Community
28 June, 2024
Students get a taste of STEM
STUDENTS from four schools joined Derrinallum P-12 College year five and six students in Derrinallum last Tuesday to explore the STEM field.
Part of Derrinallum College’s annual secondary school transition program, the taster day had students participating a variety of science and technology-themed activities.
Derrinallum P-12 College principal Caitlyn Fitzgerald said 45 students from Derrinallum P-12 College, Skipton Primary School, Lismore Primary School, Cape Clear Primary School and Rokewood Primary School participated in the activities.
Activities included stop-motion animation workshops, an engineering egg drop challenge, making oobleck (a type of slime created from starch and water), and a series of wellbeing activities in the afternoon
Ms Fitzgerald said students responded well to the taster day.
“They had a great time, they really enjoyed it. It was something different for them to have a go at,” she said.
“The idea was to get them into the school and get them thinking about their options locally for secondary school.
“We got heaps of feedback from the schools keen on doing another activity.
“The kids, when we were talking about the day to them, said they enjoyed everything. There was no clear standout for them – they just enjoyed getting in there and doing something different.”
Ms Fitzgerald said the STEM taster day also gave an opportunity for the schools to connect as part of the Great South West Coast Government Schools group network.
“It was also about giving the student a chance to mingle with other students in a classroom setting,” she said.
“They get to compete against the other schools, but this gives them a chance to mingle in a different way.
“Each of the schools are rurally isolated.
“It was a really great day; gave the kids an opportunity to have a think about what they would like to do.”