A partnership ENGINEERED to deliver STEM skills

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

A PARTNERSHIP ENGINEERED TO DELIVER STEM SKILLS

Questacon and the Australian Defence Force have partnered to deliver an innovative program that will equip teachers to deliver engineering content in classrooms nationwide.

Questacon Director Professor Graham Durant said the Engineering is Elementary program focusses on inspiring youth through real-world, interactive science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) activities.

“Engineering is Elementary trains and equips primary school teachers to deliver exciting engineering content aligned to the Australian science, technology, and mathematics curricula,” Professor Durant said.

“This partnership will enable Questacon to deliver Engineering is Elementary to 1,000 primary school teachers across Australia, benefiting an estimated 150,000 primary school students over a three year period.

“Student attitudes towards STEM are largely established in primary school. This is where the work to engage and excite students should begin.

“It is entirely teacher driven, so it’s sustainable and can deliver a long-term impact, while also providing professional development opportunities and high-quality resources aligned to the Australian curriculum.”

Head Navy Engineering, Rear Admiral (RADM) Colin Lawrence, said the Australian Defence Force is proud to come on board as the Principal Partner for the Engineering is Elementary program.

“The Australian Defence Force has a stake in building the national STEM talent pool to ensure a workforce for the future,” RADM Lawrence said.

“Currently, more than 40 per cent of full-time Defence roles are STEM‑professional, ‑allied or -enabled. The requirement for these skills will only continue to increase.

“We should foster a love of these fields amongst young students and encourage continued pursuit of these subjects throughout their education.”

The initiative is based on a program developed in 2003 by the Museum of Science, Boston, and will be delivered exclusively by Questacon within Australia.

/Public Release.