STEM in the spotlight at Karratha science fair

Science, technology, engineering and maths was the focus of a community event which drew curious minds to Karratha Senior High School last week.

The school’s annual Science Fair, held on Thursday, August 15, was themed Mission Moon, with young and old alike turning out to explore new ways of thinking.

The free event included interactive science stalls hosted by students in years 7 to 10, as well as exhibits from local primary schools and other organisations, plus the chance to gaze at the stars with astronomer Rob Hunt.

Principal Ashley Eversden said STEM was a big buzz word across Australia and the fair was about exposing children to the opportunities which would be there in the future.

“A lot of the time, people are scared of autonomy and the likes of robots or autonomous vehicles taking their jobs,” he said.

“But the reality is someone has to design and run those robots and that’s where STEM comes into it; it’s such an important part of these kids’ futures.”

The Pilbara’s major resource companies were also involved, something which Mr Eversden said was critically important as working for those organisations was a legitimate pathway for students.

“Our kids don’t have to leave town to find a job like they might in other country towns,” he said.

“The resource companies clamber over each other to be involved in the fair and over the last three years, they’ve been making their stalls bigger and bigger.”

Attendees were able to make slime and sherbet, view liquid nitrogen and fireworks demonstrations, use digital microscopes and virtual reality goggles.