FUTURISTIC education was explored by a group of Allendale East Area School students as they adapt to the ever developing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) based curriculum.
The school’s elective STEM action team travelled to Naracoorte Primary School last month to mentor a group of students as part of the ongoing regional Lego League competition.
The school delivered a Lego table to the school that previous STEM ambassador Luke Bald and teacher Robert Whittaker built throughout term three.
Consisting of research, programming and challenges, the seven students welcomed the project.
“The Allendale East students firstly researched a topic surrounding space and presented their research to a group of 10 students,” Allendale East Area School media liaison Tracey Bald said.
“They then mentored and taught 12 to 15 students how to program a robot in order to complete a series of challenges.
“Working together, they placed the space mat and fixtures on the new table, allowing them to complete the challenges throughout the afternoon.”
The day consisted of students teaching students, adding a new dimension to education and personal development.
“After our students were given an outline of how the day was ran, they led the teaching and learnt for the whole day,” Ms Bald said.
“With over 70 new faces, our students took on the challenge of working with people they had never met before.
“Kids relate to other kids and speak the same language, interpreting directions and instructions in the same way.”
STEM has become a “stand-out” focus among many school communities.
“It is about gearing our kids up to gain employment in jobs that have not even been created for the future,” Ms Bald said.
“Each year we have STEM ambassadors that travel to Adelaide for the National Youth Science Forum, undergoing training for their leadership position.
“There are many other components involved throughout the elective subject with students representing our school in STEM-based projects.”
The schooling community hopes to hold its own STEM open day for other schools within the Limestone Coast to become involved.
“We hope current students will continue next year and engage others throughout all year levels to join the team,” Ms Bald said.
“We would like to become the leaders, but that is the bigger picture and these are all little baby steps towards that.
“The plan would include inviting surrounding schools to participate in what we have on offer.”
All students worked together in discussion, growing their leadership qualities and learning capabilities.
“They showed excellent leadership and were wonderful ambassadors for our school,” Ms Bald said.
The final of the Lego League will be held at Mount Gambier City Hall on Monday with 30 teams participating, involving around 250 students.
