Teachers in Charge: Mr Alistair Hutcheson ahutcheson@wdsg.school.nz
Course description:
The Integrated STEAM Education course is designed to provide high school students with a comprehensive and interdisciplinary learning experience that combines science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. By merging these disciplines, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills necessary for success in the 21st-century workforce.
Throughout this course, students will engage in hands-on projects and activities that encourage creativity, innovation, and the application of theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. The course content will be organised around the following core areas:
Science: Students will explore scientific principles and concepts through inquiry-based investigations, laboratory experiments, and research projects. They will learn how to apply scientific methods, collect and analyse data, and draw evidence-based conclusions.
Technology: Students will investigate various technologies and their impact on society. They will explore topics such as coding, robotics, digital media, and programming, acquiring practical skills to navigate the digital landscape and leverage technology as a tool for problem-solving.
Engineering: Through hands-on engineering challenges, students will learn the engineering design process and apply it to solve real-world problems. They will explore topics such as structural design, renewable energy, and automation, fostering creativity and innovation while developing their engineering skills.
Arts: The arts component of this course will focus on fostering creativity and encouraging students to think outside the box. Students will engage in activities that integrate arts with other STEAM disciplines, such as designing interactive installations, creating digital media projects, and exploring the aesthetics of scientific phenomena.
Mathematics: Students will develop a strong foundation in mathematical concepts and problem-solving techniques that are applicable to STEAM disciplines. They will explore mathematical modelling, data analysis, geometry, and algebraic thinking, enabling them to make connections between mathematics and the other STEAM fields.
By the end of this course, students will have gained a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of the STEAM disciplines and the ability to approach complex problems from a multidisciplinary perspective. They will have developed the skills to think critically, collaborate effectively, and apply their knowledge and creativity to tackle real-world challenges. The Integrated STEAM Education course equips students with the essential skills and knowledge necessary for success in higher education and a wide range of STEAM-related careers.
Course of study:
Develop a prototype or conceptual design, considering fitness for purpose in a sustainable, ethical and entrepreneurial context.
Implement complex procedures and apply design using materials to make a specified product.
Collaborate with industry and stakeholders.
Assessment:
Assessment will be in the form of a portfolio of evidence selected from a range of Technology, Science, Art, Math and English Achievement Standards. A portfolio is an organised collection of evidence that communicates the candidate’s knowledge and understandings relevant to STEAM education.
Internal – Dependent on individualised program structure
External – Dependent on individualised program structure
Year 12 - Up to 20 credits
Costs:
Materials: up to $40 per term dependent on individualised student projects.
Entry criteria and future pathways:
This course has no prerequisites, it is highly recommended if you are considering future study in STEAM related fields such as science, engineering or computer science.