Our Current Project: STEM FOR 2021
Our Current Project: STEM FOR 2021
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This year we aimed to use the immediate environment around our school to explore environmental issues ranging from the destruction of habitat to the issues that urbanisation has on ecosystems trying to adapt to increased human activity.We focussed on a small wetland area surrounded by a number of very old River Red Gums. In utilising a STEM approach to our learning, we adopted a student led inquiry that allowed the children to explore the issues that impact on this area of interest. Our students comprised a team that was selected via a formal application process for a ‘Special Project’. This Team is predominantly Year Five / Six students and is now known as the STEM Ambassadors.
In order to ‘kick start’ the project, we purchased an automated Wildlife camera and this revealed a number of interesting situations for us to explore. Our STEM Ambassadors led by our Science / STEM Teacher (Laura Vissaritis), Deputy Principal / Digital Tech Leader (Frank Fabri) and Learning Support Officer (Tom Power) allowed a collaborative project to be decided upon by our STEM Ambassadors to emerge.
The Project decided on was based on the fact that Introduced or Invasive species had an adverse impact on our area of interest. The use of our wildlife camera not only revealed the destruction caused by wild rabbits, foxes and various birds but in particular the predatory nature of a domestic cat. The fact that a Domestic cat was part of a problem allowed the children to focus on a project that aimed to lessen the impact. Our provocation became ‘Design a Product that will minimise the cat’s danger to other species’
The results in the design stage focussed on the team designing a type of collar that would allow owners to track their cats. (This incorporated the use of a tracking device using GPS - Apple Air Tags were explored). To further extend the possibilities, we looked at the use of a lightweight microchip (Arduino) to allow an infrared sensor and alarm to be activated in the case of a cat preying on other creatures. This part of the project enlisted the assistance of our former student (School Captain) Jacob. Jacob’s field of expertise in coding and creating microchips as well as a love for STEM MAD allowed him to be the perfect candidate for a Kids Teaching Kids Project. Jacob, even though he is in Year 7 has committed to assisting our Team in every session. He is teaching our students how to create and code the Arduino microchip. Another focus was the design and function of the collar. Students explored the use of reflectors and that the materials that we use are safe and comfortable for cats.
Our building and prototyping is still underway and the product created is now known as the Alerton. We are looking forward to presenting our project in this year’s STEM MAD showcase and also in viewing what other teams of students have created. When school returns in November we are looking at having a STEMtacular Expo to invite our families to witness first hand the wonderful work that our Team has created.
In 2021, our students have been faced with a diverse range of real world challenges. Some have been part of every day life, whilst others have been unprecedented and unexpected. But, at SPA, we are passionate about supporting our children to not only build resilience and tolerance, but to find solutions to real world problems, each and every day.
As part of inevitable development on our school property, the natural habitat we learn on is being affected. The potential displacement of wildlife as a result has left our children determined to support and protect flora and fauna we cohabit with, by recreating an ecosystem on protected school grounds. As part of our STEM project, we are focussing on researching our current wetlands, including the sorts of flora and fauna that live there. We will be investigating the landscape; its latitude, longitude, and the natural flow of the water way.
Selected students will carry out the design and development of a new waterways habitat, that supports the current existing ecosystem. This will include the complexities of not just recreating a habitat, but assisting in the relocation of species, supporting the ecosystem until it is able to support itself and ensuring its protection both currently and well into the future.
Watch this space for updates on what our young leaders of the future, and of today are doing to Make A Difference. Please note that the STEM Mad Project is a select entry opportunity, and that successful students have been selected from an application process. Those selected have demonstrated a committed passion for wildlife and ecology, as well as determination to apply exceptional critical thinking towards solving this real world problem.
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