This weekend two Mueller College Primary teams proudly represented Mueller College at the Tournament of Minds Brisbane Regional Finals, held at Lourdes Hill College.
Tournament of Minds is an academically focused problem-solving program in which teams work collaboratively over six weeks to develop an original solution to a complex, open-ended Long-Term Challenge. On Tournament Day, teams present their solution dramatically to a panel of judges and also complete an unseen Spontaneous Challenge. This requires students to think creatively, communicate effectively and work together under pressure.
Our Social Sciences team explored the ethical, environmental and economic considerations involved in developing a T-shirt fundraiser. The students researched and compared different T-shirt options and considered how their decisions could affect people and the environment. They were also required to investigate possible charities, select one and justify their decision. The students chose the Mark Hughes Foundation and developed a meaningful T-shirt design in support of brain cancer research. After considering different production methods, the students chose screen printing. They participated in producing their finished T-shirts by screen-printing their designs and applying additional design elements. The team communicated its research, reasoning, production process and final recommendations through a creative dramatic presentation.
Our STEM team developed an imaginative science-fiction movie pitch incorporating a live performance, video and miniature setting. Each live character had a corresponding miniature character, connecting the small-scale filmed world with a full-sized live performance. One miniature character included a moving component. The students also created matching costumes and constructed a detailed setting for their miniature production. They filmed and edited their own video, applying video-editing techniques and special effects to bring their science-fiction world to life. Their finished solution combined scientific and technical thinking with design, construction, storytelling, filmmaking and live performance.
We are thrilled to announce that the STEM team was awarded first place in the Primary STEM division for the Brisbane Region. The students will now represent Mueller College at the Queensland State Finals at QUT Gardens Point on Saturday 12th September.
Both teams demonstrated tremendous creativity, courage, perseverance and teamwork. They learned that successful collaboration does not require every contribution to be large—many hands truly do make light work.
Thank you to the families, classroom teachers and staff members who encouraged the students, and support students to make their Tournament of Minds experience possible. We congratulate our Social Sciences students on representing the College so thoughtfully and enthusiastically, and we wish our STEM students every success as they prepare for the Queensland State Finals!
