It was the beginning of a six month ICT/STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) program for students in Years 8 to 10 who are under represented in Maths and Science, or who were seeking extension in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). The six month program includes another residential camp and professional mentoring. I expressed interest in joining digIT after I found out the Year 9 Information Software and Technology course was unable to run because of the small numbers selecting that subject choice.  Thanks to Mrs Lennox and Mrs Bourne, they found digIT after I asked whether I could still do something related to IST outside of school.

During the week I stayed at the Robert Menzies College with a group of 60 young people from all over Australia. I listened to eight speakers, participated in five workshops, went on two excursions and competed against others in group competitions. I met my mentor who will work with me on a project that I am undertaking over the next six months. I will present my project at the final residential camp in July.

 The speakers were from all different career backgrounds and had different skills.  They explained to us what their job was and their role in the world of STEM. One speaker used a robot to demonstrate how robotics are used in our world today and how they will be used in the near future. Another speaker showed us animations she had created to help people visualize science concepts and improve their understanding. Another speaker explained how he was the first person who found a way to evenly divide something amongst any number of people. I was very surprised to learn that only 3% of all university students studying STEM subjects are girls. It was a very inspiring experience and many of us who attended the summer school are considering a STEM related career.

The majority of the workshops were held in the Macquarie University computer labs. We learnt to code web pages using the language of the world wide web – HTML and CSS. We also wrote computer programs with Scratch and Python.  A workshop was also held at Robert Menzies College where we played and programmed Spheros- spherical robots that roll around and are controlled by smartphones or tablets. We made obstacle courses for the robots and programmed them to manoeuvre around the obstacles. We also created some Art by placing the Spheros under plastic cups and attaching pens to the cups.

The highlight of the Summer School was definitely the excursions to the University of Technology Engineering and IT building and Google’s HQ Sydney office in Pyrmont. While at the University of Technology, we went to the Data Arena which is a 360-degree 3D projector screen used for data visualisation. At Google we went for a tour around the office which was more like a playground. There were hidden rooms, a movie theatre and scooters (to ride around the office).  Google HQ also had three different cafes with free food for employees, a dance studio, a games room, a recording studio and a rock-climbing wall.

Apart from all the activities, workshops and excursions, I made friends with many students who were just like me and love doing STEM subjects. I can’t wait to see what my finished project will be and my chance to present it back to the group in July.

Caroline A - Year 9 Student