On Thursday 4 August students Angelo Enright (Year 9 Red) and Adam Johnson (Year 8 Blue) participated in the STEM 'MAD' Showcase at the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools’ Leadership Centre.
The Showcase is designed to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning initiatives that address real-world problems. Students in our Catholic schools were invited to design a product, service or innovation to ‘Make A Difference’ (MAD) to others or the environment. Our MLMC innovators took on the challenge and used the design-thinking process to create a helpful solution.
Adam designed and built a self-guided tour of our College, that can be easily operated on a portable device by visitors during Open Day as they make their way around the extensive grounds of our College.
Angelo designed and 3D-printed a portable extension to a LEGO robot, that can transform it into a programmable and self-driven vacuum cleaner. This device can benefit people who may have an injury and have limited movement allowing them to have a way of cleaning that can be personalised for their needs.
Angelo said of the experience:
“It was a great experience and I enjoyed presenting my robot. It gave me an insight into what my future could look like if I continue with robotics.”
Both of the students were required to explain the problem that they were trying to solve, the design process and their invented solution to the judges on the day. They also engaged in dialogue about their inventions with MACS staff, STEM education innovators, media productions, various teachers as well as their peers from other schools who engineered their own STEM MAD solutions.
The participation in the showcase was a great experience for the students who were supported by myself and fellow Science teacher Mr Hans Dharma on the day.
We are looking forward to future STEM MAD creations by our MLMC innovators in the future.
