What will students be doing in the classroom?
Students will spend 1-2 hours per week over 8 weeks on this STEM project. The project is aligned across Science, Maths, and Digital Technologies curriculum outcomes and is focused on the Science units of work including Living World, Material World, Physical World, Earth and Space, Digital Technologies. The program is structured around design thinking and inquiry-based learning explained below.
Design thinking
“Design Thinking is an iterative process in which we seek to understand the user, challenge assumptions, and redefine problems to identify alternative strategies and solutions that might not be instantly apparent with our initial level of understanding. At the same time, Design Thinking provides a solution-based approach to solving problems. It is a way of thinking and working as well as a collection of hands-on methods.” (Interaction Design Foundation)
The program is structured around the five stages of design thinking:
- Empathise
- Define the problem
- Ideate
- Prototype
- Test
Inquiry-based learning
Inquiry-based learning emphasises the student's role in the learning process. Rather than the teacher telling students what they need to know, students are encouraged to explore the material, ask questions, and share ideas.
How can STEM play continue at home?
We encourage families to take part in STEM exploration with their child as we take them through the design thinking process with their teachers and peers in class. For each phase of design thinking, there are questions to engage students and inspire curiosity. By knowing what they are up to in the classroom, families can engage in a more meaningful conversation about all the real-world opportunities there are to apply STEM skills.
There are amazing resources online to continue STEM learning for free. Some that we recommend:
- https://microbit.org/ - Use the online simulator to learn how to code an electronics board
- https://code.org/ - There are hundreds of projects for all different ages to teach your kids to code
- https://www.tinkercad.com/ - Get your kids thinking in 3D with this design software
“My daughter absolutely loved this program, has a renewed sense of accomplishment and felt incredibly valued in her group. I will be investing in a Microbit and look into the Tech Girls are Superheroes Competition.” - Parent
Gender equity in STEM
This program aims to increase the interest and confidence of all students in STEM while also addressing the 'leaky pipeline' of girls in STEM. We have put together some statistics and resources that can help you understand why girls opt out of STEM.
Frequently asked questions
Why is UTS delivering this program?
Is this program for both girls and boys?
How will the program be evaluated?
What role do families play in encouraging students to have an interest in STEM?
What STEM equipment can I buy for my child?
What other opportunities are there for girls in STEM?
Have any questions?
Speak to your child's teacher with any questions or concerns and they will get in touch with us.