Central Queensland's STEM Big Day Out Ignites Curiosity

A cohort of 260 Central Queensland high school students took part in the state’s first ever STEM Big Day Out which puts the spotlight on a whole new era of exciting careers for young people in the resources sector.

Students received an insight into the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) through a unique program developed by the Queensland Resources Council’s education arm, the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) and supported by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA).

The QMEA is rolling out the model nationally with the support of BHP through a program called ARISE, which aims to connect young people with future career opportunities in the resources sector.

Spread over two days and five schools, the initiative will see Year 8 and 9 students working in teams guided by QMEA and BMA representatives to solve a series of real-world puzzles and challenges related to the resources sector.

Moranbah State High School hosted their STEM Big Day Out earlier this week on August 1, which involved the school’s entire Year 8 cohort of 160 students.

This was followed by another STEM Big Day Out on August 2, hosted this time by Sarina State High School and involving 100 students from Sarina, Mackay, Pioneer, and Mackay Northern Beaches state high schools.

Michelle Pole, Principal of Moranbah SHS, said students were excited to be part of this inaugural event, especially on their home ground.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to stir the students’ passion for STEM subjects,” she said.

“The program will foster teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills, and enable students to make connections between STEM subjects and how they’re relevant to future careers in the resources sector.”

Team challenges include solving riddles based on the periodic table to promote critical thinking to increase students’ knowledge of chemical elements.

Along with opportunities to explore pulley mechanics, control robots and engineer machines to consistently select samples, students will have plenty of fun as they harness their creativity and develop analytical and strategic thinking skills.

QMEA’s Manager of Skills and Education, Matthew Heskett, said BMA’s involvement in the program in Queensland added an extra dimension to the STEM activities planned.

“Being able to personally interact with BMA staff will give students a lot of insights into the real-world applications of the skills they’re developing in the classroom,” he said.

‍