High-TechFun

Inspiring skills for the future workplace and world

There is no doubt that science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) are critical to the jobs of the future. In fact, research shows that STEM knowledge is associated with 75 per cent of the fastest-growing occupations in Australia.¹ Despite this, the number of school students studying STEM (Year 11 and 12) has flat-lined at around 10 per cent or less, and Australian students don’t understand the importance of STEM, or STEM career opportunities, until it’s too late. This has been identified by the Australian Government as a serious issue: “The gap between the knowledge generated in the education system and the skills demanded by employers and individuals is widening. Overcoming these limitations requires a priority focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), including the development of workplace skills in STEM. Future careers will also rely heavily on ‘21st century skills’ — for example, critical thinking, creativity, cultural awareness, collaboration and problem-solving.”² Interest and confidence in learning a diverse range of topics, including STEM, starts at a young age. Primary school aged children often show interest in the world around them and how it works. “We believe that when that interest is encouraged, when curiosity is inspired, more children and young people will feel confident and able to follow a STEM pathway,” said Michelle Hortle, Educator and General Manager, Dream City. All activities at Dream City are designed by experienced educators to provide quality, hands-on STEM learning experiences and to inspire a better understanding of STEM and where it can lead. Activities and programs align with the Victorian education curriculum. One of the key principles identified by the government to increase student engagement and achievement in STEM education is ‘Use technology as enabler’³ as it accelerates student learning, confidence and ability. At Dream City, students are immersed in STEM in an interactive and fun way. They use technology ­– from simulations through to augmented reality and robotics –  to gain insights into how STEM relates to the real world and the diverse range of career opportunities it offers. “As well as simulating specific skills, each activity also aims to inspire curiosity and critical thinking and to teach valuable lessons around cooperation, collaboration and awareness of self and the wider world,”said Michelle Hortle. All DreamCity activities have been designed by experienced teachers to inspire children and promote positive experiences in STEAM. Call us at 03 9957 5912 to discuss how we can design and deliver an inspiring excursion experience for your students from prep to Year 9.  

¹ https://www.csiro.au/en/education/Student-pathways

² https://www.dese.gov.au/australian-curriculum/national-stem-education-resources-toolkit/introductory-material/why-stem-important

³ https://www.dese.gov.au/australian-curriculum/national-stem-education-resources-toolkit/introductory-material/what-works-best-when-teaching-stem

Connecting students to careers in community

At DreamCity, we are teaching students a broad range of skills to help build the communities of the future. Michelle Hortle, Educator and General Manager at DreamCity, explains how the activity pods at DreamCity open students’ eyes to the possibilities of working in, and for, their communities. “Our activity pods introduce students to careers that keep our community safe, healthy and informed. Using state of the art technology, students are given a multimodal and multi-sensory experience related to a range of people-centred careers – from medical and emergency services to virtual reality and sports science,” she said. For example, in the Surgery pod, the laparoscopy simulation shows students how a surgical process works, the equipment used and the importance of teamwork. The Nursery pod uses RealCare® baby simulators to guide students through the role of a midwife or neonatal nursing specialist, undertaking tasks such as holding, soothing, weighing and measuring the babies. In the Firefighting pod, students use thermal imaging cameras to detect hotspots and augmented reality to fight a fire. In the Media pod students learn about planning, production and presenting a TV or radio program or podcast All activities at DreamCity are designed by experienced educators to provide quality, hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) learning experiences. “As well as simulating specific skills, each activity also aims to inspire curiosity and critical thinking and to teach valuable lessons around cooperation, collaboration and awareness of self and the wider world,” said Michelle Hortle.

STEAM and FUN combine at DreamCity

STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths) have been recognised by all levels of government as the key elements of our jobs of the future.  DreamCity is doing its part to inspire young children with the possibilities of STEAM.

DreamCity a hit with families!

After opening in late December 2019, the first 4 weeks saw close to 8,000 visitors to DreamCity.  Parents have been raving about the experience too with 5/5 rating in Facebook and 4.9 in Google Reviews. "Wow the kids had an amazing couple of hours with some amazing educators. Such a fun, hands on experience suitable for all ages. My three kids aged 5, 8 and 11 had the chance to learn about and try their hands at being surgeons, pilots, radio host, fireman, electrical technicians and virtual reality. Incredibly fun and informative staff.  Also great soft serve ice cream to top off our great day! I recommend this place for children of all ages! Oh and fun for the adults too, 'best day ever' my kids said."  Kelly Cowlishaw, Facebook, 28 February 2020.

Real and relevant School Excursion experience

DreamCity is your ideal excursion destination.  For teachers looking to make learning real, relevant and relatable, then you can't do much better than a visit to DreamCity.  Each high-tech career activity is very authentic - for example the DreamCity surgery is kitted out with laparoscopy equipment that surgeons train on.  Students are in control of their learning, in fact they are in control of DreamCity!  It's built on the premise of engagement through hands-on immersion in real-life careers.  Enquire about a School Excursion now.