Students from Catholic schools across South Australia came together earlier this month for the annual CESA STEM MAD Showcase.
The Showcase was the culmination of months of work for 170 students in Years 3 to 12 across Catholic Education SA (CESA) schools who were given the opportunity to address real world issues and social injustices in order to create solutions which Makes A Difference (MAD).
The event was sponsored by the University of South Australia and hosted at their Mawson Lakes Campus on Friday August 2, bringing together 50 student teams from 30 Catholic schools.
The teams showcased their designs across the subject areas of Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technologies, with prizes generously sponsored by Makers Empire, The Andy Thomas Space Foundation, Grok Academy and AFL Max.
During the day students had the opportunity to engage in hands on STEM activities provided by The University of South Australia.
“STEM MAD emphasises the importance of students developing and mastering core science, technology, and mathematical knowledge and skills. These knowledge and skills are essential for addressing real-world issues that are significant in students’ lives,” said Melanie O’Leary, Education Advisor: Learning Innovation and Pedagogies.
“STEM education plays a crucial role in fostering students’ critical and creative thinking. It provides a safe environment where they can test theories and ideas, leading to the engineering of innovative solutions.”
“The STEM MAD Student Showcase highlights ways young people in the Catholic schooling system can recognise and take action in regard to social and environmental injustices. By participating in STEM MAD, students are using their advocacy to become leaders who contribute to the world God desires. Every student who participates in STEM MAD should be immensely proud of their ability to learn and innovate, ultimately contributing to a more just and equitable world.”
A Year 6 team from St Joseph’s School, Hindmarsh were awarded first place in the Primary school category whilst a team from Kildare College took first place in the Secondary school category.
1st Place Primary: St Joseph’s School, Hindmarsh - Dysgraphia Dyscalculia Screener
Year 6 students Amelia, Evangeline and Isabella developed a STEM project using ChatGPT to create their own GPT AI BOT that works as a screener for dysgraphia and dyscalculia. Motivated by their desire to help peers and family members affected by these learning disorders, they trained ChatGPT to analyse writing samples and detect characteristics indicative of dysgraphia and dyscalculia. This tool aims to assist teachers in identifying these patterns early, providing a percentage-based diagnosis to facilitate timely intervention. The project underscores the students' commitment to leveraging technology for educational and familial support.
"Our Year 5 & 6 students embraced the Design Thinking process with enthusiasm during their specialist STEM lessons. The STEM MAD competition truly empowered them to think creatively and innovate ways to make a meaningful impact in our community. I'm incredibly proud of their engagement and dedication." said Bianca Annese, STEM Specialist Teacher, St Joseph’s School, Hindmarsh.
1st Place Secondary: Kildare College - Micro-filter Force
Students Amelie, Navya and Rui showcased a high level of innovation; being awarded First Place for their creation of a Micro-Filter Force, a device that successfully filters micro-plastics from water. This project is connected to the environment and sustainability of ecosystems, being able to reduce pollution in water. The Micro-Filter Force was a 5-month project that involved comprehensive scientific research into ferrofluids, microplastics, 3D modelling and prototype design.
Lecturer and PhD Researcher at UniSA, Maria Vieira, one of the judges at STEM MAD commended Kildare College, “The winning innovation stood out, as it addressed a real-world, complex issue impacting people globally”.
Digital Innovation Coordinator, Nicholas Kellett-Southby, and STEM / Science Curriculum Coordinator, Marie Booth, stated, “Students have demonstrated remarkable perseverance, ingenuity and STEM excellence, with a focus on reducing microplastics in water at the heart of their innovative design".
Congratulations to all the winning South Australian teams:
1st Place – Sponsored by Makers Empire
2nd Place – Sponsored by The Andy Thomas Space Foundation
3rd Place – Sponsored by AFL MAX
4th Place – Sponsored by CESA
People’s Choice Award – Sponsored by GROK Academy
STEM MAD extends across many dioceses in Australia and brings together students across the country to display their learning innovations. St Joseph’s School Hindmarsh and Kildare College have now been invited to represent CESA at the STEM MAD Nationals being held in Brisbane in November.
This month CESA has been the proud host of a cross jurisdictional meeting dedicated to the National Certification of Highly Accomplished and Lead Teachers (HALT). The meeting hosted by Catholic Education SA brought together sector representatives from Queensland Catholic Education Commission, Catholic Education WA, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools, Catholic Education Tasmania and Catholic Schools NSW.
