.png)
Core Scientific Skills
The ScrapHeat Challenge encourages teams of up to 5 students to explore turning waste into energy, aligning with the core scientific skills of the Australian Curriculum. Students will engage in hands-on scientific inquiry, documenting their process and creating a short video—3 to 4 minutes for primary and 4 to 5 minutes for secondary students—that highlights their findings. This challenge fosters teamwork, problem-solving, and real-world science application.
Curiosity and Hypothesis Development
-
Igniting Questions: Students start by exploring the possibilities of converting food scraps into fuel. They ask thoughtful questions that spark curiosity and set the foundation for scientific investigation.
-
Forming Hypotheses: Based on initial research, students develop hypotheses about the best methods for creating fuel briquettes or producing ethanol. These hypotheses guide their experimental design
Experimental Design and Investigation
-
Crafting Experiments: Students design experiments to test their hypotheses, carefully selecting materials and planning procedures. They learn to control variables, replicate conditions, and make observations that lead to meaningful results.
-
Conducting Investigations: Teams carry out their experiments with precision, whether it’s molding and drying briquettes or monitoring the fermentation process for ethanol production. They record data systematically, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Data Analysis and Interpretation
-
Interpreting Results: After collecting data, students analyze their findings, looking for patterns and relationships. They interpret results in the context of their original hypotheses, considering factors that may have influenced the outcomes.
-
Drawing Conclusions: Through analysis, students draw evidence-based conclusions about the effectiveness of their methods. They reflect on the implications of their results and how they might improve their approach in future experiments.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
-
Evaluating Methods: Students critically evaluate their experimental design and procedures, identifying strengths and areas for improvement. They learn to troubleshoot issues and refine their techniques to achieve better results.
-
Innovative Solutions: Encouraged to think creatively, students develop innovative solutions to challenges they encounter during the process. They explore alternative materials, methods, and approaches, fostering a mindset of continuous improvement.
Communication and Collaboration
-
Sharing Discoveries: Teams document their process and results through detailed reports, presentations, or videos. They practice effective communication by clearly explaining their findings, using scientific language and visual aids to enhance understanding.
-
Collaborative Learning: Throughout the challenge, students work in teams, learning the value of collaboration and diverse perspectives. They share ideas, divide tasks, and support one another in achieving common goals.
Do you have a question?
If you have any questions or need further information about the ScrapHeat Challenge, feel free to reach out to the STEM Hub team. We’re here to help!
Be the first to know!
Join our mailing list. Don't miss out on our challenges, events and school resources.