iSTEM Resources

STEM Fundamentals

Resource - iSTEM Process

The iSTEM process provides consistent language across K-12 schools based on an industry-recognised engineering design. There are different versions of the iSTEM process that vary in the number of cogs. See versions below.

Link to Resources Page (ITeachSTEM)

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STEM Fundamentals

Resource - Jiggler Challenge Unit of Work

The Jiggler Challenge has been developed by the STEM Industry School Partnerships (SISP) Program in collaboration with Design Nuts™. The Challenge is a great way to demonstrate the different aspects of the iSTEM process leading to the development of an innovative solution. This unit is ideal for schools who are working from home.

Link to Resource Page (iTeachSTEM)

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STEM Fundamentals

Resource - STEM Olympaid

The resource provide teachers with a range of curriculum-aligned, mini-STEM challenges that can be delivered in a range of formats.

Link to Resource Page (NSW DoE)

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STEM Olympiad Program
Paper bridge activity
Paper gyrocopter activity
Paper parachute activity
Slender tower activtity
Straw water tower

Mechatronics

Resource - iBot Unit of Work

The iBot unit of work is a 8 week unit to support the Mechatronics iSTEM core module. It was been designed to meet the localised needs of the Cessnock Academy of STEM Excellence but could be applied to other sites. The iBot unit of work requires the purchase of robotic equipment. The Tetrix's platform has been used as it is currently on contract for DoE schools. 

Link to Resources Page (ITeachSTEM)

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Aerodynamics

Resource - Bottle Rocket Challenge Unit of Work

The Bottle Rocket Challenge has been developed by the STEM Industry School Partnerships (SISP) Program in collaboration with Design Nuts™. The challenge is a great way to demonstrate the different aspects of the iSTEM process leading to the development of an innovative solution to an aerodynamics problem.

Link to Resource Page (iTeachSTEM)

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Aerodynamics/General

Resource - Water Rocket

This unit developed by NESA challenges students to create a water-bottle rocket. Students, through a range of design, experimentation and testing procedures, aim to create a rocket then compete against others to see which rocket flies the highest and farthest, and are aesthetically appealing. Note: This unit of work is not directely linked to the iSTEM course.

Link to Resource Page (NESA)

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Motion

Resource - Solar Car Unit of Work

In this resource page we have a number of examples of STEM Learning Activities that would be suitable for the Motion Elective Module in iSTEM. There are detailed instructions and video resources to assist teachers to design engaging learning activities for their students. 

Note: This unit requires the school to purchase the Kite Magic Solar Car Kits.

Link to Resources Page (ITeachSTEM)

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Motion/General

Resource - Braidwood Boulder

In the Braidwood Boulder (5 hours) Fast and Curious STEM challenge, students examine a fictitious but authentic problem and develop a range of skills and understanding in recording and analysing data to assist in designing an algorithm-based solution. Note – Fast and Curious is a Technology Mandatory unit of work that uses the Anki Overdrive race cars but could be easily applied to iSTEM.

Link to Resource Page (NSW DoE)

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The Braidwood Boulder Challenge Unit of Work (DoE)

Minor Project

Resource - The Yabby Unit

This unit provides students with the opportunity to investigate the importance of aquaculture production to our society. It integrates content from multiple contexts, aquaculture, aquaponics and digital technologies. Successful automation of an aquaponics system using digital technologies will provide students with an understanding of how these technologies can be blended/harnessed for improved aquacultural production. This unit was design in partnership with NSW Department of Primary Industries.

Link to Resource Page (iTeachSTEM)

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Motion

Resource - SCU Electric Kombi Unit of Work

In this unit of work students are to develop skills and understanding associated with alternative fuel sources for vehicles. Students will utilise inquiry and problem-based learning strategies to investigate the impact of current car fuel sources, which has affected the environment – arguably beyond repair
– and governs much of the global political and economic powers. Students are engineers who have been approached by the EPA to investigate and design an electric vehicle, based on the conversion of the Southern Cross University Kombi, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a cleaner, quieter, more efficient vehicle.

Link to Resources Page (ITeachSTEM)

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Biomedical Innovation

Resource - Ampcontrol Emergency Ventilator Unit of Work

In this module, students are to develop skills and understanding associated with a biomedical innovation. Students will utilise inquiry and problem-based learning strategies to investigate the worldwide pandemic COVID-19, which has affected the way we live and medically treat patients who have contracted the virus. Students roleplay as engineers who have been approached by NSW Health to investigate and design a basic biomedical ventilation system, to assist the increased demand for respiratory care and support for the increasing number of patients requiring medical support.

Link to Resource Page (IteachSTEM)

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