22 Mar 2023
The Virtual STEM Academy is offering some fantastic courses for students with an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It is the first time MRHS students can apply for a place in the Virtual STEM Academy, so students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.
Now that the Virtual STEM Academy has entered Phase 3, places are being offered to students across New South Wales. This means applicants from MRHS will be learning and collaborating with some of the best students in the state.
Some of the courses on offer are:
iSee License and Scientific Inquiry (Years 7 – 8)
Students will build their ability and fluency using the iSee irtual platform. They will collaboratively access and gain experience using other software platforms like Tinkercad, G-Suite and Padlet.
Students will solve open-ended scientific inquiry problems. They will also develop a range of thinking strategies (critical thinking, problem solving, curiosity, creativity, collaboration and communication) that enable them to approach challenges and problems from different perspectives.
Forensics (Years 7 - 8, Year 9 Girls Only)
Is it possible to solve crime with the help of mathematics? Students will use the 4D phases of Mathematics Inquiry (Discover, Devise, Develop and Defend) to analyse and examine evidence to solve the problem of “The Great Diamond Heist”. Students will develop their mathematical skills in measurement, geometry, statistics and probability.
Cyberattack Chaos (Years 7-8 Girls Only)
Technological advancements have enabled our cities to enhance quality of services, to reduce costs and resources use and to engage more effectively with its citizens. Through the acceleration of digital capabilities, smart cities are created. Cyberattacks occur in cities all around the world. It is difficult to imagine the impact of a cyberattack on a city with intelligent transportation networks and traffic flow systems.
Students adopt a digital security mindset as they investigate the impact of cyberattacks on smart cities and how to protect them from digital infiltration and disruption. They design a safe smart city that minimises the risk of cyberattack and builds the cyber -resilience of our cities.
iSee Licence and Bio-Medical Marvels (Year 9 Girls Only)
Students develop skills and understanding associated with Biomedical Innovations. They discover how an Australian business responded in supporting the NSW Department of Health during the heights of COVID-19 in Australia. Students will immerse themselves in a real-world scenario to develop skills and understanding on how biomedical innovations are created through applying the iSTEM process to create solutions in a global crisis. Student's will address the inquiry question of “how can Australian Industry contribute to Biomedical Innovation”. Students will be given a challenge to design a biomedical device from common objects using the skills and information they have learnt in the course.
If you are interested in applying for any of the Virtual Academy of STEM Excellence courses, please speak to:
WADE Site: Mrs Sashi, Mr Chapman, Mr Forrest, Mr Collis, Mr Duncan, Mrs Tregea, Ms Hardie
GRIFFITH Site: Mr Preston, Ms Hardie, Mr Parkin, Mrs McGreal, Mr Gallagher, Mr Chirgwin
Applications close 11.30am Friday 24 March 2023.