Year 10 iStem

Over the course of 12 weeks, Year 10 iSTEM have been learning about CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) by developing a practical project through the use of various tools and software such as the laser cutter and Adobe Illustrator. 

iSTEM allows students to respond to a range of real life problems and gives them the opportunity to research and develop a solution whilst building a variety of skills in the manufacturing of prototypes. For this project, the class was given a design problem about the impact of heat stress on the city of Blacktown. Year 10 were required to develop a series of inquiry questions in order to guide their research on the topic and consider possible solutions to reduce the impact of heat stress on Blacktown. 

After weeks of research and planning, the class was able to build dioramas showcasing the improvements that they would implement in Blacktown in order to solve the given problem. Students were required to do this in groups and were given the challenge to effectively communicate and delegate throughout the duration of the  task.