planning, design and fine-motor skills.

Year 3

Our Year 3 students have been working hard to complete their clubhouse models. Over the past fortnight, they have been exploring different ways to support structures so they remain stable and do not collapse. Students have investigated techniques such as reinforcing joints, increasing stability by widening the base and ensuring weight is distributed evenly throughout the structure. This learning has helped students understand how forces act on buildings and why thoughtful planning is needed to ensure strong, safe designs. We are very proud of the creativity and persistence they have shown throughout this project.

Year 4

Our Year 4 students are now reaching the exciting end of their construction phase and have begun connecting their Makey Makey boards to bring their projects to life. As part of their learning in Digital Systems, students have been developing their understanding of how electrical circuits work, and have been using key vocabulary such as open circuit, closed circuit, parallel and continuous path while explaining their thinking. They have been testing their designs, identifying areas that need adjustment, and making improvements to ensure the circuits work reliably. It has been fantastic to see students applying both technical knowledge and creativity as they finalise their projects.

Year 5

Our Year 5 students are currently focusing on the visual design elements of their projects, exploring ways to ensure their work is aesthetically appealing and clearly presented. As part of their Design and Technologies learning, students have been considering how colour, layout, proportion and visual balance can influence the quality of a design. They are now approaching the end of the design process and are evaluating their work against their original plans, identifying improvements, and refining elements to enhance the final product. Throughout this stage, students have been demonstrating their ability to generate, test and modify their ideas in response to feedback, which is a key component of the Year 5 Design Technologies learning.

Year 6

Our Year 6 students are now turning their attention inward, designing and furnishing the interiors of their Minecraft Grand Designs homes. Many students have discovered that they have plenty of budget remaining, which has led to thoughtful discussions on value, resource planning and making purposeful design choices, perhaps we have some savvy builders on our hands!

As part of the Design and Technologies curriculum, students are applying the full design process: planning, creating, evaluating and refining their work. Students are also reviewing their original plans to ensure they are meeting the design brief and staying accountable to their allocated budget.