General News
17 September, 2025
Timboon students experiment with STEM
AS a part of Beach Energy’s Community Investment Program, students at Timboon P-12 School recently received funds to support science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) learning opportunities.
This was made possible through Beach Energy’s partnership with Timboon Agricultural Project (TAP) connected to Timboon P-12 School, where Beach Energy are investing $30,000 a year over the next three years to fund STEM opportunities for students.
TAP coordinator Andrea Vallance said the funding allowed students the chance to expand their knowledge in the classroom.
“This funding will provide students with STEM apparatus and equipment to help them explore their world, understand engaging concepts, consider how things work and equip our students to be even more ‘tech savy’ for a world yet to be imagined,” she said.
“After learning how data is used to inform decisions, our Year Five/Six ICT students have been trialling new microbits to aid computational thinking to record data to help prepare them to live and thrive in a digital environment.
“A science package including stereoscopic and digital microscopes, Evo Ozobots and Arduino equipment is being introduced into the junior and senior classrooms to enhance student engagement and to generate more real world examples of interconnectivity and the Internet of Things (IoT).
“A sports science package of Blazepods and timing gates will challenge students to improve their reflexes, provide better fitness testing and explore fitness at a whole new level with the possibility of using this technology in maths classes as well.”
ICT specialist teacher Emily Hickman said it was exciting for the students to learn new material in the classroom.
“The buzz in the room when we were exploring the microbits was just electric,” she said.
“The students could barely contain their excitement throughout the lesson.
“What a wonderful opportunity these devices will provide our students to engage in a variety of authentic learning experiences.”
Beach Energy senior manager community and land Sharon Donovan said Beach Energy was proud to support the team at learning opportunities for students.
“As a domestic focused energy provider, Beach is committed to enriching the lives of the communities where we operate,” she said.
“Quality education allows local students to develop personally and professionally, leading to greater employment outcomes and economic development.
“We are particularly proud to support Timboon P-12's STEM program and also the TAP – the Timboon Agriculture Project – a partnership between the school and the surrounding communities and industry to provide hands-on, real and relevant applied learning opportunities to engage students and inspire staff.”
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