Every August, Australia Post runs Stamp Collecting Month to promote the hobby of stamp collecting.
At the same time, it engages middle to upper primary school students with themes aligned to a curriculum area, such as history, geography, science, and the environment.
This year's theme, Full STEAM ahead, highlights the need for innovative solutions to the 21st century's greatest challenges, focusing on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).
The Stamp Collecting Month $1.10 Full STEAM ahead! stamps feature the five innovative areas of virtual reality, hydroponics, space study, robotics, and urban design. The stamps aim to be aspirational, suggesting that students may grow up to become urban and industrial designers or experts in the worlds of virtual reality and renewable energy.
Australia Post general manager Post Office Network, David McNamara, said most people are aware of STEM subjects, but by including arts as well, it is acknowledging and encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving.
"We want Full STEAM ahead! to inspire children to take a multi-disciplined approach to learning, supported by these fun and accessible stamp designs and our specially created education resources," he said.
The stamps were designed by award-winning Australian illustrator Andrew Hopgood.
Virtual reality is a digital, computer-generated, three-dimensional experiential environment. This technology is increasingly being used in schools to increase student engagement. Its potential is almost limitless and can be used with the entire class, or by individual students.
Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil by using mineral nutrients dissolved in water. This method uses much less water than traditional farming A hydroponic garden in the school will introduce students to the science of plants, good nutrition, and the benefits of reducing carbon miles by growing your own food. It can also assist mathematics skills as students must calculate correct nutrient and water levels for successful growth.
Space Study and space science is a perennial favourite with students. The mysteries of the galaxies, nebulae, black holes and stars transfix children, and the study of infinite space helps them understand their own place in the universe. Organisations such as the Victorian Space Science Education Centre engage students and teachers with facilities, such as a simulated Mars surface room, a mission control centre and a laboratory. Other centres, such as Science Space in NSW, offers students exciting immersive space experiences.
Robotics: Robots are increasingly being used to carry out repetitive, routine tasks in industry, or delicate operations requiring great precision in medicine. The science of robotics is a growing area of interest in the school curriculum. It can teach students about programming, computational thinking, mechanical engineering, sequencing and directional language.
Urban Design: The Design and Technologies curriculum asks that students create design solutions across a range of technologies and contexts. Students consider the economic, environmental and social impacts of technology, using critical thinking to assess the project's applicability. One such project might involve designing an urban environment, where the student must take various factors into consideration, such as liveability, sustainability, materials, social implications and aesthetic appeal.
Products associated with this stamp issue are:
- Mini sheet: includes the 5 single featured stamps
- Two first day covers: one with the mini sheet attached to it; the other has the five single stamps affixed
- Stamp pack: includes five single featured stamps and the mini sheet Maxi Card Set that features five different cards, five single stamps affixed to the front of the card
- Medallion cover: stamps affixed to the front and medallion inside an envelope
- My Stamp pack: features alternative designs for Stamp Collecting Month (additional product new this year)
- Stamp booklet: includes 10 self-adhesive featured stamps.
We have two prize packs available to celebrate Stamp Collecting Month, each valued at $32.82. (The packs are not available for sale). Each pack contains: 1x t-shirt, 1x cap, 1xUSB, 1x promotional pack (includes a pen, sticker, magnifying card, colour-in postcard and packet of five used stamps), 1x jigsaw, 1x wooden brain teaser, 1x high bounce ball, 1x sheet of 10 stickers with stamp pack in each.
Entries close 11.59pm August 31 2021.
https://www.thesenior.com.au/story/7371277/stamp-month-full-steam-ahead/
Australian Competitions Club
