03/08/2026
One of the most important parts of every Young Engineers Greater Metro Perth STEM Club session happens before our students even begin building. We gather together for a meaningful discussion about the engineering challenge ahead.
Why?
Because I don't just want my students to build a model—I want them to understand why it works.
Together, we explore the engineering concepts, mechanisms, forces, gears, motion, and real-world applications behind each project. We ask questions. We share ideas. We make predictions. Sometimes we even disagree—and that's where the best learning begins.
As an educator, these conversations are incredibly valuable. They allow me to understand each child's interests, prior knowledge, confidence, and problem-solving approach. I can see who is ready to lead, who needs encouragement, and who is quietly thinking of an incredible solution.
When children understand the thinking before the building, they don't simply follow instructions—they become engineers.
When challenges arise during the build, they don't immediately ask for the answer. Instead, they pause, analyse, test different ideas, and discover solutions themselves. That is where resilience grows. That is where creativity flourishes. That is where true STEM learning happens.
For me, success isn't measured by how perfectly a model is built. It's measured by the excitement in a child's eyes when they say, "I know why this works!" or "Can I make it even better?"
Those moments remind me that STEM education is about so much more than robotics or engineering. It's about nurturing curious minds, confident thinkers, and young people who aren't afraid to ask questions, solve problems, and imagine a better future.
At Young Engineers Greater Metro Perth, every build starts with a conversation—because every great engineer first learns to think before they build.
💛 That conversation may only take a few minutes, but its impact can last a lifetime.
