STEM

(Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)

STEM is an approach to learning and development that integrates the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

Through STEM, students develop key skills including:
● Problem Solving
● Creativity
● Critical Analysis and Critical Thinking
● Teamwork
● Independent Thinking
● Initiative
● Communication
● Digital Literacy.

STEM at Geelong East Primary School

At Geelong East Primary School all students from Prep through to Year 6 participate in a one hour STEM session every week where the focus is on Learning by Doing. Students are exposed to a range of fun and engaging activities that seek to develop essential 21st century skills.

Science

Science provides an empirical way of answering interesting and important questions about the biological, physical and technological world. Science is a dynamic, collaborative and creative human endeavour arising from our curiosity and our desire to make sense of our world by exploring the unknown, investigating universal mysteries, making predictions and solving problems. Science knowledge is contestable and is revised, refined and extended as new evidence arises.

The Science curriculum has two interrelated strands: Science Understanding and Science Inquiry Skills. Together, the two strands of the science curriculum provide students with understanding, knowledge and skills through which they can develop a scientific view of the world.

Coding

Students are introduced to the world of coding through the use of applications such as Scratch Junior and web based Scratch software. Students are introduced to block coding and use the applications to create digital stories and interactive games.
Through the use of the app Kodable as well as the OSMO coder Awbie platform, students are introduced to sequencing of directions using blocks to unravel problems.

Robotics

At GEPS we are fortunate to have a wide variety of Robotics devices for students to explore different levels of programing.
Students are able to discover robotics and their programming potential through the use of:

BeeBots
Spheros
Dash Bots
Coder MiP Robots
Lego EV3

Students use a variety of apps and web based design environments to design and print a 3D model. The emphasis is on Design Thinking skills and developing ideas, with a super cool 3D model at the end of the process!

Film Making

Students explore elements of film making and broaden their ideas of visual literacy through the creation of short films and stop motion animation. Students have access to Green Screen facilities as well as editing software to help tell a story.

Electronics and Computer Science

Our most recent addition is a set of Raspberry Pi computing devices. These can be used to discover more advanced programming skills as well as for a variety of really cool projects such as Retro Arcade Machines, Media Centres, Interactive Photo Booths, Weather Stations or Magic Mirrors just to name a few. We can’t wait to see what students come up with.

Extra

Students also have the opportunity to participate in a range of exciting events outside of the GEPS classroom walls. These include:

First Lego League
Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College Maker Faire
The Geelong College Challenge