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29 Aug 2024

It’s a STEMsation! St Joseph’s School hosts young scientists for National Science Week

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St Joseph’s School in Waroona welcomed hundreds of young scientists from nine schools for a day of STEM in early August.

The school were awarded a National Science Week grant to host a ‘STEMathon’ for people in the Peel and Southwest regions. The STEMathon is one of only five projects in Western Australia to receive a grant in 2024.

The young scientists were joined for part of the day by Catholic Education WA (CEWA) Executive Director, Wayne Bull, members of the Waroona community and local representatives.

Students had an opportunity to be hands on with activities including Lego where Emily told us:

“I am making a Lego ball. I broke it apart and I’m trying to build it back together again.”

Kobe from Mandurah Catholic College explained how he could guide a robot through a track saying:

“We are trying to get this robot all the way to the end without touching any of these outside lines.

“What you do is, you put your hand in front of it and it will turn.”

St Joseph’s School Principal Michael O’Dwyer said:

“Receiving this grant is a huge endorsement of St Joseph’s staff and student commitment to STEM.

“Seeing so many young people actively engaged and excited about STEM is an encouraging sign and sets them on a great path to future success in an ever-changing world.”

“Seeing so many young people actively engaged and excited about STEM is an encouraging sign and sets them on a great path to future success in an ever-changing world.”

St Joseph’s School Principal Michael O’Dwyer

Mr Bull said:

“We know that STEM subjects are vital to ensuring young people are prepared to thrive in the modern workforce, so I am pleased to see Catholic schools like St Joseph’s take leadership in this space.

“It shows families that budding scientists and engineers will be supported in Catholic schools to broaden their knowledge and develop their talents so they can positively contribute to their community whilst at school and after they graduate.

“It takes significant effort to organise an event like this, so I want to thank Principal, Michael O’Dwyer, and his staff for their efforts in giving so many young people an opportunity to engage with STEM.”

Cllr David Bolt said:

“It’s so important we have the students motivated to look at the science, technology and maths subjects because that’s where the most jobs are going to be in the future.

“We’re seeing things like artificial intelligence taking a more active role in how things are done, and students embracing that and understanding what the impacts will be and making sure they understand how to problem solve at the grassroots level. And they learn that at primary school and then they can adopt those skills and develop that into their future jobs.”

The day was made possible with support from volunteers from the local parish, WA Police, and presenters including Makers Empire, and BOP Industries.

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