Full STEAM Ahead 2023
‘STEAM related jobs have always interested me, and this program made me more interested.’
Full STEAM Ahead is an annual program aimed at inspiring and encouraging young people in years 5–8 to pursue studies and future career ambitions across Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM). This 3-week learning and engagement program is a partnership project with the Australian Business Community Network (ABCN), produced by Powerhouse Learning. It is made possible through the generous donation and support of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
In week one of the program the young participants meet their Commonwealth Bank mentors who share personal experiences of STEAM career pathways. Together they explore concepts and processes of design thinking through a series of collaborative exercises.
‘The most useful thing I learnt was coding as it helped develop my skills so I now know the future I can build with careers in coding.’
During the second week Powerhouse educators lead a series of coding workshops, building participants’ skills in computational thinking, problem-solving and physical computing.
The program culminates with the young people drawing on the STEAM skills, knowledge and confidence developed throughout the program to work together in teams responding to a self-directed design challenge. Teams work together to identify real-world problems, designing and developing prototype solutions using a pocket-size BBC micro:bit computer and external components such as motors, arcade buttons and LEDs.
