MLMC Year 8 Learning Enhancement and Acceleration Program (LEAP) classes in STEM and ICT Innovation recently took part in a Design Thinking Program at Yarra Ranges Tech School. The program on Friday 4 March saw students engage with and learn about a range of STEM technologies to find solutions to a real-life problem relating to usage of public transport.
Students learned how to code robots that respond to various environmental factors through a range of sensors, they built electronic circuits to power a car with various components and worked in teams to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their designs. Students then used knowledge that they gained throughout the day to design and create a prototype solution that would enable people to have a better experience while taking public transport.
The program encouraged students to think creatively and problem solve in collaborative ways. It had a strong focus on development of teamwork and communication skills. It was a day filled with valuable learning and fun.
LEAP caters for students in Years 7 to 9, providing students with an opportunity to explore and deepen their learning in a specific field of study or across several learning areas. The Tech School is a shared learning hub which delivers leading-education programs using the latest technology in a real-world context to students from 20 partner schools, including MLMC.
Here are some student reflections:
I learned about how electronic bits work. I enjoyed exploring the YRTS building and seeing what they had. I would recommend this to next year's students.
— Adam Johnson (Year 8 Blue)
I really enjoyed the excursion to Yarra Ranges Tech, it gave me and my classmates the opportunity to learn new things and get to know each other better. We learned about designed thinking and to be open to new ideas. I would definitely recommend the workshop to any students.
— Isabella Maurici (Year 8 Orange)
