STEM – It’s Never Too Early for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

STEM – It’s Never Too Early for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

This term in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM):

  • Pre-Kindergarten students explored their five senses: they went on a magnifying glass scavenger hunt to explore sight; made smelly potions using their sense of smell; used their sense of hearing to make string cup telephones; explored touch with mystery feel boxes and finally explored taste with a taste test! In the second half of the term students explored the letters of STEM. In their exploration of ‘T for technology’ they got to use the new Bluebot robots and programmed them to go into houses they constructed.
  • Year 3 used their investigation into biomes, making decisions about appropriate flora and fauna to inform the construction of a rainforest in Minecraft Education.
  • Year 4 completed a study on forces, namely gravity, air resistance, and shock absorption, to help them to design, construct, and test prototypes of a supply drop module to send materials to Mars.
  • Year 6 students learnt about the features of animals including structural and behavioural adaptations, and how to use these properties to identify them. Using block-based coding, students designed, modified, and followed algorithms to create an animal classifier.  Some students also took on the challenge to use Python text-based programming to create their classifier.

The STEM co-curricular clubs provided opportunities for students to engage with STEM-related activities and concepts outside of their classroom lessons. 

  • Year 6 Code Club supplemented their Python language skills using Minecraft Education.
  • Year 3 Robotics Club undertook weekly challenges with LEGO EV3 robotics kits. 
  • Year 2 Tinkerbelles, with the help of our Technology Captains and Monitors, explored engineering concepts to build toothpick towers, cranes, and a scissor-arm grabber.

Since we entered our first single Year 5 team in 2017, we have seen a jump in the number of teams preparing to represent MLC School at the RoboCup Jr NSW Open competition in August.  There are now six teams, comprised of students from Year 5 to Year 10. 

It has a been a busy start to the year in the STEM Lab and we look forward to more STEM fun to come!

– Bede Schofield and Marie Cassar
Junior School Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Coordinators

Click on the image gallery for full sized images.