STEM IE

SPECIALIST PROGRAMS & EVENTS ▾
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) touches every aspect of our lives, from our smartphones to the technologies. STEM enables us to explore the world around us.

Our students need a strong foundation in STEM to help drive the innovation needed in our fast changing global economy, understanding that a lot of job demands arise from these areas.

At Whyalla High School we have made it one of our priorities to implement STEM activities across the middle school curriculum. This means that aspects of STEM are either embedded in core and experiential subjects or are run as separate choice subjects at different year levels.

School Activities (Non-lesson based)

In addition to activities in lessons, students get a chance to broaden their creativity and innovation skills in other school programs.
These include:
• Science and Engineering Challenge
• UniSA Connect Program
• Questacon Workshops
• UniSA STEM Innovation Experience (STEMIE)
• Science/Numeracy Week activities
• 3D Designing and Printing

Year 9 STEM

Length Semester
Contact Person Ms Lauren Schwerdt

Description

Students develop skills in collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and problem solving through the exploration of STEM components. This subject will focus on sustainability, renewable and non-renewable energy, and horticulture, all within the Engineering Design Process, through theoretical and practical means with the possibility of 3D modelling principles.

During the practical component, students create structures and test the effectiveness of their designs. They will make alterations to their projects and discuss changes they’ve made throughout the assessment. The theory component will get students to explore the basics of a variety of principles related to the study at focus.

Assessment

• Folio (written and practical)
• Practical Projects

Year 10 STEM

Length Semester
Contact Person Ms Lauren Schwerdt

Description

Students work individually and collaboratively on projects that integrate the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. They explore real world issues through a variety of contexts. Students will participate in a series of practical activities as they develop and showcase their knowledge and understanding.

For the theoretical component, students explain practical findings and make suggestions for improvements based on the Engineering Design Process. The STEM skills developed within this program are transferable to other subjects and help develop the ability to problem solve and evaluate practical findings. Some of the projects may include redevelopments to improve tourism in Whyalla, creating a sports complex, planning a major event that Whyalla will host.

Assessment

• Folio (written and practical)
• Research Assessments
• Practical Projects