aMACQUARIE COLLEGE SENIOR SCHOOL

PROJECT-BASED LEARNING, STEM, ENGINEERING STUDIES AND MAKERSPACE

YEAR 11Project-based Learning and STEM Electives (2018)

Additional Electives:□ Food Technology□ Design & Technology□ Industrial Technology (Wood and Metal)

YEAR 12Project-based Learning and STEM Electives (2019)

Additional Electives:□ Food Technology□ Design & Technology□ Industrial Technology (Wood and Metal)

STAGE 6

ENGINEERING STUDIES Engineering Studies provides students with skills, knowledge and understanding of engineering, the engineering profession, and its impacts on society.

Engineering is a multi-disciplinary profession encompassing mechanical, chemical, electrical and civil engineering, which applies mathematical, scientific and technological skills and integrates these with business and managementprinciples.

The course involves problem solving, engineering analysis of systems and structures, visual and written communication, management, and teamwork skills.

Topics are categorised as Engineering Application areas (engineered products, braking systems, civil structures, and personal and public transport) and Engineering Focus areas (biomedical, aeronautical and telecommunications engineering).

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

Design and Technology is suited to students who are interested in project-based learning and integrating STEM disciplines they have studied in Stages 4 and 5.

Students who are problem solvers, who enjoy design, and who have enquiring minds may be interested in this avenue to challenge themselves, to identify problems (or opportunities!) which can be remedied through a structured process of investigative research, design and documentation on the way to developing a solution.

Students are encouraged to approach this subject with an awareness of products,services or processes which they have experienced in their own lives, and identify solutions or advances which are inspired by their analysis, vision and creativity, resulting in benefit to others.

These solutions may be commercialised in the future ...

The HSC Major Design Project is the pinnacle of this course. Students will participate in excursions - including to the Powerhouse Museum - which involve Technology / STEM workshops, presentations by successful designers, engineers and also past HSC students, while engaging in practical STEM activities.

aSince 2012, Macquarie College teams have been recognised for the following Challenge achievements / performances:• Design award (first place)• Fastest lap (first place)• Teacher drag race (first place)• Endurance race (second place)• Innovation award and

scholarship to solar school at UoN

STEM MAKERSPACE The Student STEM Makerspace operates lunch-times and Monday afternoons, for Years 7-12.

Students are invited and encouraged to discover and experiment, through Staff-supervised activities in the Makerspace.

Through unstructured experimentation, students have an opportunity to exercise their creativity, test their understanding of STEM concepts using a range of different materials and media, and simply enjoy the process of deconstructing, building and creating.

There are no costs associated with this workshop experience, and students are encouraged experience the benefits of trial and error in a safe, supported and non-competitive environment.

Year 11 Design Projects completed by former MC students include:

• Chairs from recycled materials

• Storage unit• Electric vehicle

Year 12 Major Design Projects completed by former MC Students include:

• Collapsible wing sail• Boat trailer latch to attach boat to

trailer without winching• A variety of storage solutions• Solar powered and activated

windscreen sunshade• Trail bike-mounted emergency kit• Line-mounted underwater fishing

camera

EXTRA CURRICULAR PROGRAMS

Hunter Electric Vehicle Festival“EVFest”

Macquarie College has participated in this annual extracurricular STEM Project since it commenced in 2012. Hosted by the Tom Farrell Institute at the University of Newcastle, the Electric Vehicle isall about thinking of sustainable transport in fun and innovative ways that support the development of electric vehicle industries in the region.

Students form a Challenge Team and are responsible for designing, developing and preparing an electric powered vehicle, which will be entered into a highly competitive race event held in Term 3.

Challenge Teams must work within designated vehicle and safety specifications set by the organisers, including:• Vehicle classification and Battery

compliance• Occupant and Vehicle mass

(weight)• Vehicle dimensions• Terminal speed• Braking system and performance• Dynamic performance• Electrical system safety• Lighting system• Safety clothing• Chassis safety• Seating position• General safety• Vehicle sponsorship