STEM and sport often seem worlds apart, but not so at Chisholm.
Students in Chisholm’s Dual Diploma of Sport and Recreation have used advanced technology and innovation at Casey Tech School to explore the topical issues of head protection and mental health in sport.
Helen Silvester, director at Casey Tech School, recognised the importance of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) in sport.
“Innovation in sports requires the close alignment of STEM,” she explained.
“Casey Tech School is excited to work with students studying sport at Chisholm to explore the technological advances that are occurring in the sports and recreation industry.”
On Monday 12 July, Chisholm students explored the relationship between brain trauma and head gear by testing various head protection methods using advanced technologies and innovation.
Their insights will form the basis for them to design and test their own helmets, to determine the most effective methods of shock absorption.
Their findings will assist them to understand the forces involved in head trauma.
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Chisholm students will use virtual reality to simulate a stressful environment and will be guided to implement practical strategies to counter the sympathetic nervous response.
This unique experience will provide students with an understanding of how these techniques can be used to promote peak performance in sport.
Peter Sells, manager – schools and pathways at Chisholm, said he was pleased to utilise Casey Tech School’s unique offerings to stimulate creative and critical thinking amongst his students.
“We’re thrilled to be working so closely with Casey Tech School and for the opportunity that this creates,” he said.
“The experience is something that students wouldn’t be able to gain studying anywhere else and will provide skills they can implement into their work roles immediately”.
