Located on the first floor of the Donald Horne Building is the STEM Innovation Lab – a purpose-built space that allows access to a range of bespoke STEM Programs and provides students with the tools and mentorship to develop STEM soft skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, teamwork and communication.
We are preparing our young people to meet the needs of a rapidly changing employment market, meeting immediate skills gaps and future industry demands and providing opportunities that are not traditionally available in regional areas.
The STEM Innovation Lab focuses on…
1. Bespoke STEM Programs
We create tailored and responsive programs to develop soft skills for the jobs of the future and encourage students to aspire to careers in STEM.
Such as…
Robotics is the gateway to coding and STEM subjects where students learn applied knowledge. It’s a fun and engaging way to teach a variety of STEM hard and soft skills using cutting-edge technology.
Aeronautics brings together STEM disciplines where students discover the joy of flight. With a renewed focus on aviation, space exploration, aircraft design, aerodynamics and manufacturing, future generation will have the power to discover new frontiers.
We are shaping the next generation of engineers and designers. Advanced manufacturing technology and digital tools develop creativity and design skills through spatial thinking and problem solving.
Our Design Thinking Challenge is a powerful approach to creating innovative solutions for real world problems and searching for a more sustainable future. This challenge will develop soft technical skills, critical thinking, creativity, and prototyping whilst encouraging curiosity, resilience and entrepreneurial ways of working.
As students learn to code, they transform from a user of technology into a maker of technology. Coding is a fun and entertaining activity as students develop their understanding of how computers, games and websites work.
2. Co-teaching
We are changing culture and fostering collaboration by providing schools with opportunities to the build capacity of local teachers in effectively implementing and teaching STEM.
Such as…
- Professional development sessions for groups of teachers in the STEM Innovation Lab
- Networking events
- Coordinating
- Regional initiatives
3. Competitions
Test, challenge and promote the region by involving students from different walks of life to meet and learn from others, make new friends, and provide opportunities for students to stretch
and grow.
Such as…
- Solar Boat Challenge
- Science and Engineering Challenge
- Velocity Challenge
- Entrepreneurial Competition
- and heaps more…
4. Industry Linkages
Provide job ready skills, industry expertise and mentorship by linking students to industry opportunities. Partnerships give students access to real world experiences and aligns with passions and interests.
Such as…
- Careers Expo
- Career-ready events in partnership with industry, TAFE and universities
Want to get involved with the STEM Innovation Lab?
Contact Matt Leman, Innovation Coordinator at Muswellbrook Shire Council.
Donald Horne Building Booking Enquiry
If you would like to hold your next event or meeting in the Donald Horne Building - including the STEM Innovation Lab and the DHB Meeting Room - please complete the enquiry form below.
