STEM is the term used for a curriculum that is based on these four disciplines - Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
In our ever progressive society, science is becoming more intertwined with our daily lives. Scientific breakthroughs and technological advancements are multiplying, while more job opportunities in these fields are opening up with high demand.
At AISM, we believe STEM education is imperative. By exposing children to STEM education, we are creating a new generation of innovators that will help shape the future.
Mathematics
Junior School
Through the study of Mathematics, students become confident, creative users and communicators in the field. They are able to investigate, represent and interpret situations that happen in their lives.
Students develop their mathematical knowledge, skills and understanding through a range of learning experiences across:
- Number and Algebra
- Measurement and Geometry
- Statistics and Probability
Middle & Senior School
In Mathematics we develop an increasingly sophisticated understanding of mathematical concepts and fluency with mathematical processes. Students also recognise connections between the areas of mathematics and other disciplines, and appreciate it as an accessible, enjoyable discipline to study.
The way we teach is more than just completing mathematic worksheets or memorizing formulas; as we want our students to understand that what they are being taught will eventually become an important aspect of lifelong learning.
Science
We aim to foster in students a sense of wonder and to expand their natural curiosity about the world around them. Our courses help students in:
- Developing skills by using scientific and technological processes to answer questions and come up with creative solutions
- Provoking curiosity and understanding about environments through learning about the physical world, Earth and Space, information and products
- Learning about the influence and relevance of science and technology in today and the future
Design and Technology
Our aim is for our students to develop advanced thinking approaches and understanding of conceptual principles, while encouraging them to take intellectual risks and experiment with resources. Through various projects, we encourage our students to identify problems, research solutions, investigate information, analyse data, generate ideas, evaluate designs, and experiment with technology.
Information and Software Technology
This study assists students to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to solve problems in real life contexts. Creative, critical and metacognitive thinking skills are developed through students’ practical involvement in projects.
Core content provides students with specialised knowledge of past, current and emerging technologies, data, hardware, software and people involved in the field of information and software technology. The core also includes legal, ethical, social and industrial issues.
We provide opportunities for the contextualisation of the core and allow choices of areas of interest to be made. Options include artificial intelligence, simulation and modelling, authoring and multimedia, database design, digital media, the Internet and website development, networking systems, robotics and automated systems, and software development and programming.
Students develop information and software technology solutions through project work, individually and collaboratively.
Photographic and Digital Media
This course provides specialised learning opportunities to enable students to understand and explore the nature of photographic and digital media as an important field of artistic practice, conceptual knowledge and technological procedures.
New technologies have changed the possibilities of production of artworks and the role of the artist. In Photographic and Digital Media, students use digital technologies as tools for the creation of artworks.
It provides opportunities to investigate practice that uses photographic and digital technologies as their own medium – that is, being produced, stored and presented in digital form, making use of interactive and participatory features.
ACTIVITIES
STEM Showcase
Here at AISM, our Middle and Senior students engage actively in STEM projects in four subjects across the school - Information and Software Technology, Design and Technology, Science and Mathematics. They participate in a yearly STEM showcase where they present and demonstrate their projects & experiments to the community.
Science Week
Our yearly Science Week is aimed at raising awareness about science and encouraging positive actions of sustainability through science.We take this week as an important time to celebrate learners who ask questions, make observations, display analytical skills and take risks.
The Science Week gives students exciting activities conducted by their fellow schoolmates and teachers, daily science experimental investigations, science awards and many more.
Mathematics
Pi Day
The internally celebrated Pi Day, rewards students are able to recite the ‘Pi’ to 15 decimal places.
In 2018, one student, Gemma Roberts recited the formula to 101 decimal places.
Year 7/8 KL Mathematics Problem Solving Day
Students take part in a series of challenging mathematical tasks among peers, which helps them focus on how to use and understand formulas correctly.
Design and Technology
Workshop Projects
Students working on designing their own interactive wooden toys, and also learning to create or transform an old piece of furniture or clothing into a new product using creative problem solving and idea generation.
Design Enterprise Unit
As a part of our STEM program at AISM, the Year 9-10 Design and Technology students have been studying a Design Enterprise Unit. This involves studying principles of designing for a target audience and marketing products to their chosen group. Students form teams of 4-6 and design a range of 'wearable accessories' for their chosen audiences preferences and budget.
They also develop budget plans using real-life costings, where all profits will be donated to the Matilda Project.
F1 in Schools
The F1 in Schools STEM Challenge is a global multi-disciplinary challenge where teams of students aged 9 to 19 deploy CAD/CAM software to collaborate, design, analyse, manufacture, test, and then race miniature compressed air powered model Formula One cars.
The teams must also raise sponsorship and manage budgets to create uniforms, advertising material and vehicles.
ICT
Drone Workshop
In conjunction with a 2-day Drone Workshop at AISM held by MUDA, Year 11 students had an introductory session about drones and the technology behind it.
