QVSA@DDSW- Roma State College
It has been an exciting past semester for the students in the Darling Downs and South West with the establishment of the QVSA@Roma State College. Highly capable students from Year 5 to Year 9 were engaged in a range of courses that offered a deeper understanding of STEM and connected students from other schools in the region. 78% of students had no previous QSVA course experience but that did not stop them from engaging deeply in the STEM learning.
The Grand Challenge - Pests in the west. With Roma hit by a mouse plague, it seemed fortuitous that students were about to look at how people in the west might solve the problem of pests. Bennett Apelt from Pittsworth SS designed a way to eliminating giant rats tail grass. His new pesticide applicator targets the pest grass while leaving the surrounding area free from over spraying chemicals.
The skill builder – A wicked way of thinking gave student the opportunity to take a deep dive into Design thinking as a way of solving problems. One student said, “the best part about this course was learning different way to express ideas and learn from both, teachers and peers. I loved this course because it gave me new ideas and things I could use in the future”. Students developed divergent and convergent thinking strategies and the ability to make rapid prototypes, including annotated sketched, model creation out of plasticine, computer aided drawing and 3D printing.
Students from Meandarra SS took the opportunity to come in to Roma State College and learn how the 3D printer works and print their action camera. While they waited for their cameras to print we extended their design thinking by working through the Marshmallow Challenge. The marshmallow challenge is a simple design exercise for small groups that focuses on creativity and innovation. The Meandarra students excelled in the challenge and enjoyed the sweet taste of success.
QVSA@CQ- Rockhampton SHS
Healthy Harbours and Habitats Grand Challenge
Students from eight central Qld primary and high schools culminated their inquiry into healthy harbours and habitats with an excursion to the Gladstone Campus of CQUniversity. They explored the CMERC labs with Dr Angela Capper, a microplastics specialist, and Associate Professor Emma Jackson, a leader in seagrass research worldwide. Students then toured the Gladstone Harbour, Curtis Island and seagrass meadows around Gladstone. They were able to see many seagrass predators such as dugongs and turtles on their trip, plus a beautiful pod of dolphins playing in the waterways. This experiences and work with experts helped weave their QVSA learning into the real world of STEM, bringing science alive within their region.
Nourishing the Nation Grand Challenge
Primary students in the QVSA@CQ often comment that experiments are a fantastic way to learn but options are limited in traditional lessons. During the Nourishing the Nation Grand Challenge, students from six primary schools hypothesised which type of potato chips would have the highest fat content, based on their everyday experiences with eating them! They were led by Mrs Isbel and Mrs Sinnamon to complete their own investigation to test their hypotheses. Students then modified a given method, conducted an experiment, and shared their results with the across the schools. The investigations and inquiry tasks delivered by the QVSA@CQ are always a source of positive feedback from the students and teachers involved.
QVSA@FNQ- Smithfield SHS
Year 5 and 6 students from Georgetown SS, Mossman SS and Caravonica SS took part in the Mars helicopter Design Skill Builder where they were asked to build a model of Ingenuity – the first ever Mars Helicopter. First, they ideated with toothpicks and marshmallows, and then designed their own Mars helicopters using a 3D modelling program-Tinkercad.
In the Reef Health Grand Challenge students engaged with representatives from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. They learnt about the threats to the Great Barrier Reef and the impact climate change is having. By engaging with experts and viewing great underwater footage the students let their curiosity loose, asking many thoughtful questions.
QVSA@QASMT
A tech focus for QVSA students from QASMT- This year students were challenged with the future of digital and design technology. From learning to think like a computer and a robot to exploring the future of automation and engineering. Students have repeatedly stated the challenge and experiences are beyond what they would learn in regular classes. These technology challenges have even extended beyond the technology. Students have explored how science is enhanced through the use of technology to help them beat the heat at their school. They also explored the problems of e-waste in our society and what can be done at schools and worldwide- a modern grand challenge.
