Last week, our Year 7 students participated in a STEM challenge, during their Science, Mathematics and Technologies classes for the week. The problem they faced was to design and construct the tallest beacon tower possible, from limited materials, in order to support a 2kg radio transmitter to assist rescue from a desert island.

Students were assigned to small groups to collaborate on the task, in which they investigated the problem and possible solutions, then designed and produced their unique solution, before evaluating and testing the product. The week gave students a terrific opportunity to challenge themselves with new thinking and commit to collaborate with others to develop the best solution in a fun environment. On Friday, the Year 7’s gathered to test the best beacons to determine winners based on their function (the beacon holding the most weight at the greatest height) and aesthetics and innovation. Prizes were on offer for the best solutions, as well as the groups that showed outstanding commitment to the week. Well done to all of the Year 7’s for engaging in the week and to teachers for supporting students through the journey.

Winners

1st Place: MacKillop - Ava Dahlstrom, Karteg Cheema, Anna Foo, Noah Connoley 2nd Place: MacKillop - Bryce Marszal, Hudson Cox, Livia Barnes, Kate Wong 3rd Place: Chisholm - Charlotte Mattock, Layla Rush, Josh Poole, Tai Kozak 4th Place: De Vialar - Sophie Bolton, Jarrad Dean, Aaron Webb, Etosha Nooyen Best Design: Merici - Aston Meldrum, Lennon Murphy, Julia Guida, Zoe Abey