STEM
STEM @ Mano
The STEM program at Manifold Heights Primary School teaches skills based on the Science and Technologies Victorian Curriculum. The curriculum covers areas of focus on; biological science, chemical science, earth and space science, physical science, digital technologies and design. Each term has a different topic of focus, based on the Victorian Curriculum and often coincides with a topic the students are learning about with their classroom teacher.
Underpinning each lesson, STEM is used to create a student-centred learning environment in which students investigate and engineer solutions to problems, and construct evidence-based explanations of real-world phenomena. Students use the Scientific Method when completing experiments by asking questions, creating a hypothesis, following a procedure, creating an observation and concluding. Students suggest explanations for observations and compare their findings with their predictions.
On a regular basis students are developing their communication and leadership skills by working in groups to take on varying roles to solve problems and complete experiments. They use formal and informal scientific language to communicate their observations, methods and findings.
Students also have the opportunity to participate in ‘Science Week’ which is held every year in August. It is an opportunity for students to complete tasks and/or experiments related to the year’s theme.