In this week’s post we have a year in review – what was 2017 like for the STEM Learning Project and for STEM generally? Plus a few Christmas ideas to STEMify your holidays.
2017 highlights for the STEM Learning Project
We’re heading into the holiday season, so what better time to pause and reflect on the year that’s been. It’s been a wonderful year for us here at the STEM Learning Project. We’ve been beavering away at resource development and travelling the state meeting heaps of wonderful teachers. We’ve also made progress towards getting the first resources up on Connect – stay tuned!
Without further ado, here are some of the highlights from 2017.
The Launch
In May, we officially launched the Project. Keynote speakers Peter Klinken, Mark Hackling and the Hon. Sue Ellery MP spoke about the importance of STEM education now and in the future.
Regional Workshops
Our first regional workshop was in Geraldton in May and was a great success. Since then the team has also visited Karratha, Esperance, Bunbury and even Christmas Island. It’s all in a day’s work for our amazing project team.
Media
The STEM Learning Project appeared in the Wanneroo Times and the Collie Mail. We also featured in the WAPPA journal Words (edition four), where project manager Michael Peter discussed some of the key things we’ve learnt over the course of the project. And don’t forget, STEM Learning Project is now on Twitter! (I’m still excited.) Follow us for interesting news links, STEM teaching ideas and more.
Looking back – a year in review
In the news of late we have some pieces looking back on the year that was as well as anticipation of the year ahead. As we come to the end of 2017, this post reflects on a strong year for jobs in STEM fields.
The STEM Education Research Centre, out of the University of Canberra, have recently released a new paper. The report, STEM education for all young Australians, looks at the current state of STEM education. It finishes by making recommendations for the future such as a national STEM framework.
Meanwhile, The Conversation looks to the future with suggestions on how to build the hype into something long lasting and effective.
Christmas STEM
I’ve been trying to come up with STEM related Christmas puns, but you’ll be glad to know I haven’t had any success. In lieu of bad jokes, here are some fun listicles full of STEM activities to do over Christmas.
Christmas STEM Ideas and Activities for Engineering Christmas Trees
24 Days of Christmas STEM Activities – UPDATED! Even more STEM Challenges!
…aaaand one more:
And that’s it for 2017! Have a very merry Christmas and we’ll see you next year.