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Bringing science experiences to regional high schools

Wednesday, 22 June 2022

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  • Teacher in the front of a class explaining science

    ECU’s School of Science delivered learning experiences for regional students in the Pilbara.

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Between June 14 and 17, Regional students from the Pilbara across years 7 to 12 learned how to build prototype floating platforms to help a community under threat from floods, as well as using enzymes to filter milk and much more as part of the 2022 Santos Science Experience.

The program was run by ECU STEM Outreach and Engagement Coordinators in the School of Science, together with the STEM Outreach Coordinators at Curtin University. The program, with the support of the all-women teams, allowed young scientists the opportunity to participate in engineering, digital technology, chemistry and environmental workshops.

Women continue to be underrepresented in the fields of Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and the School of Science are working to address this disparity through targeted programs and initiatives.

ECU Science Engagement Coordinator Michelle Austin said: “We are thrilled to have been invited to deliver a new exciting program for students and teachers in regional WA, and look forward to building future collaborations with Santos and Curtin University.”

Michelle Austin and her School of Science colleague Dr Michelle Ellis are keen advocates for gender equality, driving the agenda for encouraging more girls and women in STEM disciplines. Both women are previous winners of the Edith Cowan Athena SWAN Advancement Scheme for their commitment to promoting gender equality at ECU and in August 2021 were recognised as finalists for the WA Premier’s Science Awards 2021.

In March 2022, Dr Michelle Ellis was also the recipient of a 2022 ‘Inspiring WA STEM’ grant. The winning initiative, entitled: Making Things Work Together, is designed to foster a love for physical computing; to understand the relationship between code, programming and physical objects; to learn about the rise of technologies, automation, and robotics; and to meet other like-minded people across Perth’s female technology community.

For more information about ECU’s commitment to gender equality, visit the ECU Gender Equality website or contact athenaswanaustralia@ecu.edu.au

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