Together with Engineers Without Borders Australia we deliver an authentic Project Based Learning experience to primary and high school students at no cost to the schools.
The program delivery commenced with visits to Bourke High School and Brewarrina Christian School, emphasising the establishment of trust among the UTS staff, students, and school communities, with a focus on fostering a culturally safe learning environment. The curriculum centres around Drone Technology, specifically delving into Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering principles, enabling students to grasp the technology and physics underpinning drones. Subsequently, students will engage in constructing and programming drones for self-designed projects that meet a need of the community they are living in. A student proposed utilising drones for pest management in Brewarrina, specifically targeting areas where wild pigs and goats pose a threat to local waterways-a fantastic suggestion.
The goal of the program is to engage high schools to solve real-world problems with STEM skills. The students will complete the project over five weeks subject to timetabling. In the final lesson of the program, students will pitch their solutions in a showcase to the school community.
Students from Brewarrina Christina School setting their drone up to do a back flip.
We had the privilege of collaborating with the students, sharing the experience of learning to fly drones together at their school, and, most importantly, building connections with each other. It was filled with laughter and enthusiasm as the students showed a keen interest in the program. We're thrilled to embark on collaborative efforts with Bourke High School and Brewarrina Christian School in the coming weeks, aiming to establish enduring partnerships that enable students to learn and cultivate skills for advancing their education in STEM fields.
The journey was truly remarkable, offering a variety of landscapes ranging from red earth to farmland and cotton fields. We were fortunate to encounter a wealth of wildlife, including Emus, Wild Pigs, Goats and multiple bird species—truly a rare sight.
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A special acknowledgment goes out to Tiah Vocale, UTS Indigenous Liason Officer, for her tireless effort to make a significant impact on the learning and education for First Nations students in STEM.