Science and engineering high school workshops
The QUT Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) high school engagement program of curriculum mapped, practical and innovative workshops provides high school students with engaging and inspirational experiences in STEM.
QUT invites high schools to participate in a range of workshops tailored to enhance and augment the science and maths syllabus in the National Curriculum. Book online for curriculum mapped workshops, LEGO workshops and K-Treks for Term 2 and 3. For more information please contact stem.schools@qut.edu.au.
Astrophysics
Overview
Students will 'Journey to the Edge of the Universe' and learn about galaxies, stars and solar systems and how the universe has evolved since the Big Bang. This fun, hands-on workshop includes activities designed to simulate tides, black holes, orbital motion and forces of attraction, gas compression and heat release from stars and the construction of a mini solar system.
Earth and Space Sciences: ACSSU188
Physics: ACSSU229
Who
Year 10
Duration
60 minutes
Maths B (Curve Fitting)
Overview
Students will gain an understanding of how to utilise technology (Logger Pro and graphics calculators) to fit a curve and derive subsequent mathematical functions to a series of data points, whilst taking into account given constraints and how to justify the validity of the curve and subsequent mathematical function.
QSA Syllabi elements covered in Mathematics B – Introduction to Functions
Who
Years 11 - 12
Duration
120 minutes
Maths C (Conform Mapping and Kutta-Joukowski Airfoils)
Overview
Students will understand what Kutta-Joukowski airfoils are and how they relate to both complex numbers and calculus. They will learn the basis terms of potential flow, lift and velocity components, and how lift is related to airfoil design. They will have a basic knowledge of conform mapping and understand how simple calculus is used, with complex numbers, to derive various conform mapping equations.
QSA Syllabi elements covered in Mathematics C – Real and Complex Number Systems
QSA Syllabi elements covered in Mathematics C – Calculus
Who
Years 11 - 12
Duration
120 minutes
Maths C (Getting a Lift with Calculus)
Overview
Students will investigate the application of selected calculus methods (definite integrals, area between curves and Simpson’s Rule) to calculate the net lift force generated by an airfoil, designed on the basis of a set of defined parameters.
QSA Syllabi elements covered in Mathematics C – Calculus
Who
Years 11 - 12
Duration
120 minutes
The Power of Renewable Energy
Overview
The newly constructed Science and Engineering Centre at QUT has three types of solar panels on the building: fixed panels on the roof, fixed panels above the solar garden on level 6 and the moveable solar trees on level 9. The Power of Renewable Energy is an inquiry based workshop where students will explore the energy outputs from solar panels by investigating the variables affecting the efficiency of solar panels and determining the optimum angle for maximum efficiency. They will further investigate the voltage output from the solar panels by altering the intensity and frequency of light, to simulate varying weather conditions, and experiment with mirrors to improve the design.
Chemistry: ACSSU177 (Year 9)
Physics: ACSSU182 (Year 9)
Chemistry: ACSSU186 (Year 10)
Physics ACSSU190, ACSSU229 (Year 10)
Who
Years 9 - 10Duration
60 minutes
Create a City
Overview
Years 8 - 10
Duration
60 minutes
Students will test their town planning skills to create a fictional city. Working together, through a series of challenges, students will be prompted to consider the use of land and natural resources required to create a sustainable city. Where will the hospital, school, roads, airport, parks, bridges, shopping centers and homes be built in your town?
Who
Water Filtration
Overview
Faced with a real-world challenge, through collaborative enquiry and investigation, students will be assigned to a different country, each with access to limited funds to build a water filter. Just like in the real world, there are no rules when it comes to bartering, exchanging aid and collaborating between countries. Wealthy countries and poor countries may need to work together if they are to complete the project successfully.
Chemistry ACSCH026
Who
Years 9 - 11
Duration
60 minutes
Using Force For Good
Overview
Students will be introduced to the world of engineering through the principles of forces in equilibrium, moments and couples. They will physically model moments and couples and then compare their data with data collated using formulae.
Physics ACSSU190, ACSSU229 (Year 10)
Physics ACSPH063, ACSPH064, ACSPH065 (Year 11 - 12)
Who
Years 10 - 12
Duration
60 minutes
