NEXT GENERATION SCIENTISTS GROWING FROM STEM
HI-TECH drones and mysterious sea creatures – these are just a couple of ways experts are trying to get the next generation of scientists, engineers and mathematicians interested in the industry on the Gold Coast.
Gold Coast Schools’ Popup Science Centre organiser Sally McPhee said roughly 5000 people walked through the gates in the event’s third year – up from 3000 last year.
The Griffith University science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) outreach co-ordinator said attendance was a testament to the growing interest in the fields of study and said the event was designed to make students want to continue their science studies through high school and university.
“Seventy-five per cent of future jobs and careers are going to require STEM skills,” she said. “Science is engaging and fun and a great future career to choose.”
Ms McPhee said the Coast was one of few major cities in Australia that did not have a science museum of its own.
She said a federal grant allowed organisers to host the Pop-up Science Centre event at the Coomera Indoor Sports Centre on the weekend but growth of the event in the future was not guaranteed.
“We are growing the event every year and we hope to continue to grow it every year but that will be funding dependent,” she said.
Andrei Bailey, 15, of Mermaid Waters told the Bulletin his Hot Wheels track project took two months to create.
His aim was to connect science and technology.
“It measures speed and the energy of the car and acceleration levels,” Andrei said. “People really enjoyed it.”