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April 2018
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#PrimarySTEMChat
A huge part of being a good STEAM-powered teacher is staying connected. PLNs (Personal Learning Networks) on Twitter are a fantastic way to link up with likeminded teachers. An entertaining and valuable PLN is the #PrimarySTEMChat hashtag run by Fiona Hudson and Rachael Lehr. Read more

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Practical applications in STEAM – Maths
The problem I’ve always had with Mathematics as a subject is that is the most often looked at as an “open to page 23, do every odd exercise. Test on Monday” subject.
     Will Maby makes a similar point in his article from last issue.
     As with every subject, there’s a massive amount of content to get through in Maths but seeing as the idea of STEAM is to teach extended concepts without worrying about the overcrowded curriculum I want to give you a STEAM-powered lesson plan with a Maths focus. Caveat: I’m not a Maths teacher. But as the Head of Mathematics at St James College always says: Maths is everywhere. So here goes.
Read more

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Editorial – Issue Six
I’m about to take three months off.
     I’ve been teaching IT since 2003. I’ve survived CSF II, VELS, AusVELS and now the Victorian/Australian Curriculum. I’ve taught in P–10 and 7–10, co-ed and boys’ Colleges.
     And now I’m going to spend three months rejuvenating and getting ready for the next 16 years.
Read more

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Want to take 3D printing to the next level?
The Brainary has teamed up with the world leading Australian 3D printer company, ME3D, to bring together Robotics and 3D printing.
     Using the modular robotics platform EZ-Robot, the Brainary has created a 3D printable robotics kit. EZ-Robot is a fully-programmable and customisable robotic platform designed to engage students in STEAM. The combination enables students to let their imagination run free as they can re-design and 3D print their own robot.
     Resources are also available to make sure that students are meeting and surpassing the Australian Digital Technologies Curriculum. Read more

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Nepotism – How much does STEAM affect teachers’ lives?
In general, if you grow up with teachers, you either become a teacher or run like hell from the profession.
     I know a LOT of teachers.
     Mum, until recently, taught at a primary school. Dad (before he died) worked his way up to principal and moved sideways into the Department of Education. One aunt works at a school, another is in kindergarten (as a teacher, not a student). Read more

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Twits: Rachel Lehr and Fiona Hudson
This issue, I wanted to do a joint Twits, because these two work as a pair, organising a very popular weekly hashtag called #PrimarySTEMChat. Every week, they present a number of questions to teachers involved in the chat, asking the big questions such as:
     Where did your STEM teaching journey begin?
     What does STEM look like in your classroom?
     In your opinion, is STEM just another educational “fad or buzzword”? Why/why not?
     I love reading through the answers to these questions using the hashtag. Part of #primarySTEMchat each week is getting to know the chat participants, with questions around their role in teaching and STEM. Read more

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New STEAM lessons for primary classes
Add an ‘A’ for arts to science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) with Cool Australia’s brand-new package of primary lessons STEAM Made Simple. Cool Australia has teamed up with OfficeMax to create six lessons to help students develop their creativity for careers in our rapidly changing world.
     Creativity will be a key priority for STEM workers of the future to be able to design innovative solutions. Read more