TEACHERS&STAFFTEAC TEACHERS LEARN NEW TECH

Townsville teachers have expanded their STEM knowledge by becoming the students for a day, testing new technology that can be used in the classroom.

Belgian Gardens State School hosted STEMPUNKS – professional development for its teachers on science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) before the start of Term 1.

Teachers were taught how STEM aligns to the curriculum and helps foster student creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication.

Belgian Gardens State School principal Ryan Pedley said teachers had the opportunity to code and fly drones, program micro:bits, design 3D images and experience virtual reality.

“We look forward to integrating aspects of this professional development into our school’s curriculum so our students have the opportunity to engage with entrepreneurial thinking throughout the year,” Mr Pedley said.

Ryan Catholic College is also putting a big focus on real-life benefits of STEM studies, teaching drone technology as part of its Certificate III in Aviation.

Deputy principal Paula Duffy said at the end of last year that the course was increasing in popularity.

Ms Duffy said the school was excited to offer the subject for its potential for career opportunities.

“The qualification and skills will provide our students with employment prospects across multiple industries, including farming, health, emergency search and rescue, shark and crocodile detection, and photography, to name a few,” she said.

“Drones could help farmers prioritise where to apply fertiliser, or help energy companies monitor their infrastructure.”