Cobblebank Students Finalists at STEM MAD

Last week, two groups of students from Cobblebank Campus participated in the STEM MAD (make a difference) exhibition hosted by Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) at the Catholic Leadership Centre in Melbourne.

The two groups created design solutions aimed at making a difference in the everyday lives of people and were finalists in three categories on the day.

Students joined 60 other Catholic schools to exhibit their work. They saw many inspiring designs and presented ideas to judges from partnership organisations, including Monash University, the National Gallery of Victoria and Zoos Victoria.

Bean

Finalist, Award for Acting for Social Justice

Considering ways to support the wellbeing of young people today, the emotional support robot is a 3D printed robot programmed  to respond to the emotional state of people who hold it with comforting words and noises. 

Like an emotional support animal Bean can read people’s emotions and can be set to give different responses depending on the needs of the user. Bean provides supportive words, changing facial expressions, and comforting sounds. He is also huggable which is unusual for a robot!

"All young people need support and someone to respond to their needs." Ruchika, Year 7 student.

Illuminated car

Finalist, Award for Best Engineered Product Secondary and Most MAD Award 

The Illuminated car was designed to respond to the challenges of busier roads, particularly in urban environments. 

The design enhances existing motor technology to alert pedestrians when vehicles are close to them. 

Using an electrical LED lighting system, this design aims to reduce the number of collisions between cars and pedestrians. It works by having a wire frame around the car to illuminate it and make it visible from all sides. 

This enhancement could help keep pedestrians and other vehicles safe by making vehicles obvious from all points. not just the front and back.

"Our vehicle uses sensors and LED system to warn people when cars are close to them." Nathan, Year 7 student

During the exhibition, students participated in numerous science and technology-based activities, including VR trips to Mars and met the Pink Mars Rover built by Monash University students.

"We had an amazing day and got to talk to lots of judges." Sienna, Year 7 student

" A highlight was seeing the pink Mars rover, the VR experience of exploring space, free gelato and meeting Ryan Evans from Lego Masters." Chord, Year 7 student.

Design and STEM support learners in engaging critically with real-world problems and applying their understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. For Cobblebank students, this has included using electrical lighting and sensors and programming robots to create innovations that will make a difference in the world.