STEM, an acronym which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, is an integrated approach to learning about these fields while helping to develop students understanding, creativity, critical thinking, communication and problem solving skills using real-world applications. Awareness of STEM learning has been growing through its integration in curriculum as well as several national and state government initiatives. The University of Sydney have been running their STEM Teacher Enrichment Academy since 2014 and have a vision to be a national leader of teacher enrichment in STEM.
At the end of Term 4 2017, 6 Thomas Hassall teachers, representing the Science, Mathematics and Technology (TAS) faculties, attended the initial three-day training as part of the STEM Academy program. Teachers took part in STEM activities, heard from past STEM Academy schools, attended curriculum-focus sessions, were inspired by speakers such as Dr Karl Kruszelnicki and spent several hours working together as a team planning for a Year 7 STEM project to be delivered at the end of Term 1 2018. More details about this project will be published later in the term, however, the STEM team are excited to inspire all Year 7 students through STEM while developing their skills and a greater awareness of future careers in STEM.
Mrs Megan Bennett
Coordinator of ICT Innovation in Learning
