Workers’ visit stokes science excitement

Pannawonica Primary School students have not been able to stop talking about science since Scitech and local Rio Tinto workers visited the school for Science Day last month.

Members of Scitech’s professional learning team made the trip, with support from oil and gas company Chevron, to the mining town to run a series of workshops, including one on robotics.

Teachers experimented with invisible ink, paint bombs and vortices to entertain and educate students about science, technology, engineering and maths.

Scitech STEM consultant Amanda Lean said by showing how science can be exciting and how it is all around us, Scitech and Chevron were aiming to boost interest and engagement in STEM for the future of WA.

A broad range of practical science professionals from the local mines also ran some activities, including geologists and members of the safety, electrical and environment departments.

Pannawonica Primary School principal Ben Jamieson said the Scitech and Rio Tinto shows had been well received and the day was an overall success.

“We have had really positive feedback from both Rio Tinto employees and Scitech, the kids themselves had a great time,” he said.

“One week later, they’re still talking about it.” Mr Jamieson said it had been a good experience for the students to interact with Scitech and the workers.

“For me, it’s the fact there were positive role models around science as a career choice … and seeing a range of things the kids have not considered,” he said.

Scitech’s outreach team will continue to tour the Pilbara region this month with their Beyond the Beaker workshops, which target students in Years 8 to 10 to illuminate careers in science and maths.