This term has been a busy one for the Science faculty; we have enjoyed our inaugural STEAM Careers Breakfast, celebrated National Science Week, and had students engage in Monash University’s Nova Rover program amongst the normal teaching and learning program, assessments, and practical work.
Science students from Years 9 to 12 were invited to think about their futures at our inaugural STEAM Careers Breakfast where we were joined by scientists and engineers for round table discussions. Our guests shared personal work stories and we heard from keynote speaker, Siena alumna, Rebecca Leith (Class of 2017).
We also celebrated National Science Week (NSW) by kicking off with a stunning Science Morning Tea. To commemorate the NSW theme, Glass: Different by Design, staff participated in a Science themed baking competition with some wonderful creations received! Students also celebrated with Science quizzes during House groups; lab sessions involving glass themed activities such as making kaleidoscopes, photography and jelly lasers; a glass themed Escape Room; and SCInema short film screenings.
A group of Year 9 students visited the Nova Rover workshop at Monash University this term under the guidance of Siena alumna, Rebecca Leith (Class of 2017). Students were introduced to the Nova Rover program and had a tour of the workshop. They designed wheels for their own mini rovers, using computer assisted design (CAD) and then had their designs 3D printed. They were able to then assemble their own mini rovers and use them to compete with each other in a range of challenges. The whole Year 9 cohort had the Nova Rover team come out and present their program, showing them all the different aspects of engineering and design that go into manufacturing a successful rover.
"In this program, we were able to learn about all the different components required to build a rover, which involved knowledge on robotics and engineering. In our first session we learnt how to design a wheel for our rovers and we got to use 3D printers to manufacture our wheels."
"I thought the Nova Rover excursion was a very rewarding and interesting experience. I found it insightful getting to talk to university students about their experience with STEAM and how they got into engineering. I also found it interesting to design the wheels as I had to programme the computer to understand different instructions compared to what I was thinking in my head."
"It was a opportunity to travel to Monash University to learn about their Nova Rover program. We visited the engineering building and utilised the software that enabled us to develop individual designs, which we then printed using the 3D printers available. We built electrical circuits to program mini Nova Rover models and raced them together towards the end of the day. It was a fun and engaging experience as we were given fascinating insights into the many facets of engineering!"
