Puffing Billy Railway launches Endless Discovery curriculum-aligned education programs.

Students will be ready to explore, interact, and learn in 2022 with the launch of Puffing Billy Railway’s first curriculum-based Education program, Endless Discovery.

Linked to the Victorian Early Years Learning Framework (VEYLDF) and the Victorian Curriculum, the Endless Discovery program is guided and led by Puffing Billy Railway Education Officers, supported by Volunteers and targeted towards students from Foundation – Year 8.

With a strong focus on developing skills and understanding in the areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and the Humanities (History and Geography), each program combines a journey on board Puffing Billy and multiple interactive learning activities that explore history through storytelling, the journey into nature, endless discovery, emotional and cultural connection, adventure, and fun.

Students will also get a chance to meet and hear from a variety of life-long Puffing Billy Railway volunteers, connecting generations and further supporting a rich learning experience that improves student knowledge and encourages learning outside the classroom.

“We are so excited to be offering ‘Endless Discovery’. This will be a fantastic opportunity for teachers and students to develop their STEM knowledge and skills while they journey into nature on board one of Australia’s premier preserved steam railways,” said Peta Howard, Puffing Billy Railway Education Officer.

Programs include excursion train journeys, a visit to the Menzies Creek Museum and new Lakeside Visitor Centre, and guided workshops that allow students to experience the inner workings of the Puffing Billy steam train, and learn about engineering systems, sustainability, community, history, materials, tools, design, and technology.

Accompanying pre and post learning resources are provided to teachers and students to undertake in the classroom, before and after the excursion, encouraging students to develop their own innovations and ideas while immersed in the natural environment of the Dandenong Ranges.

“After such a tumultuous year, we are thrilled to be able to develop new educational products and experiences that support students in undertaking place-based learning activities,” said Peter Abbott, Puffing Billy Railway CEO.

Bookings are now available for Term 1 of 2022. To find out more information or to make a booking please visit https://puffingbilly.com.au/education. Alternatively, contact 03 9757 0700 or info@pbr.org.au.

Dates: Book Now for Term 1, 2022!
Journey: Belgrave – Lakeside, Belgrave – Menzies Creek, various options available.
Time: Weekdays

Guided Programs are led by an Education Officer and include the train journey and one of the following programs: All Aboard, Steam Machines, Steaming STEM or Innovation Station.

Endless Discovery Education Programs:

All Aboard!

Early Years, Foundation – Year 2

Students will learn about:

  • Past and present
  • Changes to technology over time
  • Importance of place and community
  • Biodiversity

Steam Machines
Year 3- Year 4
Students will learn about:

  • Establishment of local community
  • Protection of place and natural areas
  • People in design and technologies occupations
  • Suitability of materials, tools, and equipment for a range of purposes.

Steaming STEM

Year 5- Year 6

Students will learn about:

  • Energy, force, motion
  • Materials, tools and equipment for design and technology.
  • solutions
  • Innovation
  • Measurement, Geometry, Statistics and Probability.
  • Protecting biodiversity

Innovation Station
Year 7- Year 8
Students will learn about:

  • Design processes and technology solutions
  • Investigate design and technology professions
  • Advantages and disadvantages of design ideas and technologies
  • The future of biodiversity

View PDF here.