What does a zucchini have in common with a computer?
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According to grade 6 pupils at Invermay Primary School, they can both make music.
The school is one of eight Australian schools taking part in a new STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) program encouraging pupils to find out how technology impacts the ‘real world’.
Using a zucchini, two oranges, some wires and a computer application, the pupils were able to play bongo drums by tapping the plugged-in fresh produce to trigger a reaction on the app.
After a day of discovering how such smart apps can create real-world experiences, the pupils now face a six-week challenge to develop an app that will have an impact on their own school or community.
The STEM+X challenge, created by NBN Co and the Australian Business Community Network to make the most of the national broadband network, will conclude with a competition between all eight schools.
The ‘X’ in the term stands for the differing creative interests of pupils, who can apply STEM principles and skills to their own interests.
Grade 6 pupils Rocco, William, and Makayla Holmes, said it was a lot of fun working in teams through exercises that involved standing on pieces of paper, holding hands and linking up to the computer to create reactions on the computer screen.
“Everything was awesome,” Rocco said.
Invermay Primary School principal Tony Brazendale said the program was an excellent chance to develop the key STEM skills of collaboration, teamwork, and creative thinking.
NBN Co chief network deployment officer Kathrine Dyer said using the broadband network to target educational goals was important.
“With one in two Australians predicted to need online skills such as programming, software development and digital technology to remain competitive in the 2030 job market, getting students excited about learning STEM will be vital to their future success,” she said.
