Blue Mountains high school students can get hands-on opportunities to develop their skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics [STEM] with an interactive CSIRO program that will see students replicate astrophysics equipment and develop coding for 3D modelling.
It is part of the federal government's Maker Projects program.
The not-for-profit Western Sydney Business Connection has received $97,000 under the program to deliver the Western Sydney STEM Careers Interactive Series project, an interactive CSIRO program that will see students create replicate astrophysics equipment and develop coding for 3D modelling. Schools in the Mountains local government area will be invited to participate in the term 2 Virtual expo.
Liberal Senator Marise Payne, sad the project was an excellent opportunity for young Australians to expand their knowledge and spark their curiosity about STEM fields and careers.
"STEM skills are the future - they're the passport to the jobs of the future in advanced manufacturing, defense, health and medical science and agri-business, that are being developed in western Sydney, for western Sydney," Senator Payne said.
STEM skills are the future - they're the passport to the jobs of the future in advanced manufacturing, defense, health and medical science and agri-business
- Sen Marise Payne
"This unique program will bring the opportunities associated with the Western International Airport and the Aerotropolis into the classroom, ensuring students familiarise themselves through practical workshops."
Amanda Brisot, Western Sydney Business Centre general manager said their Maker Project would help equip students with essential skills.
"We're very excited to be delivering this educational program in schools across Western Sydney because we know that our region will be 'ground zero' for STEM-related careers," Ms Brisot said.
We're very excited to be delivering this educational program in schools across Western Sydney because we know that our region will be 'ground zero' for STEM-related careers
- Amanda Brisot
"The generous support of the government will mean we are able to invite more than 300 western Sydney schools, including schools in the Blue Mountains, to participate in the program which is being supported by CSIRO."
The Maker Projects grants are part of the Inspiring Australia - Science Engagement Program and support STEM-related organisations and businesses to partner with other businesses, experts, schools and community organisations to deliver STEM initiatives. Twenty-one projects across Australia were successfully funded in the 2020 grants round.