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Issue 8: February 2024

As we navigate the early weeks of the 2024 school term, we extend our warmest New Year greetings to you!

Many of you have, alongside your students, participated in the Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge. We're thrilled to share that the Australian Maths Trust (AMT) will be the new national Bebras organiser this year.

We've made significant steps in the redesign of our website to improve the CSIRO Education and Outreach programs' experience; your feedback is important. Get involved by participating in an interview or a short survey.

You can also find Day of AI materials for your classroom and 12 ideas on how to get involved and show your support for women and girls on International Women's Day.

Over four days in January, the Victorian and Tasmanian cohorts of the Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy participated in their second regional camp, where the students got to experience cultural activities and learn from a variety of STEM professionals.

Meanwhile, Generation STEM is broadening its regional scope with an end-of-year showcase and careers day bringing together students, industry and education to highlight all the boundless opportunities in STEM fields.

And there's more good news: The Young Future Shaper program is open. This is an excellent opportunity to nominate a deserving young person for an incredible opportunity!

Young Future shapers

Nominate a Young Future Shaper!

We're seeking nominations for Year 5-10 students from underrepresented groups in STEM to become Young Future Shapers. 25 Future Shapers will boost their confidence, skills, and connection with STEM through a personalised support program. They’ll explore their area of interest (and others); meet experts and likeminded young people at STEM events and camps; or discover more with their own prize pack.

Nominate now

Workshops and resources for educators

Exploring STEM: regional camp offers hands-on learning for Indigenous Women's Academy students

From the 22nd - 25th of January, the Victorian and Tasmanian cohort of the Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy attended a regional STEM Camp, held in nipaluna/Hobart. Over the four days, students took part in cultural activities, including a special walk on kunanyi and weaving with trawlwoolway/palawa woman and STEM professional Kate Deane. Read the blog to learn more about their experience.

Providing STEM opportunities for students in regional NSW

In November last year, Orange and Queanbeyan hosted combined careers days and showcase events, with Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council playing a crucial role. Almost 200 students presented their projects to industry professionals and community members while also participating in engaging workshops and activities from local STEM industries. The focus on regional areas will continue throughout the year with a variety of events. Read the blog to find out how you can get involved in Generation STEM.

Announcement

Bebras Australia gets a new national organiser

We're excited to announce that as of 2024, the Australian Maths Trust (AMT) will be the new national Bebras organiser for Bebras Australia! Bebras coordinators would have received an email last week regarding this change. Click on the button to learn more.

Learn more

Subscribe to Double Helix

Start the school year by engaging students with fun activities, experiments, and real-life STEM stories. Subscribe to the much-loved Double Helix, CSIRO’s science magazine for kids. Also sign up for Double Helix Extra, a free fortnightly newsletter that includes news, a quiz, a brainteaser, and a hands-on activity to try at home.   

CSIRO Publishing Summer Sale

Our CSIRO Publishing team has created a special Summer Sale to help you paint the town 'read' this summer. We've got something for everyone, with books that will take you back in time, a peek into the secret life of flies, fun kids' books, and fascinating guides to plants and animals. Go on, treat your shelf today!

CSIRO Education and Outreach website: we want to hear from you!

Last year, we reached out to you to help us enhance the digital experience of our CSIRO Education and Outreach programs. We're excited to take the next step and invite you to test our new website designs and sign-up processes. Get involved by participating in a brief survey or by signing up for an interview, where you'll be compensated for your time. Our goal is to create a more streamlined and intuitive experience for learners, educators, and members of industry. This involves testing our new website structure and processes for finding out about our programs online.

Give feedback