Living STEM
Living STEM is an education program aimed at connecting national STEM curriculum to Indigenous knowledges.
Living STEM supports primary and secondary school teachers to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scientific knowledges in the school learning program through hands-on inquiry projects to increase student engagement and achievement in STEM.
Living STEM benefits all students by providing authentic and engaging STEM learning that deepens the connection with the country and culture where they live.
Living STEM supports schools to build partnerships with families and communities to include local Indigenous knowledge in school learning programs and foster reconciliation and respect for local Indigenous culture.
In 2023, we delivered the program to the first intake of schools in the Karratha network. This was via a mix of online and face-to-face professional learning activities, culminating in the inaugural Living STEM Showcase in November.
In 2024, we will open up the program to new schools in the Pilbara region. Contact livingstem@csiro.au to be updated on this intake.
Each school will identify a small team of 2 - 3 people including a teacher and AIEO (Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer) to participate in the workshop for school teams and webinars.
The program recognises and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia’s first scientists; first engineers; and first mathematicians.
The name 'Living STEM’ was chosen to reflect that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge is shaping the future of STEM education as a living network intertwined with the Australian STEM curriculum and knowledge systems.
CSIRO is partnering with Chevron Australia to deliver the Living STEM program, connecting Indigenous knowledges to the classroom.
