From The Junior Secondary
Head of Department
With Ben Rutherford
An Amazing Experience so far!
The launch of the Monadelphous CQUniversity Australia Indigenous STEM Program was an inspiring success, setting the tone for a dynamic learning experience. Year 10 and 11 students from Gladstone State High School and Toolooa State High School participated in a full day of STEM activities that combined exploration with practical skills. Under the guidance of CQUniversity staff, led by Associate Professor Linda Pfeiffer, students engaged in hands-on exercises designed to broaden their knowledge and introduce new perspectives on STEM careers.
Parents have already shared positive reflections on the program:
"My daughter was just telling me about her day. The excitement as she was telling me, I never thought I'd hear my daughter have interest in machinery."
"I'm loving listening to everything my student has learnt over the last two days! He has really loved it. Thank you so much for giving him this opportunity."
The day’s activities spanned various fields, beginning with campus and Manufacturing Hub tours, where students observed the facilities and equipment used in STEM industries. Mapping exercises allowed them to interact with Aboriginal symbols and storytelling, connecting cultural heritage with technical skills. Creativity was woven into the day through a bag-painting project, enabling students to add a personal touch while exploring design and expression. Technology took center stage in programming Sphero Indi robots, giving students an opportunity to try their hand at basic coding, an essential skill in today’s digital world.
Excitement is building for the second session at the Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre (CMERC), where students will delve into marine science and explore more advanced STEM concepts. This follow-up session will encourage students to think critically about their potential in STEM and may even shape their long-term goals. They will also participate in mock interviews to provide valuable career preparation, allowing them to practice communication and interview techniques in a supportive setting, building confidence for future job opportunities.
A big thank-you to Monadelphous and CQUniversity for supporting our students!
Nationals – Toolooa’s First Lego League Team!
Also this week, the Toolooa State High First Lego League team has achieved an incredible milestone, qualifying for the national competition scheduled for 23 November at Chanel College. This accomplishment reflects the hard work, dedication, and creativity that the team has put into their projects. Their journey has been filled with challenges that have tested their skills in problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation, all of which are key pillars of the First Lego League’s mission.
From designing, building, and programming their robots to refining their project presentations, each team member has contributed their unique talents and perspectives. Their commitment to continual improvement and teamwork has been instrumental in getting them this far. As they prepare for nationals, they continue to push their boundaries, enhancing not only their technical skills but also their confidence and resilience.
A huge congratulations to each of them for this remarkable achievement! We can’t wait to see the amazing work they will showcase at nationals.
MoonHack
As we approach the end of the term, we are excited to focus on MoonHack with our STEM Squad students who are not participating in the Lego League. MoonHack offers a wonderful opportunity for students to engage in coding projects using Scratch, fostering creativity and enhancing their programming skills in a fun and supportive environment, as mentioned in last fortnight's flyer.
If you have not yet attended STEM Squad and are interested in coding, you are warmly invited to join us on Thursday afternoons from 3–4 pm in T-Block for some Scratch fun. This is an excellent opportunity to build new coding skills through various challenges, allowing students to watch their projects come to life as they work to solve engaging puzzles!
Please note that STEM Squad will conclude in Week 8, so let us work together to end the term with some outstanding solutions to the MoonHack challenges!
Ben Rutherford Junior Secondary HOD Maths and Science