Our Deadly in Generation STEM camp took place over four exciting days in October. It brought together 17 Aboriginal students from Year 8 to 10, representing several schools in the Illawarra region.
The days were packed. From astronomy and coding drones to bush medicine, dancing, and bush regeneration, the camp fuelled student’s curiosity while bridging the gap between Indigenous knowledge and local STEM opportunities.
With the guidance of Cultural Knowledge Holders, local STEM experts, and mentors, the students engaged in hands-on activities centred around the theme of 'Caring for Country'.
Activities included:
- Cultural Ecological Walk
- Traditional medicines and tools
- Boomerangs to Drones
- Navigation and Coding
- Aboriginal Astronomy and Sky Stories
- Conservation and Bush Regeneration
- Sustainable Materials and Design
Students got the chance to:
- Learn about traditional STEM knowledges
- Develop STEM skills
- Connect with Community Elders, Knowledge-Holders and Organisations
- Visit cultural sites of significance
- Visit local STEM research centres
- Meet Aboriginal STEM professionals
"This [program] has opened up his [son] mind and he's moved to the top 10."
"Being able to connect with Elders really makes them feel part of the community and loved."
— Parents reflect on their children's participation in Deadly in Generation STEM
Mentors: Be a role model for local youth
As a Deadly in Generation STEM Mentor, you will engage as a role model for youth, inspiring students by sharing experiences from your own cultural, community, education and career pathways.
You will also support student participants in STEM activities and engagement across the duration of the program.
Next steps: If you're interested, please reach out to GenerationSTEM@csiro.au