Year 7 & 8 STEAM

In Year 7 STEAM during semester one, students explore an introduction to science where students explore the science laboratory and discuss the importance of laboratory safety. They become familiar with various laboratory equipment and techniques and learn how to safely conduct an experiment. They investigate aspects of chemistry including mixtures and separation techniques and are introduced to the process of writing a scientific practical report. 

Term 2 includes a focus on space. Students explore various astronomy related themes including the motion of the earth and moon, the reason for day and night, how seasons come about and a consideration of the solar system in general. They visit the Science Discovery and Technology Centre and experience an educational presentation in the planetarium.

In semester two students explore animals and classification. Students look at the importance of classification and discuss various approaches and systems of classification. They apply their understandings of classification specifically to animals and also look at various animal adaptations that help animals survive in particular conditions and environments. 

The second key focus area for Term 4 is Physics where students explore various types of forces, with a focus on forces and structures where students explore the main types of forces that act on structures and also discuss the suitability and application of different materials based on their characteristics and properties. 

Students have a particular focus on bridges within this unit and consider how bridge designs have evolved over time and how some shapes and structures are inherently stronger and can withstand more force than others. The unit culminates with a STEAM based bridge building challenge, where students work collaboratively in a small group to plan, design and construct a bridge based on a design brief and associated constraints. 

In semester one, students in this subject explore energy types, transformations, and renewable/non-renewable resources. They follow the Engineering Design Process to create and 3D print wind turbine blades. Testing energy output and evaluating their designs are key components. Biology leads students to delve into cell structure, microbes, and infectious diseases. Practical tests help determine the most effective handwashing agent, and swabbing and growing bacteria are part of this investigative process.

In semester two, students complete a unit on Physics, studying light and sound, including how light interacts in everyday environments and how sound and light waves travel. They investigate the structure of an eye and complete an eye dissection, as well as designing and building a hydraulic surgical robot.

• Practical experiments 

• Engineering design projects

• Inquiry led investigations

• Collaborative small group work

• Class and small group discussion

• Variety of theory tasks

STEAM at Years 7 and 8 leads into compulsory study of STEAM at Year 9. At Year 10 and beyond, students may elect to study any of the following science related subjects:

• Biotechnology (Year 10 biology based subject)

• Understanding the Human Body (Year 10 biology based subject)

• Biology (Units 1 - 4)

• Chemistry (Year 10 and Units 1 - 4)

• Environmental Science (Year 10 and Units 1 - 4)

• Physics (Year 10 and Units 1 - 4)

• Psychology (Year 10 and Units 1 - 4)