The Kids' STEM Convention began with an Inspiration Day at the University of Queensland. Our students spent a day at the University listening to scientists discussing their research about applying financial maths concepts to the saving of animals, water quality in our waterways and the use of drones in monitoring species survival.
Students then returned to school full of ideas and excitement as they set about forming groups and using their own interests to develop their research problems related to 'species survival'. The students spent 5 to 6 weeks independently finding information related to their topic of research and gathering ideas that would help them solve their chosen problem, meeting every Tuesday to discuss further steps and look at strategies to overcome any roadblocks in their research process. They then had another 4 weeks solving the problems of removing plastic rubbish from the ocean, increasing pygmy possum numbers by providing them with secure homes, humanely decreasing rat population numbers, producing an app examining selective breeding in dogs and saving koalas from being killed on roads at night.
After all this research, poster making and prototype production, along with about 300 students and parents from around Brisbane, the Chapel Hill students presented their projects to the judges at the Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology (QASMT) at Toowong. The students expertly discussed their projects with the judges and answered any questions they were asked. They were all extremely knowledgeable about their projects. Technology education expert and STEM educator Damien Kee gave a talk on the presentation day; he has built a walking robot and has even been on TV talking about coding and robotics. He provided students with inspiration, passion and steps forward into more STEM-related subjects, activities, and jobs in the future.
Our students Poppy, Roger, Felicity, Sophie, Imogen, Abby, Zoe, May and Ella had a fantastic time participating in the Kids' STEM Convention, and three out of five groups received awards.
Special thanks go to Mrs Teasdale and Mr McGlinchey for all their help and support in this extra-curricular activity.
For further information about the Kids' STEM Convention, please see https://www.kids-stem-convention.com/