Can you trust your senses? Can your perception of reality be altered? In this program we look at how your nervous system can be affected by perception and how sensory information can be distorted.

The first activity of this program exposes students to different environmental experiences, moving from calming meditation to an exhilarating virtual reality rollercoaster. Students are able to apply their understanding of research methods in an interactive way while generating primary investigation data (heart rate) for analysis.

In the Game of Drones, you win when you fly! Drones are currently used in a large variety of industries as well as for recreational purposes. From inspecting wind turbines or agricultural crops to scientific research and professional racing, there are many careers on offer for drone pilots.

The Boys in STEM program is focused on providing young men with a similar opportunity to our highly successful and well established Girls in STEM program. Running for two days per term throughout the year, it will enable students to explore the world of STEM through hands on activities and connections with local industries.

Students will engage in a series of real-world design and creative challenges, building connections and confidence within a supportive environment that provides the chance to meet and work with like-minded peers and STEM professionals.

The Girls in STEM program is centred around “you can’t be what you can’t see” and provides young women with access to mentors, experiences and skill development in a focused and supported environment for two days per term across the year.

Utilising the Design Thinking model, the program is linked to local industry and presents students with opportunities to engage with:

The Peter Doherty Science Award was established in 2009 as a joint initiative of the Committee for Ballarat and Australian Nobel Prize laureate Professor Peter Doherty.

Open to students in Year 7 to Year 10 in Ballarat and regional western Victoria, the annual award encourages:

First showcased by Epic Games in 1998, Unreal Engine (UE) has become the “world’s most successful videogame engine”. Apart from creating blockbuster games like Fortnite, it is now also used as a 3D graphic design platform in other industries for the development of immersive content, including VR and high production entertainment such as the TV series “The Mandalorian”.

3D Modelling (the process of using advanced software to generate detailed 3D models) is having an ever increasing impact on our lives. Engineers, Architects, Filmmakers, Game Designers, Healthcare Workers, Scientists and Industrial Manufacturers are but a few of the professionals using 3D modelling to increase the speed and accuracy of their work, reduce costly design errors and visualise new innovations.

The personal computer is perhaps the most common and essential tool of almost any home or workplace in today’s society. We design, communicate and play on them daily, but how many of us actually understand how they work? Could your house, classroom or business survive without one?

Rapid prototyping is a critical innovation skill in many of today’s industries where businesses need to adapt quickly to design or improve products. This format enables students to develop and refine their skills and understanding of the prototyping process through the use of technologies.

The contemporary use of Australian bushfood flavours has enabled unique product development and innovation in the local food industry in recent years.

This program merges the new with the old as AI technologies are leveraged to help students create products that lean into Australia’s distinctive culinary heritage.

Morning Session – Exploring, Experimenting, and Prototyping