Students will get hands-on experience in modern molecular biology techniques.

They will work with a plasmid containing the heterologous gene encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the control of the arabinose operon.

The students will investigate the process of bacterial transformation as they introduce the GFP containing plasmid into E.coli and select for its presence using an antibiotic.

The Virtual Brain program is broken into two parts and delivery can be organised to fit into a double period if required or extended to 3 hours for a more in depth experience.

Part 1:

Exploration of the human brain using an annotated 3D model on the Inside Explorer tables. Students undertake a fight, flight, freeze experiment using heart rate monitors and virtual reality software allowing them to conduct the experiments safely and control more of the variables.

Part 2:

Can Soil Save Us? integrates mathematics and different scientific disciplines to evaluate the capabilities and limitations of different soil types. By examining biological activity and assessing the availability of water and nutrients within soil we can establish a healthy balanced and agriculturally productive soil.

Cutting Edge promotes rapid upskilling in product design and use of CAD (Computer Aided Design) software to design, prototype and create products from different materials.

The program allows for individual and partner work, developing student capabilities along with their technical skills. As well as product creation, they need to consider how it will be marketed using visual design tools.

Key Learnings:

• Introduction to the CAD program Adobe Illustrator.

• Use of a laser cutter to prototype a leather product.

A sensor is a device, module, machine, or subsystem whose purpose it is to detect events or changes in its environment and send the information to other electronics such as a computer.

Smartphones are a great example and have changed the way in which we interact with the world around us. They can track information such as steps taken, heart rate and temperature and the phone itself is navigated using a touch screen sensor.

This is a real-world STEM program applying the Human Centred Design Thinking Process of Engage – Define – Skills – Ideate – Prototype – Present to guide students through the day.

Using local materials from Bartlett Industrial Textile Product Manufacturing, students work in teams to redesign and prototype model canvas tents to respond to humanitarian disasters in varied political and environmental climates around the world.

Session 1:

Ideal for classes or year levels visiting BTS for the first time, students rotate through three integrated hands-on STEM based workshops introducing them to different technologies and STEM skills, while encouraging them to think about how these are contributing to the world they live in and the future we are all moving toward.

Automation is the creation and application of technology to monitor and control the production and delivery of products and services. It has changed how we do business, the type of manufacturing skills required and the jobs available in industry.

Economists have identified that automation increases our need to problem solve, communicate and collaborate so students are challenged to develop a robotic solution in response to an industry problem or scenario.

Session 1:

The healthcare industry is one of the top five sectors where robot intervention is predicted to change how we work with and care for people in our communities. Robots have the potential to relieve the pressure on front line health care workers and support an ageing population to stay in their own homes longer.

This program takes students on a food design journey based on chocolate while introducing them to indigenous Australian bushfood flavours. The program focuses on innovation in food, food products and our food culture.

Students develop collaboration and teamwork skills in a guided design experience that allows them to choose specialist roles within the team. Each team member plays a critical role developing specific elements to create and pitch their concept to their peers.

Session 1: