Puffing Billy in the Classroom

A visit to Puffing Billy Railway in the Dandenongs is part of a childhood in Melbourne and with the launch of new programs, both in person and virtual, students can discover the charms of one of the country’s last fully functioning steam trains, and dive into STEM concepts.

Puffing Billy Railway’s curriculum aligned Education Program, Endless Discovery, launched in 2021 aimed at students from Early Years, Foundation to Year 8, allowing them to explore Victoria’s century old heritage steam Railway.

Three new programs include Maths in Motion for Year 5 to Year 8, Puffing Billy Railway Pathways for Year 9 to Year 10 and Sustainable Tourism at the Railway aimed at VCE students.

“The inclusion of both the guided onsite excursions and virtual excursions was due to feedback from visiting schools and upper secondary teachers who were looking for a way to target curriculum and teach mathematical concepts and VCE Geography with real world connections and implications,” says education officer Peta Howard.

“Whether students are investigating and using their imagination in the Foundation-Year 2, All Aboard Endless Discovery Education Program, creating prototypes and using Design theory in the Year 5 to Year 6, Steaming STEM program, or creating surveys and collecting data onsite in the VCE, Sustainable Tourism Program, they will be learning curriculum and real world investigative skills.”

Students hear the stories of Puffing Billy Railway volunteers, discover the rich history of the railway and see STEM concepts in action in a real-world capacity.

Visiting students explore The Great Hall Museum and the new Lakeside Visitor Centre, engage in interactive workshops with a focus on history through the lens of STEM, sustainability, cultural connection, tourism, design, and technology.

The railway provides data, collaborative activities, innovative and prototyping opportunities to take classroom concepts (e.g., Design theory) and connect them to Puffing Billy Railway as a tourism destination and heritage steam railway. Resources and workbooks are available for download to support learning.

“A career in the Railway, Tourism or STEM industries is a rare opportunity and we wanted to highlight these unique skillsets and the pathways for students to contribute to these trades. Where else can you get up close and personal with a working heritage steam locomotive and the passionate team of staff and volunteers, and their unique skill set, that keep it operational and relevant today?” Howard says.