Local primary school students are getting a first-hand experience in robotics and coding thanks to an innovative new STEM education program supported by the Ballarat Line Upgrade.
The 10-week program will see grade five and six students at Melton South Primary School undertake a series of rail-themed STEM challenges, designed to expand their creativity and digital literacy.
Challenges include designing a colour-coded rail network and programming small robots to navigate around it safely. The students will also learn about town planning and how railway infrastructure plays a critical role in supporting a town centre.
With Melton South Primary School just a stone’s throw from the new Cobblebank Station, the students will gain a deeper understanding of the exciting rail works going on in their own backyard as part of the Ballarat Line Upgrade.
The STEM program is facilitated by Western BACE (Business Accelerator and Centre of Excellence), which was established in 2015 as the hub of enterprise, community activity and business development for Melbourne’s outer west and is housing the Ballarat Line Upgrade team during the project’s construction.
The Melton South Primary School STEM challenge will be showcased at a community day on Sunday 1 December to celebrate the opening of Cobblebank Station. Visitors will also be able to experiment with drones, robotics, 3D printers and virtual reality under the supervision of the Western BACE STEM Squad.
The Cobblebank community day will include entertainment, food, giveaways and the opportunity to tour the new station a day before services begin.