Year 9 STEM (Science, Technology and Design)

TERTIARY & CAREER PATHWAYS:

researcher, construction manager, scaffolder, aeronautical engineer, meteorologist, agricultural technical officer, astronomer, electronics technician, audio-visual technician, naval architect, radiologist, pilot

This unit uses a hands-on approach to develop a range of STEM skills and thinking processes by having students undertake a range of projects.  Students explore the current developments in Space Science and look at rocket flight through construction and flying of a model rocket. They investigate the science, maths and technology involved in engineering constructions and are set the challenge to design structures such as bridges using readily obtainable materials. Students explore machines using various Lego kits. They learn to program and operate robotics kits such as Lego Mindstorm to solve various challenges. They also construct and test simple electric circuits such as an electric motor. 

Learning Standards:

Students will be able to:

• Apply the scientific method and design method during investigations and projects
• Look at methods of construction through a working model of a bridge and identify the various bridge types
• Identify simple machines and their applications 
• Construct and use Lego Mindstorm kits to solve problems as an introduction to robotics
• Investigate the history of space exploration including rocket flight
• Construct and fly a model rocket.

Assessment:

There will be a variety of tasks undertaken from the following: 

• Practical Report
• Prototype Development
• Group Work
• Research Task

Contributions to class discussions and completion of class work will also be considered.