Year 9 STEM packages released for teachers

If you are looking to include STEM activities in your teaching then look no further.  We have three new Year 9 STEM packages which cover parts of the Science, Technologies and Mathematics curricula. 

The packages have been differentiated to meet your student’s needs with three workbooks for them to work from – Open, Guided and Scaffolded.  There is also a teacher’s guidebook with outlines, curriculum links and useful websites.  Teachers can pick and choose from the suggested activities or complete the whole package, as a larger project.


The Earthquake Engineering Package invites students to find out more about where earthquakes commonly occur, and their causes and effects. Through case studies and practical experiments students design an earthquake-proof building suitable for a particular area.

Figure 1. Testing the flexural strength of materials.

Nuclear energy has yet to be used in Australia due to the problem of what to do with the waste.  The Burying Nuclear Waste Package enables students to investigate the issues with nuclear waste –  the dangers of nuclear waste and the possible rock types in which it could be buried.  Students conclude their investigation with a written report covering if nuclear waste could be buried safely, and if so where is the most suitable location.


Stop that flow! The Volcanic Hazards Package involves practical, research and mathematical activities which allow students to find out more about the causes of volcanic eruptions and their hazards.  By creating a 3D model of a volcano they can design a diversion to stop lava or lahar flows from the volcano.