STEM on show

Rowan Anderson

Journalist

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Example of a STEM exhibit at a recent exhibition – now its Wonga Beach State School’s turn to show what they have IMAGE: Supplied

STEM is a term that is building in schools and around education and delivering great results in teaching and offering further career pathways to younger generations.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics or STEM is seen more and more as a class option and Wonga Beach State School are holding an event this Friday to showcase this.

Through STEM students develop mathematical, scientific, and technological skills while also being allowed to build on their ability to problem-solve, analyse, and think creatively.

Teacher and event organiser Naomi Arthurson spoke to Newsport about the event.

“This is the first time that Wonga Beach State School has hosted a STEM’s Fair, and we are all rather excited about it,” Ms Arthurson said.

Importance of STEM

In a world moving so quickly and relying so heavily on technology, STEM is becoming even more of our everyday life and an increasing part of every workplace.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has estimated that STEM-related jobs in professional, scientific, and technical services will increase by 12.5% over the next five years, with employment in the computer system design and related services sector projected to increase by 28.6%.

Wonga Beach State School’s decision to run this inaugural event is a sign that they understand the importance of allowing students to develop solutions to complex problems and provide them with capabilities that will help them succeed in a world of technological change as future innovators, educators, researchers, and leaders.

Exhibition

From 4PM to 6PM the STEM Fair will run with exhibits which will include sphero or robot display, volcano eruptions, Lego world or similar mini world creation, a look into space and so much more.

The students have created their exhibits at home and will display and demonstrate their ideas and designs throughout the afternoon with the community voting for their favourite.

“Although students have been invited to create their projects/exhibits at home - parents or older siblings have been welcome to help and assist with the projects, as we believe it is a great opportunity for families to work together and be involved in your child’s learning journey.”

There will be prizes for a range of categories including a shared project (a display created by siblings or a maximum of two friends working together) as well as different year level entries.

Plenty of activities

In addition to the students exhibits there will be other hands-on activities and things to see for the public including a 3D print on display, drone challenge, BeeBot (robot) coding challenge and a zipline challenge.

In another great collaboration the great staff and some special guests from Mossman High School will be on hand to run some of these great demonstrations.

Schools can help students develop STEM literacy and capability by promoting STEM learning by promoting the importance of STEM education to students and parents and nurturing collaboration between schools and the community like this.

The schools P&C will also be running a sausage sizzle, snack, and refreshment stall on the night.

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