It’s no secret that increased capability in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is essential to ensuring the future success of Australia. We know that attraction to STEM begins at an early age and stereotypical views about STEM study and careers may influence students’ interest in these fields. To help combat this, we’ve developed a range of new curriculum-linked STEM tours for primary and secondary school students.
Covering areas of digital technology, earth & environmental science, and aquaculture to name a few, these tours introduce students to the real-world applications of STEM and demonstrate that it’s a rewarding and exciting field to be part of.
CANBERRA
Astronomy, Digital Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
- During an inquiry-based learning robotics workshop, students use basic programming concepts to create new uses for their robots
- Explore innovative solutions to engineering challenges and build prototypes using simple tools and materials
- Participate in a stargazing session
- Learn about mathematical gadgets called ‘fusion categories’ and ‘topological field theories’
- Discover how sound technology has evolved from wax cylinders to vinyl, tape and digital audio
Earth & Environmental Science, Biology & Sustainability
- Using real fieldwork tools and digital technology, develop science inquiry skills and gain an understanding of the environmental challenges facing scientists
- Solve a mysterious crime that has occurred in the CSIRO collections through experimenting, analysing data, using skills in entomology, chromatography, soil analysis, fingerprinting and hair and fibre analysis
- Learn about nocturnal wildlife and endangered woodlands as ecologists take you deep into a woodland sanctuary at twilight
- Enjoy interactive presentations on ‘Earth Climate Science’ and ‘Alpine Ecology in a Changing Climate’
- Discover how the plants and animals of Australia’s hot drylands have adapted to fire, and in many cases need it to survive
- Explore how the Earth’s climate has behaved in the past, and how its climate systems are now changing with anthropogenic greenhouse warming
Civics and Citizenship, STEM, Australian History
- Learning through play STEM workshop
- Explore the research buildings and telescope domes of Mt Stromlo Observatory
- Discover how technology has evolved over decades
- See firsthand what happens to our recycling and participate in an educational workshop at a recycling centre
TASMANIA
Agriculture, Aquaculture & Sustainability
- Investigate where the plastic in our ocean originated, how it is dispersed due to wind and ocean currents, and identify the problems and possible solutions
- Explore a unique microfarm and discover the processes and inputs for renewing soils, how to build living soils, grow food efficiently through market gardening, and care for riparian zones and bush regeneration
- Delve into plant identification, worm farming-vermiculture and physical observations to assess soil health
- Gain an insight into the process of hydropower generation and explore world class engineering and operations
- Learn about electricity, renewable energy, transfer of energy and the management of native flora and fauna around lakes
- Discover Tasmania’s abalone industry – the largest in the world and gain an insight into oyster farming and grading
CAIRNS
Ecology, Conservation & Sustainability
- Witness the first canopy crane to be placed in an Australian rainforest and learn how scientists analyse the processes occurring and responses of this ecosystem to human-induced climate change
- Through discussions and immersive activities, discover how scientists collect and identify insects for research purposes
- Explore the banks of Tin Creek and learn about its significance to local ecosystems, whilst taking part in tree planting activities
- On a marine biology cruise of the Great Barrier Reef, participate in an in-depth educational program which delves into reef ecology, climate change, marine life identification and predators
- On a guided snorkel safari, complete a ‘Rapid Monitoring Survey’ to record health observations on aspects of the reef
- Data collected is then input directly to the ‘Eye on the Reef’ program run by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) to provide valuable information about reef health, marine animals and incidents and is then used to understand the bigger picture and inform how GBRMPA manage the Reef
Are you ready to spark your students’ interest in STEM and give them an unforgettable experience they’ll thank you for in years to come?
Contact us to start planning a STEM adventure today by emailing info@worldstrides.com.au or calling 1800 331 050.
