ARTICLES
Increasing Scientific Literacy and Confidence: Immersing students in STEAM
By Ashleigh Harrington, Australian Museum
Ashleigh Harrington is the Museum’s Expo Coordinator and Communicator
During August 2018 the Australian Museum opened its doors to
over 6,000 students eager to engage with the carefully curated
array of STEAM experiences presented by a selection of the top
education and scientific organisations.
STEAM in university and beyond, and for learners of all ages to
realise the relevance of science in their everyday lives.
‘Thank you for allowing our school to be part of a great initiative
that empowers our students towards tackling science.’ – Teacher,
Punchbowl Boys’ High School
Primary school students get up close and personal with frogs.
Students uncover the mysteries of bubbles at the Science
Festival
Run annually, the Science Festival schools event is more than
revealing what incredible futures lie in science education and
careers; it’s about building the confidence of visitors who
might not have engaged with science before to ask questions
and explore the world around them, ultimately becoming more
scientifically literate and informed.
The producers of the event, the Science Engagement and
Events (SEE) unit, are proactive in building flexible and inclusive
events that ensure inclusive practices and provide opportunities
for science engagement for all. Over the many years the event
has been running, the team has embraced immersive learning
experiences that promote investigation through physical
interaction, adding depth to the learners’ experience, igniting
students’ imagination and challenging preconceived knowledge
around science concepts in a safe and encouraging environment.
Students from Oak Valley Anangu School getting hands on with
STEM at the Science Festival.
The aim of such a diverse platform for science engagement is to
highlight the varying opportunities students have to engage with
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SCIENCE EDUCATIONAL NEWS VOL 68 NO 1