STEM Machines (5.5hours)

Building the Future with STEM Machines

Welcome to Beyond the Beanstalk's STEM Machines Professional Development Course, an essential programme for educators and managers eager to advance their STEM teaching practices. This course was specifically designed to align with the EYLF, MTOP, and Australian Curriculum, ensuring that your approach to STEM education is both effective and nationally compliant.

Course Overview

The STEM Machines course explored the fundamental principles of basic machines, enhancing educators' ability to enrich their students' learning experiences. Participants delved into why STEM education is crucial for fostering future innovators, with a continuous focus on lesson planning throughout the programme. This approach ensured that educators could immediately apply what they learned to create impactful, engaging lessons.

Hands-On Exploration

Educators engaged in hands-on activities to understand the mechanics behind simple machines. Using LEGO, they explored how simple instructions could lead to similar structures, while free choice in the construction process highlighted the importance of fostering engineering skills and creativity in students. This practical experience underscored the value of integrating STEM into everyday learning and showcased how structured guidance and open-ended exploration can work together to enhance educational outcomes.

Engineering in Action

The course also included a detailed examination of obelisks and gantries, focusing on their role in moving heavy objects. Educators constructed miniature models and operated a giant version, gaining insights into the practical applications of these machines. This experience was designed to help educators translate complex engineering concepts into accessible and engaging classroom activities.

Exploring Light Pathways and Solar Wind

As part of the programme, educators were introduced to the concept of solar wind and its effects. By examining solar sails, they gained a deeper understanding of how to teach this topic effectively. The course then progressed to light pathways, where participants explored how light behaves when passing through various mediums, such as water and glass. The construction of camera obscuras at three levels further demonstrated how light bends and refracts, offering educators practical ways to illustrate these phenomena to their students.

Why Attend?

By participating in the STEM Machines course, educators gained:

• A comprehensive understanding of basic machine principles and their applications in STEM education.

• Practical experience with hands-on activities that could be immediately implemented in their classrooms.

• Continuous lesson planning support, integrated throughout the course, ensuring that educators left with actionable plans tailored to their unique teaching environments.

• Insights into the importance of STEM in fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in students.

Join Us

Transform your teaching and inspire the next generation of innovators with Beyond the Beanstalk's STEM Machines Professional Development Course. This course provided the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to make STEM a cornerstone of your educational approach. Register now to take the next step in advancing your STEM curriculum.