Narrabri, Boggabri and Wee Waa students take part in SMART science fun

Students from Narrabri, Boggabri and Wee Waa primary schools have been given a glimpse into exciting future career opportunities in the Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths (STEM) fields after taking part in the STEM on Track interactive science shows led by a specialist team from the University of Newcastle.

IR Skills Academy workshop

The visits were made possible by a $700,000 investment from the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) Inland Rail Skills Academy. This investment is enabling the University of Newcastle to deliver Science, Mathematics and Real Technology (SMART) tours in regional communities between Brisbane and Albury.

Designed to raise awareness of STEM and build capability and aspirations in regional communities, the STEM on Track partnership reaches communities along the Inland Rail alignment.

This week, the SMART Science Shows visited the Boggabri Primary School (7 November), Narrabri Primary School (10 November) and Wee Waa Primary School on (11 November).

Students took part in exciting, interactive science shows with a focus on “Force and Motion”, including inertia and gravity demonstrations, Alka-Seltzer rockets, and combustion cannons.

Schools who host or attend SMART Science Shows will receive a Unit of Work full of fun and hands-on activities exploring forces to implement in their classroom if they choose.

The University of Newcastle was awarded the prestigious United Nations Day Honour this year for its Science and Engineering Challenge, in recognition of the program’s longstanding efforts to advance inclusive and accessible STEM education and engagement in Australia.

Stephen Jones, Inland Rail Director of Health, Safety and Environment said:

“We’re delighted that the STEM on Track partnership with the University of Newcastle is supporting young people in regional areas to have fun exploring science.

“The SMART Science Shows are an important way for us to give back to our communities and support the next generation of STEM professionals.

“We are committed to supporting the wellbeing and prosperity of communities along the Inland Rail alignment and this partnership means students in regional communities are benefiting from these programs and having fun along the way.”