Year 8 STEAM
The Year 8 STEAM students recently created their own puzzles based on an endangered Australian species as part of the investigation into the benefits of using puzzles to build a range of skills. The students learnt that they could build the following skills through using puzzles:
- Critical Thinking: Puzzles require students to think critically, analyse information and make logical connections. This helps to develop problem solving skills that can be applied to various subjects.
- Cognitive Skills: Solving puzzles can enhance cognitive skills such as memory, attention, and concentration. These skills are essential for academic success.
- Creativity: Puzzles encourage creative thinking as students explore different approaches to solving problems and discover new patterns and connections.
- Patience and Perseverance: Complex puzzles may require time and effort to solve. Engaging with puzzles teaches students the value of patience, perseverance, and the satisfaction that come from overcoming challenges.
Students selected an endangered Australian species using Zoo Victorian website and undertook a research project focusing on the cause of decline, effects of decline and how humans can help. Students then created a puzzle shape to represent their chosen species and drew each puzzle piece using Adobe Illustrator before cutting it out on the laser printer. Student then used natural pigments created through boiling a range of fruits and vegetables to paint their puzzles. Well done to all students on completing these fantastic puzzle designs using sustainable materials.
Siobhan Bloomfield
Director of Student Wellbeing and Programs