During this one-day program, students will learn to pilot a Tello drone to trigger a VEX IQ robot to perform a rescue operation. Search and retrieval operations are one of the many industry applications of ground and aerial robotics.

In this one day program, students will learn to build, configure and code a VEX IQ robot which will incorporate the use of lights, proximity sensors and bump triggers. Students will work in pairs throughout the day to develop a search and retrieval solution which they will showcase in a whole class challenge at the end of the day.

Students are introduced to the scientific method by applying it in a hands-on trial and error experiment and then identifying and implementing changes to their method to improve the outcomes.

The program supports students to participate in the Peter Doherty Science Award, equipping them with the tools and inspiration to pursue their own scientific investigations. The workshop deliberately uses everyday materials that can be found in supermarkets, demonstrating to students that the application of science is accessible to everyone.

Part 1:

Students get hands-on experience as they investigate the processes of photosynthesis and respiration in response to a range of environmental conditions.

To do this, students will employ an experimental apparatus consisting of algal cells immobilised in an algal gel that enables CO2 consumption to be measured to process and analyse their data. The data is plotted on electronic whiteboard and the students take the collated data back to school to use in their SAC.

Program Variations:

2 Hour Program:

Students will apply genetic techniques used in medical research and testing environments. They will gain experience in the use of gel electrophoresis and blood specimen microscopic examination, both of which are typically carried out in wet laboratories.

Part 1:

Students will separate patient DNA by gel electrophoresis.

Part 2:

Students will examine blood specimens from patients with and without sickle cell anaemia.

Part 3:

The Augmented Consciousness program is broken into three parts, exploring consciousness as a continuum and changes to a person’s psychological state as an indicator as of their level of consciousness.

Part 1:

Students use “beer goggles” to simulate different levels of blood alcohol concentration and complete tasks to measure self-control and perceptual distortion.

Part 2:

Students use “fatal vision” glasses to simulate sleep deprivation and explore how it can affect speed and accuracy.

3D Modelling involves the use of computer-generated graphics to produce a 3-dimensional representation of an object or surface. By manipulating “vertices” (points in virtual space) to form a “mesh” (collection of vertices) you can then manipulate the “mesh” to form a realistic object, displaying characteristics you would expect to see in real life.

Unreal Engine is a game development platform developed by Epic Games which is freely available and is an excellent tool to learn the basics of 3D game development.

This course lends itself to all ages and abilities, with students in younger year levels taking a slower and simpler approach to the content, while more advanced students can learn the full suite of core concepts and/or the visual scripting language of Blueprints.

Session 1:

Working in pairs or groups, students assemble a prototype model, learning multiple different cardboard joining techniques in the process. BTS staff step through what prototyping is, where it is useful and some different kinds of prototyping. Students are then given agency to create their own prototype design based on a Commonwealth Games challenge.

The program can be facilitated onsite at the Tech School or you can request prototyping packs and instructional material, including in program video content to be sent out to your school.

With the potential of Virtual reality combined with powerful yet simple software called Twin Motion, students will be able to create high quality visualisations which they can then explore using our Virtual Reality headsets.

Twin Motion is used by many architectural and design professionals to create detailed high-quality environments that allow them to visualise their creations in high resolution 3D renders. These environments can then be explored further by utilising virtual reality headsets to provide a life-like experience.

This program provides access to real-life road user data, providing the opportunity for students to analyse and interpret big data and then use it to help them determine community outcomes.

Specifically, the data will show traffic flow through a regional Victorian town and then be used by students to determine if a bypass road is warranted, the best route for that bypass, and the potential positive and negative impacts the redirection of traffic might have on the town. They will collect and analyse data using a range of tools.

Session 1: