Inspiring STEM Program Module 2
By students Rose and Emima
The Inspiring STEM program is a program that aims at young girls, mainly year 10’s, to introduce them to the career path of working in construction. There are 8 modules which will be covered across 2 year, with different topics to introduce in the field. Module 2 discussed about the Environment & Sustainability in construction.
On Friday 14th of June, Module 2 started with discussions encouraging students to interact with different topics focusing on environmental factors in construction. We also looked at how sustainability was factored in construction and the impact in the long run. Two female construction engineers, Abby and Alex, led the presentation by assisting us to think about different environmental and sustainability pathways within the construction industry.
Our second activity consisted of students constructing and designing a tower. We competed in teams to see who could build the highest tower. At the end, each groups tower was compared by uniqueness and advantage over different areas that they would excel in such as comparing it to the environment and natural disasters.
The next part of activity got us walking around Darwin High School looking at and identifying diverse types of buildings and their environmental impact. We discussed some of the positive and negative impacts of climate change and it’s consideration in construction. We conducted a dirt test, in which a small amount of water was poured into a bowl containing dirt to see if it can be made into a 3 inch ribbon. This test enabled us to observe and analyse the percentage of sand content and its suitability to build.
For our final activity, we were regrouped and tasked to design a building for 100 new students. This building had to be placed somewhere within the school ground. We had to consider the impact on the environment, such as planting new trees for areas cleared for construction and think sustainably in the materials used to build a well ventilated and safe space.
By student Simran
In the second module we learnt a lot about concrete and especially the foundation and the effects of a building to it’s surroundings. The sustainable development is a crucial factor to be considered in infrastructural development. This time we visited some sites in the school area and discussed the importance of management. Practical learning and real life examples are great ways of learning and it was clearly practiced by the professionals teaching us. The supervisors from the company are not only teaching us but are also creating a learning environment where the teachers and students have a clear communication and know the areas where the productivity is at the peak. In summary this program is efficient in every way to promote girls.
