S.T.E.M. at Wandin Yallock: Igniting Curiosity, Creativity and Innovation
(Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
At Wandin Yallock Primary School, STEM education is an exciting, hands-on journey that brings Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics together. Our program develops critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills while encouraging students to explore real-world challenges. All students from Prep to Year 6 have an hour of STEM each week with our specialist STEM teacher, Mrs Alex Green.
Prep to Year 2
Students in the junior years explore forces, motion, energy, light, and sound while building foundational digital and design skills.
Physical Science: How objects move depending on size, shape, and material; push and pull forces that change movement or shape; sound vibrations and pitch
Digital Technologies: Exploring simple digital systems, patterns in data, and how technologies affect movement in products and systems
Design and Technology: Using materials, components, and tools safely to create solutions; designing and making products collaboratively
Year 3/4
Students investigate heat energy, frictional, gravitational, electrostatic and magnetic forces, light and energy transformations while developing problem-solving and inquiry skills.
Physical Science: Heat transfer, energy sources, forces affecting motion, light, and sound
Digital Technologies: Exploring and transmitting different types of data, implementing simple algorithms, designing and testing digital solutions
Design and Technology: Generating and communicating design ideas using manual and digital tools, making and evaluating solutions individually and collaboratively with sustainability in mind
Year 5/6
Senior students explore space, simple machines, energy, electrical systems, and complex data handling, preparing them to think like young scientists and engineers.
Physical Science: Simple machines including levers, pulleys, wedges, screws, wheels and axles; kinetic and potential energy; energy transformations and efficiency; light and sound
Digital Technologies: Investigating internal components of digital systems, networks, binary representation, algorithms, user interface design, and using digital tools to collect, analyse, and share data
Design and Technology: Planning, designing, testing, and iterating solutions; applying technical skills, sustainability principles, and collaborative project management; transforming electrical energy into movement, sound, or light in products
Creating Designed Solutions and Programming Across All Years
Throughout Prep to Year 6, students explore real-world problems and create solutions using both manual and digital tools. They learn to sequence steps, generate and communicate ideas, test their designs, and refine their solutions collaboratively. Programming skills grow progressively, from following simple algorithms to implementing branching and iteration, designing user interfaces, and creating digital solutions that solve meaningful problems.
Learning Through Exciting Experiences
Our STEM program extends beyond the classroom through hands-on experiences such as visits from the pop-up planetarium and interactive workshops. These activities bring science and technology to life, encourage exploration, and help students see the impact of their learning on the world around them.
Why STEM Matters
STEM at Wandin Yallock develops curiosity, creativity, and confidence. Students learn to think critically, collaborate effectively, communicate ideas clearly, and approach challenges with innovative solutions. By combining inquiry, design, digital skills, and hands-on learning, our STEM program equips students with the tools and mindset to thrive in an ever-changing world.