The Motion module is an elective of the iSTEM course. For the 200 hour iSTEM course, students must complete 150 hours of electivities over the two years and 50 hours of the core. Each iSTEM elective, including Motion, represent 25 hours of indicative study and therefore students must complete 6 electives over the two years. Schools are encouraged to take a ‘Unit of Work’ approach and combine electives and core units to make the most out of Project, Problem and Inquiry Based learning approaches.
In the Motion elective schools are encouraged to select one or more related areas as a theme for an introduction to STEM concepts related to motion. Possible examples include solar and electric powered vehicles, alternative energy devices, UAV’s, subs, rockets, etc. In this module students will utilise inquiry and/or project-based learning strategies to develop solutions to problems associated with motion.
To complete the Motion Elective you need to complete the following areas of study;
Motion
- Electronics
- Technologies related to motion
- Energy
- Motion calculations
- Developing projects related to motion
Motion Sample Unit of Work
Sample Unit of Work – Solar Car Challenge (Rivers Academy of STEM Excellence)
This unit provides students with the opportunity to investigate the principles behind electric vehicles and the importance of finding alternative energy sources to drive the transport industry. Students will develop an understanding of electric motors and investigate key concepts related to motion.
Students will use the iSTEM process to develop a solution to the Solar Car Challenge and integrate the use of technology to analyse aspects of their vehicle’s motion.
Click Sample Unit of Work Buton to find resources to support the Solar Car Challenge Unit of Work
The iSTEM Process
The iSTEM process was developed by the Cessnock Academy of STEM Excellence (CASE) as part of the STEM Industry School Partnerships (SISP) program. It provides consistent language across K-12 schools based on an industry-recognised engineering design process and scaffolds the understanding and application of design thinking.
The SISP program is developing teaching and learning units to embed the iSTEM process into the curriculum. There are different versions of the iSTEM process that vary in the number of cogs. The purpose of the different versions is to allow for the process to be adapted to different stages and types of problem-solving activities. Teachers are encouraged to adapt the iSTEM process to various aspects of their teaching of STEM.
A series of poster designs are available for display and can be found by clicking on the button below
Activity cards and resources are also available to embed design thinking in your classroom. The iSTEM process has been designed to assist in the learning and teaching of STEM from K – 12. It is recommended that the iSTEM process be taught as part of the STEM Fundamentals Unit and reinforced throughout the electives. Embedding the iSTEM process within teaching pedagogy and learning opportunities, allows for student engagement and positive culture for consistent, ongoing learning and improvement, at a variety of levels from Early Stage 1 through to the Secondary stages.
Links
