STEM

It has been an incredible term for our Science, Technology and STEM learning areas during Term 2. Across the term, students have embraced opportunities to investigate, design, build and problem-solve, showcasing curiosity, creativity and innovation both inside and outside the classroom. Read below to hear about some of the highlights!

70th Anniversary Celebrations

Students in Years 7–9 Science classes celebrated Blackburn High School’s 70th Anniversary by completing a series of experiments themed around vintage science kits from the 1950s. Activities included powering a light globe using a lemon, and exploring classic chemistry demonstrations that would have inspired young scientists of the era. The lessons provided students with a fascinating insight into how science education has evolved over the past seven decades. Thank you to Ms. Reber for her support and planning in creating this engaging retrospective journey into science in the 1950s.

Year 8 Modelling CAT

Our Year 8 students spent the first half of the term constructing models in class to explain a body system of their choice. Students investigated systems such as the circulatory, respiratory, digestive and nervous systems before designing and creating models that demonstrated how these systems function. It was wonderful to see the creativity and problem solving displayed as students researched, designed and presented their working models. A few of our favourite creations are pictured below.

Let There Be Light!

Our Year 8 Science classes recently explored the topic of energy transformations through a hands-on lesson focused on electricity and light. Students investigated how electrical energy can be transformed into light and heat energy before trying their hand at constructing their own simple light globes. The activity challenged students to think like engineers as they worked through design problems and tested their creations. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect classroom learning with the technologies we use every day.

Science Talent Search

Under the expert guidance of Mrs. Wimalasuriya, students in Years 7–9 have been preparing their submissions for the 2026 Science Talent Search. Students have been working diligently on a range of projects, including scientific investigations, creative writing pieces, models, games and multimedia presentations. The competition provides an excellent opportunity for students to extend their scientific thinking and creativity beyond the classroom. With submissions due at the end of July, we are excited to see the results from this year’s judging day and wish all participants the very best.

Top Designs Excursion

A few weeks ago, Mr. Adrian Metheringham and our VCE Systems Engineering students attended the annual Top Designs exhibition. The exhibition showcases outstanding work from students across Victoria in areas including Systems Engineering, Product Design and Technology, Visual Communication Design and Media. Students were inspired by the innovative projects on display and gained valuable insight into the standard of work required to excel in VCE. It was particularly exciting to see examples of work created by former Blackburn High School students alongside projects from schools across the state.

Melbourne Robotics Tournament

Blackburn High School is excited to be hosting the Melbourne Robotics Tournament during the term break. The event will run on Friday 10 July and Saturday 11 July in the school gymnasium and will welcome schools and robotics teams from across Victoria. Competitors will put their engineering, programming and teamwork skills to the test as they compete in a series of exciting challenges. Spectators are warmly invited to attend and support the students as they showcase their innovation and problem-solving abilities.

BHS Robot – “The Burnouts”

Featured below is the newest addition to the Blackburn High School robotics family. Designed and built by our junior Robotics team, this robot represents many hours of planning, construction, programming and testing. Throughout the term, students have worked collaboratively to refine their design and prepare for competition. The team is excited to put their two robots through its paces at the Melbourne Robotics Tournament and hopes to secure a strong result during the school holidays. We wish them the very best of luck as they represent Blackburn High School on the competition stage.

As we conclude another busy and successful term, we would like to thank our students, staff and families for their ongoing support of Science, Technology and STEM learning at Blackburn High School. We look forward to sharing more exciting achievements and opportunities in Semester 2.