What is SailLAB?
SailLAB is a new initiative that brings the sport of sailing to the classroom through a custom 'built-byteachers'
STEM education program, linked to the Australian Curriculum. Regardless of geographic
location or background, students of all abilities will have the opportunity to participate. The program is not
reliant on water access, making it cost-effective and scalable across all schools.
What’s Included?
Each module is made up of in-classroom learning experiences, delivered by teachers and include
teaching program, individual lesson plans, powerpoints, student workbooks & answer keys.
There are 6 x Primary Modules & 20 x Secondary Modules. Modules range from explaining the physics of
sailing and foiling, to exploring atmospheric science and oceanography.

The day will include...

• Light Morning Tea, Refreshments & Lunch
  overlooking the beautiful St Kilda Bay
• On-water sailing aboard the Club’s fleet of
  S80 and/or Quest.
• Mini-regatta featuring DF65 Radio Control
  Yachts
• Presentation from the SailLAB Project Lead,
  insights into the vision, structure, and outcomes
  of the 2026 program.
• Exploration of the Primary and Secondary
  Teaching Modules, including core concepts &
  classroom resources
• Case Studies of SailLAB being implemented in
  schools around Australia
• Networking & Collaboration with teachers
  from other schools, providing an opportunity to
  share experiences, discuss best-practice
  approaches to STEM education and exchange
  ideas for successful program implementation
  https://www.sailingresources.org.au/saillab
  
  

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The SailLAB Experience Days are one-day ‘taster’ programs designed to provide primary and secondary school students with hands-on sailing, and on-shore learning experiences after they've completed the classroom-based SailLAB Primary or Secondary Learning Modules. These days can be run by your school’s closest Australian Sailing affiliated Sailing Club. 

This day is designed to be an extension of the SailLAB School-Based Program, with the aim to deepen students' understanding of sailing and STEM concepts through practical, real-world activities.

Activities during a SailLAB Experience Day can include:

• Sailing on a dinghy or small keelboat with Australian Sailing Instructors. Students experience the feel of steering a sail powered boat, how to trim sails, reduce/increase power, and speed. Students learn how to tack/gybe the boat, and set sails for a new course.
• Radio Control Sailing around small course close to shore/jetties, practicing points of sail, racing rules, and some fun races.
• On-Shore STEM Activities to reinforce classroom modules:
  • calculating sail area– comparing the sail area of a Jib and Mainsail
  • identifying levers on a sailboat – the difference between a first, second and third class lever
  • build a boat challenge - students get a sail, mast, boom, sprit, hull, rudder and centreboard and have to put it all together without instructions in a timed challenge
  • pulley practical – simple machines reducing loads and measuring forces
  • measuring wind – scavenger hunt