Sparking scientific minds in remote Indigenous schools for NAIDOC Week

To mark NAIDOC Week, Science & Technology Australia has partnered with Corey Tutt on his innovative project Deadly Science, to source books about science and technology for regional and rural schools.

school students reading books

In a remote school that lies four hours from Katherine in the Northern Territory, 350 students had access to just 15 books from their library – that was until Corey Tutt and Deadly Science came along.

The school now has hundreds of books, and Corey is working with more than 60 schools across regional and rural Australia to get more science books into classrooms.

An avid reader as a child, Corey found comfort, solace and fascination in books – sparking a passion for science and animals, he ended up studying animal technology at the University of Sydney.

“Being an Indigenous kid from the south coast, I was often told I couldn’t do things,” Corey said.

“What I want to pass on to this current generation of kids is that Indigenous people can be scientists too.”

Corey has been supported by some of the biggest names in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), including Dr Karl Kruszelnicki and Professor Brian Cox.

“We are asking for people to send books in good condition, new or used, to Science & Technology Australia.”

CEO of Science & Technology Australia, Kylie Walker, said the initiative was an innovative way to inspire young Australians to connect with science.

“We are excited to work with Corey to give students in regional and rural areas the chance to be moved by discovery and the opportunity to explore their curiosity,” Ms Walker said.

“There are centuries of Indigenous knowledge to draw from, and with a program like this, we can empower and invite young Indigenous students to bring their own expertise and experience to enrich and strengthen Australian STEM.”

If you wish to donate books to Deadly Science through STA’s book drive, send them to:

Science & Technology Australia

Suite 3, 8 Phipps Close

DEAKIN ACT 2600

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