STEM Term 1 – Physics

For term 1 of STEM our subject was physics. In the subject we learn mainly about motion, speed and forces, covering Newton’s laws and similar things. For our assignment we were put into groups of 3 and tasked with recording the speed of a ball rolling down a ramp at different angles. I was put into a group with my fellow classmates Kyo and Zak, and together we tested the experiment. The goal of the assignment was to record all of the data then use Excel to put all of the data into a spreadsheet and calculate the velocity and acceleration of the ball.

Once we had the data organised our task from there was to arrange all of the findings and observations inside a scientific report. The report was a bit challenging to put together for me, but was fun to do. I really enjoyed the process of experimenting then going further into the data gathered.

STEM Term 2 – Social Action

Nothing really happened in term 2. Instead of focusing on STEM the term was mainly focused on planning our social action projects. I started planning on doing mine about nuclear energy, but by the end of the term I didn’t really have anything to show.

STEM Term 3 – Chemistry

Term 3 was really really fun for me. Chemistry is something that I really like, so getting to learn it was really enjoyable. Due to the lack of preparation though we didn’t really get to learn anything too advanced unfortunately. We learnt a lot about the structure of atoms and the periodic table which was very nice to learn more about. In the latter half of the term we were each given science experiment kits and were tasked with documenting the process of what to do for each of the experiments.

The 2 experiments I chose to do both were from a kit about fire (because I love fire). The first experiment was about lighting steel wool on fire, the second being creating a chemical reaction to create explosive hydrogen bubbles. It was really fun to do, and I did it all with my dad to make sure that everything was safe.

STEM Term 4 – Robotics

Term 4 was mainly focused on robotics, but due to having to crunch work at the end of the term I didn’t really do anything all too STEM related, mainly focusing on finishing my project work so it would be ready for my exhibition. There was an excursion to QU in Brisbane though and that was really fun. We all participated in a mechatronics workshop which involved putting together a mechanical arm and that was really fun. I also had the best gyoza I’ve ever had there at Brisbane which made the experience so much better.