iSTEM – Modules

This module develops an understanding of the basic principles associated with iSTEM. To satisfy the requirements of this module, students must undertake a range of experimental, group work and inquiry based learning activities that occupy the majority of the time. These activities should be used to develop a deep knowledge and understanding of STEM.

1.1 STEM investigations

Resources

• Reliability & Validity (YouTube)
• STELR Renewable Energy (Website)
• What is Engineering? (UON Video)
• Thinking about Design Processes (Splash ABC Video)
• Slot Car Challenge (Online Game)

1.2 The use of STEM in developing solutions to problems

Resources

• Exploiting Vulnerabilities in Hardware and Software (Splash ABC Video)

2.1 STEM principles

Resources

Strength of Materials
(Online Labs)
Material Properties

Fluid Mechanics

Resources

• Robotic Arm Challenge Scott Sleap (Word Document)
• Hydraulics Project Jason Stuart (Word Document)
   (Website)
• How Braking Systems Work (Website)
• How Brakes Work (Website)
• How Hydraulic Systems Work (Website)
• Instructibles, Simple Hydraulic Machines (Website)
• Simple Hydraulic Projects for Science (Website)
• Hydraulics Video 1936 (YouTube)
• Hydraulic Robot Project (YouTube)

Thermodynamics

Resources

• Kids and Energy Laws of Thermodynamics (PDF)

2.2 Fundamental mechanics

Resources

• The cool maths behind Engineering (UON Video)
• Calculations involving Scientific Notation (ABC Splash)
• Metric Matrix Game (ABC Splash)

2.3 Problem solving

Resources

Marshmallow Challenge

• Marshmallow Instructions (Word Document)
• Tom Wujec Marshmallow Challenge (PDF)
• Marshmallow Challenge TED Talk (YouTube)

STEM Challenges

• ME Program High Rise Challenge (PowerPoint)
• High Rise Challenge Instructions (Word Document)
• Egg Drop (Word Document)

Select one or more related areas as a theme for an introduction to STEM concepts related to Mechatronics. Possible examples include: Robotics, Lego Mindstorms, PLC’s, Pneumatic & Hydraulic systems, etc. In this module students will utilise inquiry and /or problem based learning strategies to design & develop solutions to problems associated with combined mechanical and electrical systems.

3.1 Mechatronics

Resources

• mechatronics-unsw (PDF Document)

3.2 Technologies related to robotics

4.1 Mechatronics and control technology

4.2 Programming & computations

4.3 Design mechatronic solutions for a range of applications

Resources

Select one or more related areas as a theme for an introduction to the engineering concepts related to aerodynamics. Possible examples include: aeronautics, Aeronautical Velocity Challenge, F1inSchools program, CO₂ dragsters, Scalectrix cars, kites, motor racing, or sports science. In this module students will utilise inquiry and/or project based learning strategies to develop solutions to aerodynamic problems.

2.1 Research and exploration

2.2 Technologies related to aerodynamics

2.3 Aerodynamics principles

2.4 Aerodynamics forces 

2.5 Aerodynamic design solutions

Select one or more related areas as a theme for an introduction to STEM concepts related to motion. Possible examples include: solar & electric powered vehicles, alternative energy devices, UAV’s, Subs, rockets, etc. In this module students will utilise inquiry and/or project based learning strategies to develop solutions to problems associated with motion.

4.1 Electronics

Resources

• Basic electric circuitry – (website)
• BBC Basic Electricity Notes with quizzes and Videos (website)
• Motors & Generators
• The simplest motor in the world – (youtube) Caution – high current through copper wire starts to overheat battery
• Applet- Direct Current Motor
• Physics Notes and animations for Motors and Generators
• How Electricity works #1
• How Electricity works #2

4.2 Technologies related to motion

Resources

• Types of motion (Web Site)

4.3 Energy

Resources

• STELR Wind Energy (Web Site)
• STELR Wind Energy Additional Resources (Web Site)
• Alternative Energy Assessment Task (Word Document)
• Alternative Energy Assessment Sample Ali Al-Mudafer (PDF)
• Alternative Energy Group Task Sample Ali Al-Mudafer (PDF)

4.4 Motion calculations

4.5 Developing projects related to motion

Students develop skills in Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM). Possible examples of CAD Software include: AutoDesk 123, CREO, CATIA, Google Sketchup, Solid Works, etc. Possible examples of CAM hardware include: 3D printers, CNC Mills, CNC Routers, CNC Lathes, Laser cutters etc. In this module students will manufacture three dimensional objects for which they have designed.

