HEALTHY - HAPPY - BRIGHT
 

STEM Courses

(Science – Technology – Engineering – Math)​

​S.T.E.M. education and training covers specific knowledge and skills from the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. It also covers how they are connected together, and with other learning areas.

STEM skills and knowledge are important for all learning stages, because they are used in future jobs across society and in everyday life. Getting a grasp on these skills early provides a good foundation for later years.

Little Étoile offers a broad range of engaging and interactive STEM activities at our different sites. Our site at Yinnar has a stronger focus on natural sciences, ecosystems and sustainability, while our South Yarra site focus more on biotechnology, including some of science concepts behind how products are made.

Below are examples of what we offer at South Yarra STEM Centre & Max Biocare Research Park’s EcoSynergy Zone.

Our Programs are updated regularly and also customized based on the requirements of each group of students, schools or parents. For further information, contact us at stem@maxbiocare.com

STEM Learning activities across our sites

Little Étoile offers a broad range of engaging and interactive STEM activities at our different sites. Our EcoSynergy Zone has a stronger focus natural sciences, ecosystems and sustainability, while our South Yarra STEM Center focuses more on biotechnology, including some of science concepts behind how products are made.

https://littleetoile.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/littleetoile_education-STEM-activities_1200x800-1.png
Courses at SOUTH YARRA STEM CENTRE
How does an emulsion work?

Have you ever tried to mix oil and water?

You can keep mixing them as much as you like, but they will never dissolve. However, some chemicals have the ability of merging them together into what is called an emulsion. Many common products are made with this method. Children can experience hands-on how to make an emulsion for themselves using simple ingredients.

How does water repelling work?

Ever tried dropping some water on a leaf or a feather? The water forms little droplets and runs off. This is called water repelling. Some materials are the opposite, and actually absorb water. The concept of water repelling is how many common skin products work. Learn how to apply a mixture of ingredients to turn absorbing materials into a water repelling material, in a few simple steps.

What is surface tension?

If you ever tried to blow bubbles with water, you’d see that they pop very quickly. But when you add some soap, they last for much longer. This is because a concept called surface tension. Soaps and detergents make the surface of the water flexible, so it can stretch. Have fun using some LE products to make some creative artwork to take home.

Fun with bubbles

Surface tension also makes bubbles grow and is part of how cleansers and shampoos work. Have fun with hands-on learning about how bubbles form during a simple chemical
reaction in test tubes. Have fun making a bubble popper or a bubble fountain.

Sustainability STEM Education Programs – ECOSYNERGY ZONE

Located at Yinnar, in the picturesque pastural hinterland of South-West Gippsland, the Max Biocare Research Park embodies all our guiding principles of research and development, quality, ethical practices and sustainability, safeguarding, conservation and community engagement.

Established by Max Biocare Research Park, our EcoSynergy Zone is a community area dedicated to promoting an understanding of Sustainability, in the context of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

It provides a working sustainable ecosystem model, as well as a shared educational space for younger generations to be inspired by the natural sciences.

Led by expert science teachers, the STEM table is a perfect opportunity for parents to take a rest nearby, while children are entertained by science-based learning activities.

Herbs & Functional Plants

Plants are not only essential to life and the environment, but are utilized as a source of food, medicine, and other natural resources for the health of people and animals. This program is
intended to nurture an understanding of the special functional properties of plants, and the different ways in which they have been grown to make use of them.

Children will be taken on guided investigations to observe, identify, record and discuss about different types of herbal plants, discovering their specific structures, functions and features of plants that enable plants to used in specific applications. We also provide a special focus on the unique aspects of indigenous plants

All about Bees

This popular program is suitable for all primary school levels and aims to educate them about the importance of bees and beekeeping as a pathway to safeguarding our environment, to inspire the green leaders and budding biologists of tomorrow through the power of science and stewardship.

Students will learn about the basics of bee identification and life cycles, bee and colony behavior, their essential roles in honey production, supporting plants and farming through pollination

Soil Testing

Soil is the foundation on which all life on earth is based upon. This more advanced program will provide an opportunity to “dig a little deeper” and discover the importance of soil, how it works, and its importance to the health of plants, the environment and agriculture.

The program involves investigation and identification of soil types, their contents, what they do, measurement of soil pH and understanding of soil suitability for different types of plants.

Plant Anatomy

We wound not be able to breathe without plants, which is why they are called the lungs of the earth, providing oxygen for all living things. This program aims to provide an engaging, hands-on learning experience about plant composition, how plants function, and why they are so important for environmental health and biodiversity.

Children will discover how to identify and recognize different parts of plants, and why different plants have different adaptations to their surroundings and environment. We will also provide an opportunity trek around the gardens, collect plant samples and to zoom in at a microscopic level.

Perfume & Essential oils

Plants have an amazing array of natural scents and oils, which we use in a wide variety of foods and products, including perfumes. This program enables children to discover how different herbs and flowering plants produce scents, and how they can be harvested.

Children will be taken through guided demonstrations of perfume and essential oil purification, to
discover and identify different types of scents made by herbal plants and participate in making their own custom blends. A perfect mix of science and sensory creativity!

Sustainable Growing & Farming

This program is suitable for all levels and is intended to introduce the basic principles of growing, from what the main resources required for plants to grown successfully, to what their uses are as foods and related products. Sustainable growing is the future of how we can support our ever-growing population.

Children will gain an understanding of the life cycle of plants, ranging from how they germinate from seeds, to what they are grown for, and to the different ways they can be growth to save energy, water and environmental resources.

Nutrition from the Food Around Us

Budding food scientists, nutritionists and dietitians can learn first-hand from a working functional herb and food garden the basics of how food sustains our lives. These principles are applicable to all levels and extend out to practical life lessons that are not necessarily part of structured curriculums.

This program aims at providing an in-depth understanding of which different kinds of nutrients are found in different plants, how the nutrients work in the body and which parts of the body they are used for to keep us grow and living healthily.

https://littleetoile.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/littleetoile_stem-courses_1200x800.png
https://littleetoile.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/littleetoile_stem-courses_1200x800_2-1.png