THIS week thousands of school teachers around Australia - and from 13 countries around the world - will connect to learn from international STEM specialists and workshops developed by our very own Charles Sturt academic team.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The NSW Department of Education's first version of the now titled STEM 2020 On Demand: Strategies for a Rapidly Changing World was cancelled when restrictions on gatherings were implemented due to COVID-19.
But the Department of Education and Charles Sturt quickly adapted the conference to an online teaching forum, which will allow thousands of people to access videos and workshops by industry experts for at least the next month.
Seven of the university's academics have recorded original workshops for the conference, including Bathurst-based senior engineer in residence in the engineering program, Peter Thew.
Mr Thew will demonstrate how maths and spreadsheets apply in the real world and showcase tools available for teachers to make STEM classrooms fun and engaging.
Also from Bathurst, lecturer in exercise science Dr Kerry Mann will discuss how science, technology and mathematics combine in the field of exercise science and how the concepts can be brought into the classroom.
Charles Sturt's executive dean of the Faculty of Science Professor Megan Smith said the university was proud to be involved in an event that was delivering vital STEM information on a global platform.
"Charles Sturt University is a leading institute when it comes to the online delivery of learning, especially in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects," she said.
"The university has a range of qualified academics who can share their knowledge to increase awareness of what the university is doing in innovation and research, and present study options for students looking to get into STEM careers.
"STEM 2020 On Demand gives participants the ability to have access to great scientific minds, despite their geographical location, which is crucial to the longevity of the industry by encouraging new students."
Other Charles Sturt academics presenting workshops include:
- Orange-based lecturer in rural health with Three Rivers University Department of Rural Health, Dr Pip Southwell. Dr Southwell's online workshop looks at how STEM careers are applied in rural health and explores how students' strengths and interests can map to the diversity of careers in the sector.
- Senior lecturer in genetics and gene technologies in the School of Biomedical Sciences in Port Macquarie, Dr Nigel Urwin. Dr Urwin will introduce participants to bioluminescence - the production of light by a range of living organisms. It is a common occurrence, particularly in the marine environment.
- Senior lecturer in medical imaging in the School of Dentistry and Health Sciences in Port Macquarie, Johnathan Hewis. Mr Hewis's workshop will explore emerging trends in healthcare through medical imaging and examine the role of soft skills in healthcare education.
- Co-facilitator and project lead of the eXtended Reality Centre in the School of Communication and Creative Industries in Wagga Wagga, Professor Eleanor Gates-Stuart. Professor Gates-Stuart and the new eXtended Reality Centre will showcase how teachers can empower STEM by including the arts.
- Co-facilitator and lecturer in animation and visual effects in the School of Communication and Creative Industries in Wagga Wagga, Andrew Hagan. Mr Hagan's latest work is in real-time visualisation that combines art and science.
They will join some of the world's leading experts in innovation and STEM, including Sir Ken Robinson, Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith, Dr Jordan Nguyen, Felicity Furey, Dr Alan Finkel, AO, Dr Jenine Beekhyzen, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, AO, Suzy Urbaniak, and Adam Spencer.
NSW Department of Education project leader of the STEM Industry School Partnership (SISP) Program Dr Scott Sleap said the involvement of Charles Sturt University allowed participants to benefit from the university's experts in the field and organisers to learn about online teaching methods.
Register for STEM 2020 On Demand at stem2020.com.au/register
