By Callum Ludwig
Gladysdale Primary School are excelling in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects at the moment, and want to share their knowledge with local preschools.
4 STEM ambassadors have been chosen to join principal Tara Jenner at preschools like Millgrove Preschool and All Saints Preschool in Yarra Junction, their first visit on Thursday 5 May.
STEM and Grade 5/6 Teacher Belinda Jones said Gladysdale PS has had a comprehensive STEM program running for quite a few years now.
“We’re in a privileged position where we have some really quite talented and dedicated students and resources in the area of STEM,” she said.
“So we’ve chosen students to be STEM ambassadors for our school and take our resources and run lessons at kinders and community groups. At the moment, they’re taking out our BeeBots, which are little small, programmable robots, and they’re running activities based on that.”
In the future, they will also teach kids how to use Spheros, a programmable robotic ball, and Makey Makey, a tool that can turn anything from Play-Doh to a banana into a computer interface.
Ms Jones said it’s nice to be back learning with the kinders after Covid-19.
“It is good to have that connection again with the younger students coming through I think it’s really important to remember that all kids love science, they love finding out about the world around them,” she said.
“We’re very passionate about giving back to the community that we gain from, it’s good for our leaders and it’s good for the kinders to have a connection back to one of their local schools as well.”
Gladysdale PS have six grade 5 and 6 students who are participating in the Mac. Robertson Girls High School High Ability program, aiming to help and encourage female students who excel in STEM subjects and show them the opportunities they have.
Ms Jones said she has loved seeing past students go on to pursue STEM.
“I’m really passionate about science education, it’s my favourite thing in teaching. It’s how little kids and babies explore the world. And that doesn’t stop when they start school,” she said.
“I’ve taught kids who have gone on and studied at tertiary level in science, and it’s really quite gratifying to see that they still have that love that they had when they were in Prep or Grade One.”
Gladysdale PS is hosting a Celebration of STEM open night on Thursday 19 May from 5pm to 7pm where visitors can come explore a variety of STEM activities run by students. These include science experiments, robotics and 3D printing, and free dinner is provided. More details can be found on the Gladysdale Primary School Facebook page.
