To help prepare Hunter students for STEM jobs of the future, 47 Hunter schools will receive ME Program Grants to implement science, technology, engineering and maths activities in 2018
Following an expression of interest process, RDA Hunter’s ME Program this week awarded schools in the Hunter region funding to implement hands-on activities that will help students strengthen their STEM skills
Activities including iSTEM, StarLAB Mars Rover Kits, ME3D Printers and Kookaburra STEM resources that require students to participate in problem and project based learning and compete in national challenges, are being funded by RDA Hunter’s ME Program as part of the 2018 ME Program STEM Grant Program.
“In this round of funding, $183,000 in grants and equipment will be distributed to 47 schools, directly impacting more than 800 students. We offer Financial Grants which contribute to developing curriculum and facilitating STEM based competitions as well as Equipment Grants that provide schools with kits and materials to help teachers ensure learning is hands-on and fun for students. Since 2010 over $4.2million has been invested by the Dept of Defence’s Schools/Industry partnership program to develop our initiatives.” said RDA Hunter’s STEM Workforce Development Manager, Rick Evans.
“We are particularly pleased with the success of our iSTEM course which will be taught in over 210 NSW Secondary Schools in 2018. iSTEM is our state-of-the-art stage 5 school subject that utilises a problem-based learning model and embeds mechatronics, aerodynamics, engineering, 3D CAD/CAM and motion modules to contextualise learning for students and teachers. It presents maths and sciences to students in a hands-on and interesting way.” continued Mr Evans.
The ME Program marries the needs of industry with the education system by contextualising curriculum, providing niche professional work placement, incorporating cutting edge technology and implementing problem based learning principles to produce skilled and motivated graduates.