Maths Made Real

• Grades 5 to 8

Discover how maths works in the real world! It’s not just numbers on a page, but where they came from, what they mean and where they can take you. In this hands-on session explore units, chance, sampling and much more. Use real-world examples of how to solve everyday problems using mathematics.

This session addresses a range of ACARA curriculum links for Stage 3 and Stage 4, centred on key concept areas like statistics, probability and chance, sampling and observation, measurement, units, scale and their conversions, predictions, estimations and the use of math-based technology in shaping the future.

The focus isn’t on performing calculations but rather on applying critical thinking to real-life maths based problems. Students explore data collection and sampling using simple brains-on and hands-on activities. 

Materials needed:

Per class/household

• A second screen or device that can access Google maps (optional)
• Human legs to measure (preferably still attached)

Per student

• Something to write on, and something to write with
• A brain for making decisions and hands for voting
• Your pencil case (with all the things that are normally in it)

Per group of 2-3

• Human legs to measure (preferably still attached)
• Measuring tape / ruler
• String (optional, can make it easier to measure legs)

Engineer Without Fear

• Grades 5 to 8

Engineering is all about solving problems and creating solutions! It can involve careful preparation and thorough planning but sometimes it might be all about rapid change, thinking creatively and adapting as you go.

This session addresses a range of ACARA curriculum links for Stage 3 and Stage 4, centred on key concept areas like materials and their properties, problem-solving, design and implementation, working within defined criteria, appropriate selection of tools and equipment, planning and team-work and thinking of ethical, social or sustainability considerations as part of designs for the future.

During this session students are given three different low-tech engineering challenges. Students can work individually or in small groups of 2-3.

Materials needed (per group):

Paper building challenge

• A4 paper (at least 2 sheets, can be scrap paper)
• 2 or more books, to make two piles roughly the same height
• Several small flat weights (like coins or metal washers)

Tower building challenge

• Two types of materials: something straight and rigid and something squishy to hold the straight bits together. Just make sure that your materials will work together (for example it’s hard to push a piece of spaghetti into a cherry tomato without breaking it).
• Examples of something straight – wooden skewers, spaghetti, pencils, toothpicks (at least 20)
• Examples of something squishy – plasticine, blutack, playdough, marshmallows, gummy lollies, cherry tomatoes

Catapult building challenge

• Paper (scrap is OK)
• The contents of your pencil case (including rulers if you have them)
• Paddlepop sticks  (at least 6)
• Rubber bands (at least 4)
• Tape (any kind is ok but we find masking tape is the easiest for constructing and deconstructing)
• A plastic bottle lid (for example from a milk, juice or soft drink bottle)
• A spoon (teaspoon sized is best, any material is fine e.g. plastic/wood/metal)

Where Can STEM Take You? Webinar 1

• Grades 7 to 10

Listen to our panel to discover the many and varied pathways you could travel to a rewarding career in STEM. No matter which path you choose to take you there, following your interests, education and a few life-skills are the compass that will guide you to a future filled with passion and potential.

The panellists were:

• Hazel Gray – MCM Program Manager, Amazon Web Services
• Ranui Rice – Data Centre Technician, Amazon Web Services
• Dr Alexandra Thomson – Deep Green Biotech Hub Manager & Lecturer
  University of Technology, Sydney
• Bec Fisher – Electrician & NAWIC tradesperson of the year
• Nathan Manuell – Sports Statistician, AFL

This program is aimed at Stage 4 and Stage 5 as they move into the age of subject selection and thinking about their future. It will illustrate STEM careers that may not have been known to students as well as provide guidance and optimism about the possibilities of achieving success via both traditional and non-traditional career trajectories.

Where Can STEM Take You? Webinar 2

• Grades 7 to 10

Listen to our panel to discover the many and varied pathways you could travel to a rewarding career in STEM. No matter which path you choose to take you there, following your interests, education and a few life-skills are the compass that will guide you to a future filled with passion and potential.

The panellists were:

• Ra Rice – Data Centre Technician, Amazon Web Services
• Dr Alex Thomson – Deep Green Biotech Hub Manager, Lecturer and Subject Co-ordinator Climate Change Cluster, UTS
• Henry Lawes – NVH S&R Development Engineer, Ford Motor Company of Australia
• Dr Peter Kaub – Genetic Pathology Registrar, Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia

This program is aimed at Stage 4 and Stage 5 as they move into the age of subject selection and thinking about their future. It will illustrate STEM careers that may not have been known to students as well as provide guidance and optimism about the possibilities of achieving success via both traditional and non-traditional career trajectories.