A Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Skills builder is a Queensland Virtual STEM Academy (QVSA) online program which focuses on a specific learning approach or skill which is core to navigating and exploring the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The key outcome of a skills builder program is to strengthen critical thinking and problem solving strategies for students.
A skills builder aims to enhance key content and skills within the Australian Curriculum learning areas including:
- science inquiry skills
- mathematics proficiency
- design and technologies process and productions skills
- digital technologies process and productions skills
- general capabilities as emphasised in the Australian Curriculum P–10.
A skills builder provides opportunities for students to develop a range of thinking strategies to enable them to approach challenges and problems from different perspectives. Students can use these skills to enhance their QVSA grand challenge learning experiences.
A skills builder has the following key components:
- Direct and virtual accessibility
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- New ways of thinking
- Reflection and evaluation.
Some examples of the STEM skills include:
- scientific methodology
- design thinking
- ethical decision making
- computational thinking
- mathematical modelling.
The learning of these skills occurs in a real world context so that a QVSA student can develop an awareness and appreciation for the importance of these capabilities in a STEM world.
At the completion of a skills builder course a student will receive a certificate acknowledging their new capabilities.
View or
Programs page for information on currently available courses.