iSTEM
A hands-on course that delivers science, technology, engineering and mathematics education in an interdisciplinary, innovative and integrated fashion.
About the iSTEM course
iSTEM is an innovative student-centred elective. It integrates science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The course focuses on the skills and knowledge required by local and national industries.
iSTEM teaches students:
- STEM knowledge and understanding
- to develop the skills needed to undertake guided inquiries
- problem-solving activities
- engineering design processes.
Students may undertake either 100 or 200 hours of study in iSTEM in Stage 5. Courses are structured in the following ways:
- a 100-hour course consisting of either
- Core 1 and Core 2 and one elective and one specialised option
- Core 1 and Core 2 and 2 specialised options
- a 200-hour course consisting of Core 1 and Core 2 and at least one elective and up to 5 specialised options.
Schools may need to consider the following if delivering iSTEM:
- time for planning and programming
- work, health and safety
- resourcing, including:
- staffing
- new teaching resources and materials
- budget implications to upskill teachers.
Teachers may require time to upskill and build their knowledge in order to deliver the course.
Industry links and pathways – the purpose of any STEM initiative must involve active engagement with the wider educational community, government and industry groups.
Course documents
Schools must use the iSTEM course document (DOCX 382 KB) to develop educational programs for this course. The musy comply with the
Assessment advice
iSTEM assessment advice (DOCX 147 KB) is available to assist teachers to select a range of different activities for the purpose of assessing and reporting.
Assessment activities should:
- reflect the school's organisation of the course
- provide students with opportunities to show their learning.
Department-approved elective courses are not credited on the Record of School Achievement (RoSA).
Teaching resources
Schools may choose to adapt or modify this content or use other materials suitable to their local context, provided they comply with the course documents.
STEM fundamentals
- STEM fundamentals – learning sequence (DOCX 167 KB)
- STEM fundamentals – sample assessment package (DOCX 187 KB)
Project-based learning
Computer-aided design (CAD)
- Learning sequence – computer-aided design (CAD) (DOCX 108 KB)
- Sample assessment package – computer-aided design (CAD) (DOCX 189 KB)
Critical problem solving
- Learning sequence – critical problem solving (DOCX 220 KB)
- Assessment task – critical problem solving (DOCX 158 KB)
Project-based learning extension
Aeronautical engineering
- Learning sequence – aeronautical engineering (DOCX 204 KB)
- Sample assessment package – aeronautical engineering (DOCX 3.3 MB)
Cyber security
Design for space
- Learning sequence – design for space: Critical problem solving (DOCX 184 KB)
- Learning sequence – design for space: ProtoSat (DOCX 178KB)
- Sample assessment – design for space: ProtoSat (DOCX 191 KB)
Mechatronics
- Learning sequence – mechatronics and robotics autonomous car (DOCX 200 KB)
- Sample assessment – mechatronics and robotics (DOCX 190 KB)
MedTech
Surveying and geospatial engineering
Learning sequence – surveying and geospatial engineering (DOCX 212 KB)
Sustainable transport
Professional learning
Engaging with professional learning courses may help you develop knowledge, understanding and skills for effective course implementation.
- Complete the department approved elective course – iSTEM microlearning (NR36618)
- Access recordings from statewide staffroom sessions via the Teaching and learning 7–12 statewide staffroom
Contact
For more information:
- visit the Teaching and Learning 7–12 statewide staffroom including the Stage 5 Elective – iSTEM channel
- email secondaryteachingandlearning@det.nsw.edu.au