Community
13 September, 2024
College looks to the stars
EIGHT students from Camperdown College’s Year Five and Six class had the opportunity to experience a science techology engineering and mathematics (STEM) themed day out recently.
The students visited Buninyong Primary School last Tuesday to participate in the Kids in Space program, which engages students in space-themed STEM learning activities.
The Australia-first program is delivered by the Andy Thomas Space Foundation, project supporter the Australian Space Agency and delivery partner Makers Empire and introduces students to space technology and careers within the space industry.
Library and STEM teacher Lauren Murphy said students were “really engaged” with the program.
“They loved using their design thinking skills, collaborative learning skills, critical thinking skills and 3D printing knowledge to help bring their ideas to life,” she said.
“All Year Five and Six students at Camperdown College were involved in the Kids in Space program and presented their ideas to a panel of judges from Camperdown College.
“From these presentations the judges selected two teams to represent the school at the state showcase, which was held on September 3, 2024 at Buninyong Primary School.
“Students thoroughly enjoyed using the Makers Empire ‘Kids in Space’ challenge course and being able to see their ideas come to life, being printed on the 3D printer.
“Other highlights were presenting and displaying their work at the showcase day.”
Team one, consisting of students Onaya, Pippa, Reagan and Amethyst under the name OPRA Inc, received a peer prize at the showcase day
Ms Murphy said OPRA Inc were “overwhelmed” to receive the prize, which is awarded to the team with the most votes from their peers.
“There were two awards presented on the day and for one of the Camperdown College teams to receive one was so amazing,” she said.
“There were nine other schools from regional Victoria and about 25 booths or teams presenting, so we were very lucky to receive an award.
“OPRA Inc designed and built a space sucker where it orbits around the Earth collecting space debris, melting it down, flying it back down to Earth and turning the melted debris into practical objects to be used on Earth.
“Team Two, the RBZZ Squad, designed a satellite, Etilletas (satellite backwards), that detects air pollution, deforestation and other environmental impacts on our Earth and sends a message back to Earth so that people can then try to stop it and help protect our Earth.”
Ms Murphy said students all enjoyed the experience.
“The day ran so well, and we thank Makers Empire for all their hard work,” she said.
“The girls had such an amazing experience and I think it will be one that they remember for a long time.
“Camperdown College are extremely proud of how well the girls presented and represented our school.”