Tauranga Boys’ College Tauranga Boys’ College

11 STEM

11STM
Course Description

Teacher in Charge: David Jackson.

Prerequisites

Open Entry but preference will be given to those who have passed their end of year examinations at Year 10 or those who were successful in passing Year 10 electronics.


After you have selected your compulsory Year 11 Science you can choose 11 STEM as an additional Subject from the Other Learning Area.
If you wish this to be your only science option you can request an exemption.

Please note, you will need to explain in detail why you would like to take this as your only science option. 

This will be submitted for approval with the Head of Science. 



This course presents an ideal pathway for students considering careers in STEM, covering essentials skills in the electrical and programming sphere.
Additionally, those aspiring to pursue advanced studies in Physics will find this course to be a solid foundation for the level 2 and 3 Physics electrical paper.

Our curriculum delves into the fundamental principles of circuits, encompassing their functionality, design, and basic electronic component theory. Practical learning experiences complement theoretical concepts, including soldering exercises, voltage and current measurement techniques in circuits, and the fabrication of printed circuit boards.

In the second term, our focus shifts to programming fundamentals. Beginning with an introduction to the Scratch programming language, students will engage in creating various projects such as electronic dice and simple games. Additionally, we'll explore Python programming, undertaking larger projects such as developing a line-following robot.

In the third term, our exploration extends to household wiring structures and electrical safety devices, including RCDs and breakers. Core theoretical concepts such as electric fields, magnetism, and the motor effect will be investigated, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of electrical systems and their applications.


Course Overview

Term 1
This term is designed to build understanding of electronics concepts, including simple electronic theory, components, symbols and circuit construction.

Practicals: soldering circuits and multimeter usage.


Term 2
The focus of this term is to introduce and develop basic skills for programming, where we will learn to code in scratach and python

Projects
-Electronic dice
-Program a traffic light system.
-Program a maze solving robot

Term 3
This term we will look at electromagnetism and electric fields, Household wiring
We will also investigate the difference between parallel circuits and series circuits and look at Household safety devices such as RCD’s/Circuit breakers

Practicals:

Wiring a plug
Wiring a fuse
Investigation of parallel circuits vs series circuits

Term 4
Revision and preparation for examinations

Learning Areas:

Science


Assessment Information

Paper Description Type Weighting
Paper 11ELT1 Electronics theory Internal 10.00%
Paper 11ELT2 Robot programming Internal 20.00%
Paper 11ELT3 Electrical studies Internal 20.00%
Paper 11ELT4 Practical Portfolio Internal 50.00%
Pathway

Electronics 2, Physics - Level 2, Science 2 (internally assessed)