The school theme for National Science Week in 2023 is Innovation: Powering Future Industries. The theme incorporates the advancement in technology in all industries, especially using artificial intelligence (AI).
The curriculum focus of the theme is on:
Science as a Human Endeavour
Chemical Sciences
Physical Sciences
Earth and Space Sciences, and
Biological Sciences.
Along with the Sustainability cross-curriculum priority, it is versatile and accessible to all students and teachers.
Student investigations could include the use of AI in industry, as well as recent advancements in renewal energy technology, data science, and environmental monitoring. With topics of interest from medicine to marine research, agriculture, climate change and mining there are opportunities to engage with the theme from a variety of perspectives
The Workshops Rail Museum in Queensland becomes a STEM playground with immersive and family-friendly events at the World Science Festival Queensland Open Day. For hands-on science fun – launch a rocket, step into a new world with Professor Tech’s VR-station, and marvel at super silly science shows that go off with a BANG! Experience furry, slimy, and eight-legged creatures live, groove to the beats of science band Red Rocket 3, and look out for Webster the giant spider puppet doing his fancy dance (9:30 am, Ipswich).
Sure, getting up (very) early in the morning may not appeal to many, but it’s the best time to observe platypus as they come out to feed just after dawn. On the outskirts of Brisbane, volunteers will help scientists monitor these shy mammals with a Platypus Watch survey (4:45 am, Springfield Central).
Queensland Future Conversations: Innovation: Powering Future Industries Presented in collaboration with the Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist for National Science Week, co-hosted by UQ’s Centre for Policy Futures, Griffith University and Queensland University of Technology. The theme of the event, Innovation: Powering Future Industries, mirrored that of this year’s Science Week celebration of science and technology, which has particular special significant for Queensland. Innovation is the cornerstone of progress and STEM innovation is happening at an extraordinary pace across every major sector, including agriculture, medicine, resources, and energy. Our State has exceptional scientists who are leading key innovations with the potential to improve the lives of Queenslanders and global citizens as we transition to a low carbon future.
We asked year 10 students from the STEM Girl Power Initiative to interview experts who enjoy science, technology, engineering or maths-based careers all about their passion for STEM and what their every day is really like in the workplace or out in the field.
What is the STEM Girl Power Initiative?
Our interviewers are from the STEM Girl Power Initiative, Year 10 girls in state schools across Queensland who are interested in STEM and want to engage more students, especially other girls, into STEM careers.
You can learn more about the initiative here.