STEM
STEM challenges support the development of critical and creative thinking, problem-solving and persistence. The challenges are suitable for all ages and can be undertaken individually or involve the whole family. Working in a team supports the development of skills in communication, teamwork and collaboration. Each challenge is built around the design thinking process. You can find STEM challenges on the Fridays of each guided learning from home package.
Two week learning sequences
These detailed programs offer a two week unit of work that builds student skills.
How can I protect my favourite toy from the changes in weather?
Students will:
- identify different types of weather and how the weather changes
- identify a place to play and how the weather affects its use
- design a solution to an authentic problem for their favourite toy: 'How can I protect my favourite toy from the changes in weather?'
- apply their knowledge of measurement and number within the design solution.
Resources
- Learning sequence – weather Early Stage 1 (DOCX 217KB)
- Student workbook – weather Early Stage 1 (DOCX 270KB)
- Parent advice – weather Early Stage 1 (DOCX 192KB)
Magnificent vehicle
Students will:
- design a solution to an authentic problem: 'How can a most magnificent vehicle carry a thank you message to someone special?'
- identify and explore the effects of the characteristics of different objects including their materials and their movement
- investigate how push and pull forces create movement
- apply their knowledge of 2D shapes, measurement and position within their design solution
- identify someone special in their life to whom they would like to express gratitude
- demonstrate communication skills to express these feelings
- understand how Aboriginal nations expressed gratitude and respect.
Resources
How can we invent an outside game that can be played in both the winter and summer seasons?
Students will:
- learn about the weather, time and caring respectful relationships in order to invent an inclusive game
- develop skills in recognising time and developing imaginative texts as part of this project.
Resources
- Learning sequence – invent an outside game Stage 1 (DOCX 217KB)
- Student workbook – invent an outside game Stage 1 (DOCX 2.8MB)
Magnificent vehicles
Students will:
- design a solution to an authentic problem: 'How can a most magnificent vehicle carry a special parcel to my neighbours?'
- identify the characteristics of different vehicles including their materials and their movement
- investigate light and sound energy and how they are can be used for a specific purpose
- explore the effect of light and sound energy on how vehicles are designed and their purpose
- apply their knowledge of 2D shapes and 3D objects, measurement and position within their design solution
- identify the needs of their neighbours as members of their community
- demonstrate inclusive and respectful behaviours
- explore kinships as an important part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders cultures.
Resources
Sustainable practices
Students will:
- investigate natural processes and human activity in order to develop a view in relation to sustainable practices
- design a solution to an authentic problem where human activity has impacted natural processes on the Earth’s surface: 'How can we protect our environment from the effects of human actions involving physical activity?'
- apply their knowledge of measurement and data analysis within the design solution
- explore the benefits of regular physical activity in maintaining health and fitness.
Native animals
Students will:
- design a solution to an authentic problem by creating a system that monitors or protects a small Australian native animal
- identify the characteristics of systems and apply their knowledge of measurement, forces and properties of materials in the design solution.
Resources
Module 1 – Students will research and discover future transportation options to carriage resources across Australia. They will explore sustainability issues relating to the industry and possible renewable energy sources to power their vehicles. They will develop an understanding of the vast systems in the Australian transport network, due to Australia's large area and low population density in considerable parts of the country, and the spread of natural and developed resources.
Module 2 – Students will design and build a prototype of a future transport vehicle and the system/network it would operate in. They will test, share for feedback to refine design solutions, and present with justifications to an audience. Students will review their portfolio and reflect on their actions, processes and thinking.
Associated resources
The two-week programs linked above all have related digital student resources and printable student workbooks that are located in our filterable resource library.
You can also find ideas and activities on our curated list of external digital resources.
Distance education resources
Access K-6 distance education resources developed to support students that cannot access a physical school. The Distance education network offers these documents to support teachers delivering off campus learning. They are not designed for all learning contexts and are not anticipated to address all syllabus outcomes. Curriculum experts are reviewing them and when quality assured versions are available they will be highlighted.
While the resources support independent student study, they must be used in consultation with their subject teacher.