STEM advanced manufacturing skills program in Darling Downs schools
Twelve schools across the Darling Downs tackled design thinking challenges in a hands-on-approach to solving everyday problems in the manufacturing industry. Discover their solutions here.
Education
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Toowoomba’s St Ursula’s College filled up with a showcase of Darling Downs students’ responses to tackling design thinking challenges within the advanced manufacturing industry.
The year 5-6 students from Vale View State High took home the primary school prize on their project which analysed and tested air quality and CO2 levels.
With electronics sponsored by Great Western Manufacturing, the students learnt about air quality, built the sensors, 3D printed the housing, tested the air in different rooms and prepared a report with their findings for the company.
“It was interesting because in areas where you might be able to smell smoke, the air quality wasn’t always as bad as the lunch room or the school bus,” Vale View State High technologies teacher Jay Wright said.
Even testing the air in classrooms before and after students attended class was a lesson in how air quality changes, he said.
“It was great for the kids to get a real world application and understanding of the use of technologies and concepts in manufacturing,” he said.
“While there are a lot of opportunities for student to compete in sports, this competition is a great way to showcase and encourage students who are more interested in design and engineering.”
St Mary’s team two and the St Mary’s and St Ursula’s combined teams took prizes in the senior division.
Both teams came up with a solution to a hand sanitiser dispenser at the gate of the school’s poddy calves – with the St Mary’s team two taking the overall prize by adding a safety lock to the sanitiser.
“The students love the idea of problem solving, empathising with the problem, brainstorming and then coming up with a prototype to solve the issue,” St Mary’s curriculum leader of science Bernadette Rogers said.
Twelve schools across Toowoomba and the Darling Downs came together in a competition which showcased their knowledge of advanced manufacturing and local companies, as well as a response to a STEM design challenge.
The program was delivered over two terms with Makers Empire, an Australian EdTech company and the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water and aims to give students a hands-on approach to understanding the skills and experience needed in the industry.
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