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Issue 15: October 2026

It's already the final term of 2026, a great time to reflect on the achievements of the past year while exploring new ways to connect young people with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in the year ahead.

In this edition, you'll find ready-to-use classroom resources, webinar updates, activities for younger learners and scholarship opportunities to explore or share with others in your network. We're also shining a spotlight on inspiring educators in the lead up to World Teachers' Day and the difference they're making in STEM education.

world teachers day

Teachers  helping students thrive in a changing world

As Australia celebrates World Teachers Day this week, we’re turning the spotlight on a few of our amazing educators who go above and beyond to help students build confidence in STEM. From solar car challenges to farming vertical crops, be inspired by the different ways educators are sparking learning with STEM.

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educator Professional learning webinar

Webinar: Help students investigate and innovate like a CSIRO scientist

Just in time for National Recycling Week, join our free webinar for Year 5-8 educators on 11 November. Explore how food packaging, waste and future thinking can spark meaningful STEM learning, with insights from a CSIRO scientist developing innovative ways to reduce waste and give plastics a second life. You'll leave with classroom-ready resources, practical teaching ideas and fresh ways to inspire students to engage in real-world sustainability challenges.

Register

Robot Responders: our biggest National Science Experiment yet (have you tried the resources?)

Three students wearing high-visibility vests gather around a laptop during a robotics activity, with a small robot visible on the table in the foreground.

Thank you to everyone who registered for CSIRO Robot Responders, our National Science Experiment for National Science Week 2026.

Together, we reached more than 80,000 young people across every state and territory in Australia, including Christmas Island! Participants stepped into the role of a CSIRO robotics engineer, designing robots to solve challenges inspired by real CSIRO research through curriculum-aligned classroom resources, an unplugged card game and an interactive online game.

The female-led team behind the initiative, bringing together education specialists, science communicators and roboticists from the CSIRO Robotics team, was also recognised with Highly Commended honours at the Women in Technology (WiT) Awards last month, in both the Lifting Communities and Public Sector Excellence categories.

If you haven't explored CSIRO Robot Responders yet, the online game, card game and classroom resources are now available year-round in our Education Resource Library.

More resources, program news and opportunities

Partner with a STEM professional to help spark STEM learning

STEM Professionals in Schools is a free national program that creates partnerships between teachers and STEM experts, helping students explore real-world STEM applications while building teacher confidence and capability. Partnerships can be delivered in person, online or through a blended approach. If you're a teacher or school leader, tell us about the STEM expertise you're looking for and we'll help find the right match now or for 2027.

Connecting Indigenous Knowledges to the classroom

Explore our Indigenous STEM Education Resources, which place Indigenous Knowledges, perspectives and contexts at the centre of STEM teaching and learning. These high-quality, curriculum-aligned resources draw on inquiry based and explicit teaching approaches, supporting educators to connect STEM to culture, Country and classrooms.

$1.5M boost for Indigenous students

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying STEM and other energy transition-related degrees at the University of Newcastle will benefit from a major new scholarship initiative funded by CSIRO. Through a $1.5 million investment, CSIRO is helping create pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to pursue careers in STEM and play a leading role in Australia's energy transition. Applications open until March 2027.

Interns delivering real value business

Generation STEM Links is a CSIRO-delivered internship program connecting industry with tertiary STEM students through paid placements across NSW. A recent cost-benefit analysis of the program found industry gained $11 million in economic benefits through reduced recruitment costs, faster hiring and productivity gains. Read how LDG Engineering increased capacity by onboarding a project coordinator through the program.

Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy recognised by UNESCO

Four students in blue STEM Academy shirts work together on a hands-on construction activity in a classroom. The students are seated and standing around a table, assembling a tall structure using string and other materials, with science-themed wall graphics visible in the background.

The Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy has been selected by UNESCO to be showcased on their Open and Inclusive Science Hub.

The recognition reflects the STEM Academy's impact over the past eight years, supporting more than 650 young women across high school and tertiary education to pursue STEM studies and careers.

Through its holistic academic, career, and wellbeing support, and a wide range of STEM experiences and networks, the STEM Academy is building a strong pipeline of Indigenous female leaders. Learn more on the UNESCO website.

Celebrating a century of CSIRO and our people

free colouring-in activity

I SPY CSIRO

Most Australians encounter CSIRO science every day, often without realising it. As part of our Centenary celebrations, we've developed a fun new activity sheet that invites children to colour, search and learn while discovering CSIRO innovations hidden in a typical home. From everyday products to scientific breakthroughs, try the activity and see how many CSIRO connections you can find!

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Meet our people

45 years of inspiring the next generation of STEM talent

Our Centenary year also marks 45 years since CSIRO Education and Outreach was established to connect scientists, educators and communities. Since 1981, the team has helped generations of young Australians discover STEM and the opportunities it can create. One person continuing that legacy is Dr Jake Clark. The first in his family to finish high school, Jake is passionate about helping young people access the support and opportunities they need to pursue STEM pathways. Hear Jake's journey below.

Watch here