The Year 8 Voyage Through Engineering builds on students' Year 7 experiences by challenging them to apply engineering principles to complex, real-world problems. Through an extended aquaponics project, students investigate sustainable food production and design integrated systems that support both plant and aquatic life.

Combining science, technologies, mathematics and sustainability concepts, students work collaboratively to design, build, test and refine functioning aquaponics systems while developing a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship and systems thinking.

Course Objectives

• Voyage Learning: Emphasising interdisciplinary connections, students engage in deep, purposeful learning experiences that encourage exploration, creativity and innovation.
• Hands-On Experience: Through scientific investigation, computer-aided design (CAD), prototyping and testing, students gain practical skills and insights into the engineering process.
• Innovation and Creativity: Encouraging students to think creatively and develop innovative solutions to authentic sustainability challenges.
• Community Engagement: Projects focus on addressing local and global issues related to sustainable food production, environmental stewardship and resource management, promoting a sense of responsibility and contribution to the community.

Learning Experiences

Throughout the year, students engage in a range of experiences connected to aquaponics and sustainable engineering, including:

• Aquaponics Systems Design: Students investigate how fish, plants and beneficial bacteria interact within a balanced ecosystem and design aquaponics systems that meet specific criteria and constraints.
• Scientific Investigation: Students explore water quality, the nitrogen cycle, ecosystem interactions and sustainable food production through research and experimentation.
• Computer-Aided Design (CAD): Students use CAD software to create digital models and scaled prototypes before constructing their physical systems.
• Prototype Development and Testing: Students build, test and refine their systems by analysing water flow, identifying faults, troubleshooting issues and implementing design improvements.
• Industry Connections: Students engage with industry experts and community organisations to explore real-world applications of aquaculture, sustainable food production and environmental management.

Throughout the project, students are encouraged to:

• Use evidence and data to inform design decisions.
• Collaborate effectively and communicate ideas clearly.
• Demonstrate resilience by testing, evaluating and refining solutions.
• Consider the environmental, social and economic impacts of engineering solutions.

Outcomes

By the end of Year 8, students will have developed a deeper understanding of sustainable engineering practices and systems thinking. They will be confident in applying the engineering design process, using digital technologies and working collaboratively to solve complex problems. Students will leave the course equipped with the skills and mindset needed to continue their learning within the Engineering Futures Pathway and future STEM opportunities.