STEM student showcase expands to Catholic schools across Australia
A science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) student showcase initiated by Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) in 2018 will expand to include Catholic schools and dioceses from around the country this year.
To take part in the national STEM MAD (Making a Difference), primary and secondary student teams will participate in their own diocesan or statewide STEM showcases, with each diocese invited to nominate up to three projects per category which best demonstrate their learning and meeting the project criteria.
These student teams will be invited to Melbourne for a live showcase to present their projects for judging in November, or participate in the showcase digitally and attend remotely.
Categories include innovative projects to develop a product or service, and projects targeted directly at protecting the environment.
MACS executive director Jim Miles said the STEM MAD Showcase is a celebration of student learning, designed to acknowledge and promote STEM learning initiatives that address real-world problems and demonstrate the distinct ethos of Catholic schools.
"Catholic schools aim to not only be innovative and leaders in teaching and learning, but also to make a positive difference in the world" Jim said.
"What better way to bring this philosophy to life than by challenging students to address real-world science and engineering problems in a way that also acts for justice and the common good.
"We are pleased, in this bicentennial year for Catholic education in Australia, to work collaboratively with the other dioceses to offer the STEM MAD opportunity to Catholic school students and teachers from around the country," he said.
The STEM MAD National showcase is made possible with the support of Catholic Network Australia (CNA) and will take place in association with this year’s CNA Forum in Melbourne in November.
Above: Students participate in the STEM Showcase 2019. Source Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools.