Wonder of Science program inspires STEM students

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Wonder of Science students Sophie Moore, Kaylee Copithorne, Fletcher Churchill and Thomas Baker.
Wonder of Science students Sophie Moore, Kaylee Copithorne,, Fletcher Churchill and Thomas Baker.

Bundaberg Region students put their STEM skills to the test at today's Wonder of Science event.

Held at St Luke's Anglican School, the Wonder of Science program aims to get children thinking about how to present their science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) projects in front of a crowd.

Program officer Dr Natalie McKirdy said 60 students were chosen to represent their schools and share their Wonder of Science experiences with their peers.

“Today they get the confidence and the experience of presenting their research,” Dr McKirdy said.

“Anyone in STEM understands that a result isn't a result until it is published or shared.

“That's what they are given the opportunity to do today, to practise teamwork, collaboration and presenting skills along with the science and engineering skills they have picked up throughout the term.”

The local students have been busy all term working on their real-world STEM projects with the help of their teachers and Wonder of Science Young Science Ambassadors.

Student teams were then selected to represent their school at today's event, with a Bundaberg team heading to the state conference in Brisbane later this year.

Dr McKirdy said each of the school groups presented their science experiments in front of each other to help build skills that would be valuable for years to come.

“STEM is so important because the careers of the future haven't been designed yet,” she said.

“We need our students to be graduating with the skills and the interest to pursue those careers.”

Wonder of Science: Coco loves to learn through STEM

St Luke's Anglican School Year 5 student Coco Booyse was part of the activities and said she was always excited to learn more about STEM.

“I like that you never know enough,” she said.

“You can always explore and learn new stuff.

“It is really great to have that opportunity to share knowledge with others and learn more and to also be able to present and show experiments.”

To find out more about the Wonder of Science program click here.