Are you struggling to engage your students in STEM education?
Research shows that the number of school students studying STEM in later secondary (Year 11 and 12) has flat-lined at around 10% or less and Australian students don’t understand the importance of STEM, or the career opportunities in this field, until it’s too late.
With strong job prospects and new specialties developing rapidly, it’s important to educate students in STEM and demonstrate why it’s an exciting field to be part of!
An education in STEM teaches students generic skills – including deep knowledge of a subject, creativity, problem solving, critical thinking and communication. All skills that are extremely relevant in any occupation – and early education is a crucial foundation to set students up for success.
So how can you engage your students and show them that STEM is actually a cool field to work in? Integrating hands-on learning experiences inside and outside the classroom from a young age can help prepare students for the real world and help them understand the different career pathways they can take.
The good news is you don’t have to venture too far to give your students immersive STEM experiences. Australia is home to some of the most advanced and cutting-edge organisations – and we are here to show you some of the immersive experiences that are sure to get your students excited about STEM.
Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex – Canberra
Learn about the planets of our solar system and the magic of space travel at Canberra Space Centre. Students will learn about the planets and the story of space travel; and how we here on Earth communicate with and benefit from spacecrafts exploring our Solar System and beyond.
Questacon – Canberra
Experience science in extraordinary ways at the award-winning National Science and Technology Centre. Just minutes from Canberra, at Questacon students are encouraged to develop a greater understanding and awareness of science and technology within the community – in a way that’s fun, interactive, and relevant! Explore over 200 hands-on science exhibits that encourage students to enhance their STEM knowledge through experimentation.
Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA) – Cairns
Discover the complex landscapes, rich biodiversity and cultural mysteries of the ancient Wet Tropics World Heritage area in Far North Queensland. Gain valuable insights into protecting the diversity in Rainforest environments during an enlightening 90-minute session with experts from the WTMA research team.
Scienceworks – Melbourne
Challenge curious minds at Scienceworks, where students are encouraged to ask questions and understand the mysteries of daily life and the universe at large. Gaze in awe at the gigantic machines that once kept Melbourne running, enjoy electrifying theatre in the Lightning Room, wander through immersive exhibitions and delve into deep space at the Melbourne Planetarium.
Want to read more on STEM? Check out these other articles and share with your students:
Article references
https://www.education.gov.au/national-stem-education-resources-toolkit/why-stem-important-0
https://www.chiefscientist.gov.au/sites/default/files/STEM_AustraliasFuture_Sept2014_Web.pdf
