At the start of the year, we grouped up and decided to participate in the STEM MAD challenge. Our challenge was to come up with a solution to a problem to make the world a better place that we are also passionate about.

One group decided to tackle the issue of microplastics in the ocean. We came up with a microplastic megalodon that traps microplastics in a gelatine starch combination. The gelatine starch combination is like a marshmallow that traps the pieces inside and lets the water filter through making sure its only rubbish that got caught. We made it into a shark so that it would scare off fish. Here is our video.

Another group researched about countries that live with little to no power. This affects their health, cooking capabilities and even technological advancement. Our group decided to invent a battery system that is powered by solar panels that give power to individual houses. This will provide people in much needed areas with clean energy so that they can have safe cooking facilities and safe heating and cooling. Here is our video:

The third group decided to focus on saving marine life by changing the way we catch fish. Overfishing is an issue that is causing a decline in sea life. We decided on making a fishing net made out of mycelium leather that is biodegradable and sized so that overfishing cant occur.

Last Friday two groups went to the STEM MAD Showcase challenge at the University of South Australia to present our projects that we have been working on.

We had a great time looking at other teams inventions and look forward to next years competition.

Thank you to Nic for being such an amazing STEM teacher. We have absolutely loved being a part of the process and appreciate all the hard work and planning you have put into making our sessions fun and informative and an extension to our learning. Let give a big cheer for Nic!