Key points
- Results in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects in Australian schools are on the decline, despite STEM skills being crucial for Australia’s future.
- Industry, teachers and parents all play a role in improving student engagement with STEM.
- CSIRO Education has programs and resources ready to serve STEM professionals, teachers, parents and students who want to get involved in STEM education.
More than four million students are currently enrolled in schools across Australia. Primary school students - around half of all students - along with secondary students in years seven to 10, are expected to undertake STEM learning as part of the Australian curriculum. In practice, however, access to meaningful and engaging STEM experiences can vary widely between classrooms, schools and communities.
By senior school (Years 11 and 12), when subject selection sits largely with students, there is a marked drop in interest and participation in STEM subjects.
To compound this issue, low student interest can make scheduling senior STEM subjects unsustainable for schools struggling to meet classroom numbers. It's a detrimental cycle, but one that can be remedied by championing STEM in schools and communities.
Industry and education influence outcomes
The gap between the knowledge generated in the education system and the skills demanded by employers is widening. But it doesn't have to.
Some students may not see how important STEM subjects and skills can be for their future careers. STEM learning helps students to develop valuable, highly transferable skills, including critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, and creativity.
A range of solutions can be provided by the industry and education sectors – including us. CSIRO Education has supported STEM education in Australia for more than 40 years and provides a unique suite of high-quality education programs and resources.
We work to connect students directly with passionate STEM professionals, demonstrate science in action, and offer unique experiences and entry points for students to pursue further studies and careers in STEM.
Inspiring STEM in your industry
In primary school, students are brimming with curiosity. The Australian Department of Education recognises this young age is when students are developing self-belief in their ability as a STEM learner. This time presents the best opportunity to address achievement gaps among different student groups.
As students hit high school and begin to think of subject choices and career pathways, you can make a difference too.
If you're a STEM professional, or work in government or industry, here are five ways you can join us in advancing STEM education in Australia.
Get involved in CSIRO Education
You can sponsor a program, project, or activity. Your support is an investment in the future and, as a valued partner, you can help address imminent workforce challenges across industries. You'll be helping to enhance Australia's global competitiveness and empower the next generation of STEM leaders.
Propose a new partnership
We're always looking for new initiatives. We like to think big, knowing we support teachers and students in developing skills for careers that may not even be created yet. Your ideas can help ready them for the future. Find out how you can partner with CSIRO Education and showcase your commitment to building Australia’s STEM capability through impactful education initiatives.
Volunteer with STEM Professionals in Schools
STEM Professionals in Schools is a nationwide program that partners STEM professionals with teachers to bring STEM to the classroom. You can choose your own time commitment and what activities you and your partner would like to do. These could include career talks and presentations, hands-on demonstrations, site visits and field trips, or online engagement.
Recruit an intern to assist with your net zero goals
Our NSW Skills for Net Zero initiative provides businesses access to a high-quality pool of tertiary student interns, who are ready to contribute to decarbonisation project goals.
Funded by the NSW Government and delivered by CSIRO, the initiative is your chance to invest in the workforce of tomorrow by providing practical experience and mentoring.
Explore opportunities with Generation STEM
Businesses in New South Wales can strengthen and diversify local STEM talent by exploring the range of opportunities available with Generation STEM. This initiative facilitates community partnership, internships, and Indigenous programs.
Strengthening science in your classroom
Teachers are undoubtedly some of the hardest working professionals. They are dedicated to ensuring Australia's young people are equipped to thrive, both in their future careers and in a changing world.
In response to challenges in Australian schools, such as teacher shortages and class sizes, many educators may find themselves teaching 'out of field' in STEM classes. For example, according to the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership, almost one in four secondary science teachers have never studied science at a tertiary level.
While this may be daunting, we can help. We provide free, curriculum aligned education programs, and free development programs for teachers. We're also well connected across Australia, partnering with more than 300 industry collaborators each year. Here are three ways we're supporting teachers.
Professional learning
We have free to download teacher resources and datasets aligned to the school curriculum, newsletters by subscription, and an active social community on Facebook CSIRO Education.
We also offer educator professional learning opportunities and events throughout the year.
Tailored STEM engagement
We have subject-specific engagement opportunities, such as space and astronomy. Check out the Australian Telescope National Facility for teaching resources, educator development opportunities, or the Pulse@Parkes program. Our My Space Careers video series showcases Australians and their varied paths with STEM.
National Science Week activities
National Science Week (15-23 August 2026) is one of our favourite times of the year. Sign up to our Education term newsletter to stay informed of what we have in store this year, including the National Science Experiment.
Bringing STEM into your home
As students start making study and career choices, having positive influences and someone to talk to about career aspirations can be of value. Here are three ways to support science learning in your home.
Get lost in a good book
CSIRO Publishing has a great selection of science books, including children's publications for young readers and amateur science lovers alike. Many include free teacher resources, activities, worksheets and questions to spark great discussions.
Get involved in citizen science
The Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) wouldn’t be what it is without citizen science and volunteer involvement. You can help by submitting biodiversity data using free, easy to use apps such as iNaturalist, or volunteer to assist with the digitisation of physical collections through DigiVol.