Introduction to S.T.E.A.M.

Wheelers Hill Primary school has a well embedded whole-school S.T.E.A.M. program designed to enrich student learning and develop computational and algorithmic thinking across the school. This program is intended to seamlessly integrate Science, Technology, Engineering the Arts and Mathematics whilst encouraging trial and error, problem solving and critical thinking skills.

 

The Robotics Curriculum

Our S.T.E.A.M. program is taught to all year levels and is targeted to their specific learning level. As well as providing enrichment opportunities, these sessions demonstrate how robots are used in today's society to help people solve challenges, ensure quality and refine processes. Students will build simple robots and explore how they can develop algorithms and programs that use conditions, sensor data and mathematics to navigate and respond to environments.

 

Junior School - Primo Cubetto

 

Foundation (Prep) Year - Developing Algorithms

  • Guided programming of 'human robots'

  • Writing instructions

  • Introduction to creating algorithms

Year 1 - Developing Algorithms

  • Programming 'human robots'

  • Understanding how computers interpret instructions

  • More complex algorithmic logic (including repetition, functions and debugging)

 

Middle School - Sphero Bolt

Year 2

  • Drawing instructions for a robot

  • Problem solving

  • Introduction to block programming

Year 3

  • Using repetition in algorithms

  • Understanding technical elements of robots

  • Exploring sensors

  • Following flowcharts with conditional logic

Year 4

  • Real-world problem-based application of STEM skills

  • Creating a series of instructions with iterations

  • Problem solving to navigate environments

  • Creating simple machines and engineering solutions

 
 

Senior School - Lego Mindstorms EV3

 

Year 5

  • Sequencing instructions

  • Using mathematical operators in programming

  • Introduction to sensors (Gyroscopes, touch and ultrasonic sensors)

  • Exploring basic conditional programming

  • Directed development of real-world robotic solutions

Year 6

  • Following the Engineering Design Process to plan and create solutions

  • Introduction to advanced gear systems and colour sensors

  • Scenario-based challenges

  • Replicating real-world robotic solutions

  • Problem-based learning