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Issue 14: July 2026

Term 3 is here – and the countdown to National Science Week has begun! We're excited to launch this year's National Science Experiment, CSIRO Robot Responders. Young people can step into the shoes of a robotics engineer and tackle real-world challenges that explore robotics, engineering and problem-solving. Whether you're taking part from a classroom, community group, or at home, there are lots of ways to take part.

Register your involvement for the chance to receive a free book pack and enter our Design-a-Robot competition, with fantastic prizes up for grabs including 3D printers and $500 education vouchers (T&Cs apply).

PLUS, explore the latest resources and updates from CSIRO Education and Outreach to support and inspire STEM learning and engagement across the ecosystem.

Join CSIRO Robot Responders this National Science Week

Designed for curious minds, CSIRO Robot Responders invites young people to explore how robots move, sense the world and solve real-world problems. Through educator resources, an interactive online game, unplugged card game and a design competition, participants can discover robotics, engineering and creative problem-solving inspired by real CSIRO research. One mission. Three challenges. Multiple ways to play.

Explore even more National Science Week fun... 

CSIRO Storytime: 'Bear to the Rescue'

Join authors Romane Cristescu and Nic Gill for a special virtual Storytime featuring 'Bear to the Rescue' – with a special appearance from Bear himself. Based on the true story of one of Australia's most famous conservation detection dogs, this heartwarming event celebrates science, teamwork and finding your unique strengths. Perfect for young readers and families.

Bring seafloor science into the classroom 

Connect with researchers onboard the CSIRO Research Vessel (RV) Investigator as they explore the seafloor of the southern Great Barrier Reef. These webinars will be in the final week of the voyage; the perfect time to hear from the science team, learn about the expedition highlights and what it is like to live and work on a research vessel on the Great Barrier Reef.

Explore the CSIRO Education Resource Library

INVestigate and innovate with CSIRO

New 'Think like a scientist' eLearning module 

A short eLearning module designed to help students confidently navigate the 'Investigate and Innovate with CSIRO' student workbooks is now available in our Education Resource Library. The module introduces the structure of a student workbook and the Australian Academy of Science LIA Framework for inquiry teaching and learning. It supports students to write quality focus questions, apply scientific thinking and reflect on their learning. The 'Investigate and Innovate with CSIRO' resources engage students in Years 5–10 in real-world science through structured investigations connected to CSIRO research.

Explore

Join the STEM-INSIGHTS Network Unconference 

Register for the STEM-INSIGHTS Network Unconference in Sydney on 7–8 September. This two-day event brings together STEM program providers, researchers, evaluators, educators, policymakers, industry and community partners to explore what's changing, what's working and what's next for the STEM engagement sector.

The Unconference will focus on how the sector generates, uses and applies evidence to improve the quality, impact and equity of STEM engagement. Through collaborative discussions, gallery walks, shared learning sessions and participant-led agenda setting, participants will explore challenges, opportunities and emerging approaches across the sector.

Spots are limited – register now to be part of this unique participant-led event shaping the future of STEM engagement.

In case you missed it...

Strengthening impact through evaluation

In collaboration with STEM-INSIGHTS Capability Enhancer, the UNSW CURIOUS program strengthened its evaluation approach and developed a scalable outreach model to better understand and demonstrate impact. The collaboration highlights how shared tools, systems and knowledge can strengthen STEM outreach and expand access to meaningful STEM learning opportunities.

Kilarni's journey towards STEM success

When Kilarni joined a CSIRO Deadly in Generation STEM camp, she never imagined where it would lead. Today, she is a member of the CSIRO Youth Reference Council and the Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy, building skills, confidence and connections while exploring future STEM pathways. Read Kilarni’s inspiring story.

Building STEM connections

Speaking on the 'Get into STEM' podcast, CSIRO STEM Professionals in Schools' Martin Jellinek and teacher Sarah Todd explore the impact industry expertise can have in the classroom. They discuss how STEM partnerships can inspire students, strengthen teaching and spark projects like a student-led bandicoot monitoring initiative that created real change in the local community.

NEW CSIRO Robot Responders game

Design, build and test virtual robots in an interactive online game inspired by CSIRO science and engineering. Solve real-world STEM challenges by choosing the right robot features to overcome obstacles and complete tasks in places too dangerous or inaccessible for humans. The game can be enjoyed as a standalone experience or alongside the CSIRO Robot Responders learning resources and card game.

Inspire the next generation to explore STEM 

Two people seated side-by-side on a green background. One person wears a patterned navy polo shirt and the other a navy CSIRO T-shirt. The "with STEM you can" logo appears in the top-right corner.

Our #WithSTEMYouCan campaign is back to engage parents, caregivers and students alike, to explore the world of opportunities available through Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM).

With the demand for STEM skills on the rise, now is the perfect time to engage the next generation to get curious about STEM and explore related study options and pathways.

The #WithSTEMYouCan campaign highlights the diversity of STEM careers, transferability of STEM skills and fosters conversations about the variety of STEM related opportunities through useful information, videos, stories, resources and links.

We're a finalist in the National NAIDOC Awards

young indigenous women's STEM Academy 

NAIDOC Awards recognition

The Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy has been named as a Finalist in the National NAIDOC Awards! Kim Dyball, Executive Manager for the STEM Academy said, "This recognition belongs to every young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander woman who has trusted us with her journey, every family and community who has walked alongside us, and every Elder, partner, mentor, volunteer and colleague who has helped make this vision a reality."

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