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 the Earth in 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. 

Also in Term 2, students complete a Physics based unit where they explore various types of forces, with a focus on structures and the main types of forces that act on these. Students investigate 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 two students explore animals and classification. Students look at the importance of classification and discuss various approaches and systems of classification. They apply their understanding of classification specifically to animals and also look at various animal adaptations that help animals survive in particular conditions and environments. This unit includes a field trip to Kyabram Fauna Park where students investigate interactions within ecosystems such as food chains and food webs and human impact on these.

Term 4 begins with a focus on physics where students explore various types of simple machines and their uses. Students are also introduced to the field of Geology, where they investigate the rock cycle and related geological processes. They connect their knowledge to a local context as they apply the design engineering process to design, build and test a Poppet Head for a local mine.

In semester one, begin with an exploration of the structure of the Earth, including tectonic plates and geological events such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Students then explore the concept of electricity, where they build simple circuits and measure current, voltage and resistance. Students also consider household electricity consumption and efficiency of appliances and complete an audit of electricity use for the school or their homes. 

In Biology, students to delve into cell structure and function and learn important practical skills in microscopy. They consider the explore the anatomy and physiology of the circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems through a range of modelling and practical tasks.

In semester two, students complete a unit on Physics, studying types of energy and energy transfer. They investigate renewable and non renewable energy types and complete a design engineering task where they design and 3D print wind turbine blades. 

• 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)