AT DROMANA COLLEGE, the newly refurbished Technology Centre has been equipped with state-of-the-art digital and systems technology. This allows a unique experience in STEAM education. STEAM is an interdisciplinary approach to learning that removes the traditional barriers separating the five disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. When these fields are brought together, more meaningful learning can take place.
STEAM integrates these subjects into real world learning experiences. Since 2015 our students have participated in an annual STEAM Immersion Day where they undertake workshops with local scientists, designers, innovators and artists and work collaboratively to produce innovative designed solutions. Students have also participated in the following STEAM experiences:
STEAM Club – which runs every Tuesday morning from 7:15am – 8:15am and encompasses activities such as coding and robotics, 3D construction and digital design.
Use of multiple 3D printers – incorporating fusion 360 CAD software to design and develop real products.
HPV – Human Powered Vehicle team that competes across the state and includes a team of riders, engineers and technicians who utilise everything from vinyl cutters to lathes and C&C mills to produce a race ready vehicle.
Use of laser cutters – to design and construct solutions with absolute precision, making use of a range of digital design software to produce products of commercial quality.
Our students are also provided with opportunities to extend their knowledge and inspire their curiosity of Science and Technology by attending various Science programs both inside and outside of the school. Bi-annually, STEAM students from Dromana College are given the opportunity to attend a Space Camp in the United States. This involves 13 days of touring and working in NASA Space facilities and is a great opportunity for students who wish to pursue a career in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics. Students will learn leadership and teamwork skills, flying Space Shuttle simulators and scuba diving at the Advanced Space Academy. The students also spend time living and training as an Astronaut Pilot or Mission Specialist with students from all over the world at the Rocket Centre in Huntsville Alabama.
Students have a behind the scenes look at EPCOT, Magic Kingdom and MGM Hollywood Studios at Disneyworld and learn about the ‘Properties of Motion Physics’ and the ‘Evolution of Technology’ via the Disney’s Youth Education Series (Y.E.S) Science programs.
Students will also visit the Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex that has been NASA’s primary launch centre for human spaceflight. They will meet and have lunch with an Astronaut and see the Space Shuttle Atlantis and Apollo Saturn V Moon Rocket. Students will join the journey where the Mercury and Gemini missions sparked American space travel and the Apollo missions inspired a generation.
