Circuit Breakers STEM program

This hands-on STEM education program is available to all primary school students in Years 4 – 6 who are situated within our network.

During the program, students will build their STEM skills by learning how to construct and operate their own electricity grid using a micro:bit, a type of pocket-sized computer.

You don’t need to be an electronics whiz to participate – our expertly developed teaching and learning guide steps you through everything.

Plus, our Western Power mentors will be available to support you and show students how to think and work like STEM professionals as they work on their micro:bit project.

Circuit Breakers explores different aspects of the Western Power network.

Each activity explores what it takes to provide electricity to your community, as well as new technologies that are changing the way we look at electricity supply in the future.

This STEM project is mapped to the curriculum for Years 4- 6 in maths, science, and technology, featuring ten modules that involve learning, discussion, and experimentation with extension activities included:

• Activity 1 – A miniature computer with superpowers – getting to know the micro:bit
  
  
• Activity 2 – Code and download – start coding with micro:bit
  
  
• Activity 3 – Complete the circuit, control the power – making simple electrical circuits
  
  
• Activity 4 – Fully charged up – measuring electricity
  
  
• Activity 5 – What’s your reaction time – using an electrical property and micro:bit to create a reaction time test
  
  
• Activity 6 – Bringing power safety to your community – making an alarm system with micro:bit
  
  
• Activity 7 – Emergency warning sensors – coding to read sensors
  
  
• Activity 8 – Electric light orchestra – controlling LEDs and using micro:bit to make sound
  
  
• Activity 9 – Designing and engineering the network of the future – group discussions for design
  
  
• Activity 10 – The network of the future – group project design and build

To conclude the program, each class will present their project, ideas, and findings and upload it to a Circuit Breakers gallery online, providing an opportunity for writing, speaking, and listening work.

 

Course materials - Circuit Breaker kits

 

This program is best undertaken with a class set of Circuit Breaker kits which include the Micro:bit pocket-sized computers and consumables required for the Micro:bits Circuit Breaker activities.  

To maximise the number of schools that can access the program, we are offering each kit at a subsidised cost of $10 each. You will be provided with a discount code and the details of the sales provider and the kits will be posted to you.

Micro:bits alone retail for around $35-40, so this is a great opportunity to get your students’ hands on these fantastic little micro-computers and use them when repeating the program or participating in other coding activities. 

Please note that this subsidised price is available on a limited number of kits and schools are restricted to how many they can purchase depending on school size.  

 Western Power mentor support

You will have in-person or virtual access to a Western Power STEM professional who will meet your class to share their knowledge of our electricity network and assist with any technical information as required.

Your school is eligible to apply for subsidised kits and mentor support if it is located within our network (see map).

Student diversity

Reflecting Western Powers' commitment to diversity in our workforce and the diverse community we serve, students selected for participation should also be reflective of your school’s community. With the exception of single-sex schools, program participants should include both girls and boys. 

Actions that encourage gender equity and equality in STEM will help to change the declining trend of girls pursuing STEM related occupations at a higher level. Circuit Breakers is developed with this in mind and aims to attain strong involvement by female students. 

The program is accompanied by a teachers guide which includes lesson plans, useful links and background information required to deliver the Circuit Breakers program

Other helpful resources including micro:bit code, 3D print files, posters and editable slide deck can be found in our STEM resources.

100% of past participants recommend doing Circuit Breakers

Hear from these Circuit Breakers teachers about what they and their students got out of the program:

See completed Circuit Breakers school presentations.

Want to get your students involved in more STEM activities? To register your interest in the program, email our Community Education Specialist.