Science week in the Centre aims to inspire next generation of scientists

Central Australian students experienced the magic of STEM in ‘Science Week in the Centre’ as part of National Science Week.

Inspired NT, an Inspiring Australia STEM outreach initiative hosted by Charles Darwin University (CDU) is working to engage with schools and organisations around Alice Springs to get more people from the Red Centre to promote science, technology and innovation in everyday life.

As part of the initiative CDU Alice Springs Campus opened their doors to the Children’s University students across the town to attend an afternoon launch session with presenter Carla Eisemberg sharing the fascinating world of microscopic images.

Charles Darwin Children's University Project Officer Mariann Reu said it was important for students to understand learning doesn’t just happen in a classroom.

“It was truly exciting to see the amazed faces of both students and parents as they investigated everyday objects in minute detail,” Ms Reu said.

Inspired NT Manager Sarah Sutcliffe said instilling a growing interest for science within Alice Springs would help to build the local STEM network and offer more opportunities for STEM learning.

“We need the community to be excited about STEM and see how real-world learning experiences can lead to educational outcomes,” Ms Sutcliffe.  

“It important to celebrate science and bring it into the wider community.”

As part of National Science Week, students also participated in Science Can Open People’s Eyes (SCOPE), a photomicrography competition in which kids explored the tiniest details of the Territory and took photos of their findings.

CDU Children’s University Project Officer Mariann Reu hosted open SCOPE events throughout the week to engage Children’s University students and the wider community.