Aleigha, Larni, Jackson, Maggie and Emjae are Year 8 to 12 students and former Deadly in Generation STEM camp participants. Now, as Ambassadors, they are excited to pass on some of their learnings to the next generation.
The Ambassadors recently visited Towradgi Public School to guide and engage with Year 5 and 6 students. The opportunity is part of Deadly in Generation STEM, an initiative that aims to deepen student connections to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander science, technology engineering and maths (STEM) knowledges.
The Ambassadors led the students through several activities, including:
- Gorri ball: Engaging way to learn about the physics of traditional hunting.
- Mapping and symbols: Discovering the traditional mapping techniques used for land management.
- Plant fibres and materials engineering: Exploring traditional and contemporary applications of plant fibres.
- Songlines, navigation and coding: Learning about traditional use of songlines used as GPS to travel Country.
“Towradgi Public School embraced participation in Deadly in Generation STEM as a step towards promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM fields,” says Gawura (Dharawal for orca) classroom teacher Aimee Woodley.
“Our school aims to empower Indigenous and non-Indigenous students by fostering a sense of belonging and pride in their cultural identity within the realm of STEM education. [The school] hopes to address educational disparities and inspire the next generation of Indigenous STEM leaders,” she says.
Aimee explains that participation in programs like Deadly in Generation STEM exposes students to STEM through culturally relevant and engaging approaches, igniting their interest and curiosity.
“By integrating Indigenous perspectives and role models into STEM education, students not only deepen their understanding of cultural heritage but also explore potential career paths, fostering a sense of belonging and aspiration,” she says.
“By creating inclusive learning environments and offering access to resources and mentorship, students from diverse backgrounds are empowered to excel academically and pursue their aspirations in STEM fields.”
Leading the way
This is Logan’s third year participating in Deadly in Generation STEM. He says that being involved in the program gave him a genuine sense of self. “I felt like I belonged straight away,” he says. “So being able to give that back is cool.”
Logan has always enjoyed STEM subjects at school, emphasising that it’s important for the younger generation to see and understand how everything connects. “It gives them a better understanding of who they are and where they come from,” he says.
Mentorship plays a vital role in Deadly in Generation STEM. The Ambassadors, a mix of students from the 2023 camp and 2022 immersion days, are key to guiding and inspiring the younger students and the next cohort of camp participants this year.
Ambassadors have been selected to reengage in the program as role models for other students and will have the opportunity to co-design and deliver STEM activities alongside Indigenous STEM professionals at Towradgi Public School and the upcoming camp. The students also have exclusive access to attend STEM expos and industry events.
Their enthusiasm helps to create a supportive learning environment where younger students feel encouraged to explore STEM ideas and activities. It also helps to build confidence in the Ambassadors and foster a sense of community and collaboration among the students.
Benefits for students and teachers
Through their participation in the program, Towradgi Public School students gain hands-on experience and culturally relevant insights, helping strengthen their engagement with STEM subjects.
Aimee explains that by interacting with Indigenous protocols and professionals in STEM fields, students develop a greater sense of confidence and aspiration towards pursuing STEM careers.
Emjae, a first year Ambassador and a Deadly in Generation STEM and Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy participant, says mentorship is important because students have someone there that can listen, offer advice and help them to find their way. “It has helped me a lot,” she says.
Emjae says the mentors have helped her discover new interests and provided exposure to new opportunities.
Meanwhile, teachers gain new strategies and resources to effectively support students in STEM education. “The program offers opportunities for professional development and collaboration, enabling teachers to enhance their pedagogical approaches and cultural competency,” says Aimee.
Inspiration through knowledge sharing
“Offering the young Ambassadors the opportunity to apply the skills that they are learning throughout their experience with CSIRO is so important. Learning by doing deepens and expands upon their knowledge,” says Cliodhna Maguire, First Nations Youth Community Greening Officer at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney and Deadly in Generation STEM mentor and camp leader.
Cliodhna highlights how running an activity and public speaking in front of younger students could be a daunting undertaking for Ambassadors, but recognises how science communication is an incredible skill to learn at a young age, particularly for those continuing in STEM education and industries. “Having guidance and support throughout the process is helpful in providing the foundations for them to stand on,’ she says.
The day “was also a cultural experience, of sharing and celebrating Indigenous science and knowledge […], it was a whole lot of creative and joyful fun,’ Cliodhna adds.
“Participation in programs like Deadly in Generation STEM bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications, equipping students with the skills, confidence, and networks necessary for success in the STEM workforce while contributing to a more diverse and innovative society,” Aimee concludes.
Learn more about Teacher Professional Learning or register for the upcoming camp: Deadly in Generation STEM – CSIRO