14 November 2019

Literacy and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) came together at Nazareth College, Noble Park North, for the inaugural LitSTEM Expo.

Students and teachers from Resurrection School, Keysborough, St Elizabeth’s School, Dandenong North, St Gerard’s School, Dandenong North, St Joseph’s School, Springvale, St Justin’s School, Wheelers Hill, St Mark’s School, Dingley, and St Simon’s School, Rowville, formed the LitSTEM Collective with Nazareth College to not only explore STEM but the language around it. Following on from their workshops and shared professional learning days, the collective brought all eight schools together for an expo to share and celebrate their learning with each other.

The LitSTEM Expo was a hive of excitement as students presented their displays and answered questions. There was a wide variety of student projects based on topics such as aquaponics, circular fashion, sustainable gardens, resources, bee hotels, chicken coops, conservation, apps, aeroplane design and more.

The projects were assessed by a group of judges and prizes awarded to recognise the great work undertaken by the students. First prize was awarded to St Elizabeth’s School for a sustainable garden project. Second prize was awarded to St Joseph’s School’s project on solving the energy crisis. Third prize was awarded to the St Mark’s School project on stopping plastic pollution.

The LitSTEM Expo emphasised how exciting and engaging such learning can be for students of all ages. The collaborations between the primary and secondary students have also enriched the learning that has occurred. Not only did the students learn from each other, the staff learned from the whole experience as well.