From Year 9
Science Gallery Melbourne is a participatory space created for and with young people to explore the collision of art and science. Science Gallery Melbourne learning programs explore the vital role STEAM learning experiences play in shifting our understanding of science, art, technology and innovation. Through embracing scientific and artistic inquiry alike, their programs foster the development of transferable, 21st century skills, exploring design thinking inquiry programs through a creative lens. St Aloysius and the Science Gallery have a newly formed partnership, which enables our community easy access to the gallery and facilities. This year as part of our STEM and TIDE programs St Aloysius students are partaking in a range of excursions to the Gallery. The first three of which have already taken place.
On the 20th and 21st February, students in year 7 took part in the first of many of the school's excursions to the science gallery. Students on this excursion took part in an “unexpected workshop” before exploring the SCI-FI: Mythologies Transformed exhibition. The SCI-FI:CI: Mythologies Transformed exhibition offers fresh insights on science fiction, a genre built on envisioning alternative futures and imaginary realms. In the "Unexpected Workshop" students explored possible ‘Futures’ and discussed the unintended consequences of scientific and technological events.
On the 21st of February a group of seven year 10 students journeyed to parliament house where they took part in future-focussed panel discussion to mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This event highlighted the challenges facing our world and the innovative solutions that STEM can offer. The discussion was hosted by ABC Science journalist Natasha Mitchell with the support of Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, The Hon. Maree Edwards. Presented by the Parliament of Victoria in partnership with the Royal Society of Victoria and the Victorian Department of Education for the Inspiring Victoria program. Speakers included Ruwini Cooray on Future Health, Dr Kim Reid Future climate and Morley Muse on future energy. After the broadcast students attended a networking lunch where they were able to meet the scientists, parliamentarians and students from other Victorian schools.
On the 7th March year 9 TIDE students took part in an access code workshop at the Science Gallery of Melbourne. They were introduced to the concept of an algorithm - a process or set of rules to be followed to help solve calculations or problems, and explored the complexities of developing an algorithm by ‘programming’ a teacher to make a jam sandwich. Students were introduced to a block code programming language. Block code is a visual programming language where users build programs by dragging and dropping pre-defined blocks of code into a space, rather than writing text commands. Students utilised their newly acquired block programming skills to make their own video game on the online platform “MakeCode Arcade” . At the end of the session they were able to test out each other's games on GameGo devices (portable devices similar to a Game Boy).
Enya Hannigan
STEM & Innovation Leader
The 9 TIDE excursion to the Science Gallery was a great experience, especially in understanding the skill of game design and how it works. I learned that game design goes beyond the fun of playing a game, it involves storytelling, problem solving to create interesting settings and scenes. Seeing different games helped me appreciate how games can be used to entertain people of all ages. My favourite part of the excursion was testing the games and being able to share our games with others. Overall, the visit helped me see how complex game design is and how it shapes stories, engagement, problem solving and the overall entertainment of games with others.
William Dearness