(Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths)
WHY WOULD I WANT TO DO STEMx?
Have you ever wanted to make the world a better place?
Everything we do in STEMx, we pride ourselves on breaking the traditional mould of STEM activities and curriculum. We believe in tackling real world issues through innovative design thinking frameworks and stepping out of traditional educational comfort zones.
HOW DOES THIS WORK IN STEMx?
The way we break the traditional mould of what STEM looks like is by making our curriculum student driven and student centred using enhanced learning experiences using a learning pit approach.
WHAT DOES STEMx LOOK LIKE?
Students engaging in the STEMx signature program here at Ferny Grove State High School engage in a program that has been thoughtfully created by an expert educator team around the premise of empathy for those around us. Students who apply to engage in the STEMx program can expect the following:
- A journey of building empathy, real world understanding, global competencies and 21st century skills to enable student responses to design problems to be as holistic as possible.
- Explore the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and concepts like Ripple Effects to build rigor into design making decisions.
- Students get to apply Scientific concepts, enriched through applied Technologies, using Engineering principles and Math methods understanding from their mainstream classes and apply these into their real world solutions to wicked problems.
- It is a unique combination of Math, Technologies and Science where students get to apply these subjects in a unique combination of outcomes, not replace the core subjects.
- The subject is based on the Design Technology KLA and utilises the Ferny Grove State High School Design Thinking Model to unpack each real world problem the students choose to solve. They do this first, then engage in prototyping and practical technology machinery and gadgets within the STEMx state of the art Maker Space Lab.
- It is their Technology elective on a year to year basis across Year 8 & Year 9 as a composite class and team taught.
- In Year 10 as an Elective with an Engineering focus pathway into Year 11/12 Engineering.
EXTERNAL PARTNERSHIPS?
- Queensland University of Technology – STEM for Schools program
- University of Queensland – Ideas Hub
- CSIRO – Mineral Resources, Pullenvale
- Nick Green (General Manager of Defence and Aerospace Special Projects)
- Eculideon Holographics - World First for a School based Holographic wall
- Re-Engineering Australia
- Foundation, Space in Schools
- Nation wide competition
- STEMPunks - innovative teaching practices and industry networks
- Inspired Education - technology, software resourcing and industry networks
- Dr Wesley Lamont, Curtin HIVE (Hub for Immersive Visulisation and eResearch) - Curtin University WA
- PFI - Nic Green, General
- Manager of Defence and Aerospace Special Projects
- University of Southern Queensland - Dr Fabian Zander (advanced Engineering and Space Sciences)
STEMx COMMITMENT
Students who take up this opportunity are expected to commit to the program for two years, with an option to continue into Year 10. Students will have a reduced range of other electives to choose from.
STEMx ENVIRONMENT
Our dedicated STEM labs provide a state of the art environment for our students to engage with their learning. Students will use laser cutters, 3D printers, VR, Holographic Wall and a variety of other technologies to enhance their learning.
APPLICATION
Students apply during Term 3 of Year 7 using the following 3 step selection process:
Step 1: by completing a questionnaire.
Step 2: short listed students will be given a design challenge to complete.
Step 3: further short listed students will be interviewed in a group setting.
Please note that this program is limited to a maximum of 28 students.