3.1 CAD/CAM

3.2 Technologies related to CAM

3.3 CAD/CAM operations

3.4 3D Environments

Resources

• Showerhead Prototyping – TAS
  
• NASA emailed a Space Wrench – Engineering
• Modfab 3D Prints Eliza a hand – Disability
• Henry Segerman prints Calculus Surfaces – Mathematics
• Indie Developer Sensible Object Merges Physical and Digital Gameplay – Software
• Jet Pack Flight Engine – 3D Printed – Aerospace – Design – Engineering
• 3D Printed Kinematic Petal Dress – Arts – Design – Engineering
• Honda’s Asimo – Robot  – Software – Engineering – Design
• Textile Museum of Canada 3D Printed Sculpture Making Of- Arts
• Rudenko – 3D Printing Concrete to make a backyard cubby
• 3D Printers Allow Home Replication of Famous Sculptures – Arts

3.5 CAD/CAM

In this module students are to develop and realise a major STEM related Project Based Learning Task. The project involves students utilising a project-based learning strategies to apply appropriate design, production and evaluation skills to a contemporary STEM based problem. The students relate the techniques and technologies used in previous modules to those used in the development of the STEM project.

6.1 Processes of design

6.2 Presentation and communication technologies

Resources

• stem_coding_technology (Word Document)

6.3 Realisation, evaluation, research methods and experimentation

6.4 Mechanical knowledge

6.5 Creative and innovative approaches to solve problems

In this module students develop skills and understanding associated with a surveying by completing an inquiry-based and/or problem based learning task. Possible examples include: civil structures, architectural design, industrial design, etc. Students develop skills in fundamental surveying concepts, then apply this to both simulated and real world applications.

7.1 Site risk management and WHS in surveying

Resources

• What Risk Management Tool Should I Use? (Website)
  A flow chart from the Western Australia Surveyors Licensing Board.

 7.2 Technologies related to surveying

Resources

• New Technologies (Website)

 7.3 Fundamental surveying principles

 7.4 Spatial data

 7.5 Problem solving

Select one or more related areas as a theme for an introduction to STEM concepts related to Space. Possible examples include: Create for Space, Deep Space Program, Mars Rover, Lego, PLC’s, Arduino, etc. Students will develop skills and understanding of space, technology, electronics and coding. In this module students will utilise inquiry and /or problem based learning strategies to design & develop solutions to problems associated with space.

Resources
Sample Teaching and Learning Program

12.1 Coding for Space

12.2 Technologies related to coding and space

12.3 Space vehicles and experiments

12.4 Data analysis and modelling

12.5 Experimental design

In this module students develop skills and understanding associated with statistical literacy and decision making. This unit supports the International Statistical Literacy Project promoting statistical literacy around the world. Students will utilise project based learning activities to collect and interpret data that addresses practical research questions in areas such as business, industry, healthcare and medicine. Students develop fundamental skills in data collection, analysis and reporting methods and apply this to both simulated and real world applications.

13.1 Research methods

13.2 Technologies related to statistical analysis

13.3 Fundamental statistical analysis

Resources
Introduction to Statistics (Stats Tune Up)
Random Variables (Stats Tune Up)
Visual Displays – One Variable (Stats Tune Up)
Visual Displays – Two Variables (Stats Tune Up)
Probability – What are the Chances (Stats Tune Up)
Probability – Tree Diagrams (Stats Tune Up)
Probability – Conditional Probability (Stats Tune Up)

13.4 Analyse, interpret and evaluate statistical information

Resources
Hypothesis Tests – Inferential Statistics-Single Group (Stats Tune Up)
Hypothesis Tests – Inferential Statistics-Two Groups (Stats Tune Up)
Hypothesis Tests – Chi Squared Test (Stats Tune Up)
Association Between Two Continuous Variables: Correlation (Stats Tune Up)
Regression (Stats Tune Up)

13.5 Creative and innovative approaches to solve practical research problems