MEDIA RELEASE
GO STEM GIRLS!
In 2021, Workforce Plus in partnership with Sale Secondary College and the Australian Renewables Academy contacted schools in east Gippsland to recruit secondary school students, specifically young women, for an extra-curricular STEM-related project. Funded by the Department of Industry, Science Energy and Resources (DISER), the aim was to increase girls’ update of STEM subjects through creative, collaborative, interschool activities.
Group 2 developed a functional (3D printed) prototype they named “Meditime”
Around 30 students in years 7, 8 and 9 from Cann River, Maffra, Orbost and Sale secondary schools participated across the year. It began with a ‘shark tank’ event, where industry mentors proposed real and current STEM ‘problems’, and students selected their preferred groups. Challenges included: support for people with speech difficulties, managing medication for people with dementia, and communication tools for outreach care workers.
The groups had regular online meetings with MGA to explore the issues and design solutions, sharing feedback and suggestions. The girls worked across schools and in school groups, with outstanding commitment throughout the year.
In August the groups were invited to showcase their prototype solutions in person in Sale.
Group 1 presented a tool to support non-verbal people, which cleverly combined existing technology in one App to offer augmentative and alternative communication.
Group 2 developed a functional (3D printed) prototype they named ‘Meditime’, an electronic Webster pack which unlocks at the appropriate day and time for access to medication. With connection to a smart watch or device, Meditime would offer much needed security for medication needs for those with dementia.
Group 3’s response to their challenge around carer communication involved NFC (Near Field Communication) chips on site to record real-time information. This links to a website ‘Help4U’ which would include an automated feedback tool for the client, their family and the care worker.
All three groups impressed with their creative solutions, using existing tools and opportunities, but enhancing those with practical innovations.
For more information, contact Bernadette O’Connor, MGA
Logo designed by the students