This morning’s national launch event was also attended by 27 student and 12 teacher representatives of the inaugural Young Australians’ Plan for the Planet, who were in Canberra as part of the It’s our Future Earth conference.
The students had traveled from all states and territories to participate, many supported by sponsorship grants from the Inspiring Australia – Science Engagement Programme.
Ms Suzy Urbaniak, a dynamic geoscientist and 2016 recipient of the Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools, gave an inspiring speech that encouraged the adoption of hands-on, interdisciplinary, project-based programmes like the Young Australians’ Plan in the education system.
As she put it:
“[Young Australians’ Plan for the Planet] is STEM. It is real world learning… it’s #ScienceLiteracy #STEM #Blueskyscience!
Suzy was followed by Jessica Bowman of Kent Street Senior High School, WA, who described the challenges of the programme, and some of the personal discoveries and learning she has gained from the project.
Next, Harry Tunks from New Town High School in Tasmania stressed the importance of nature to his everyday life and revealed how he was personally inspired to take more of a role in planning our planet’s future.
Harry’s speech received many laughs, but others were in the running for speech of the day. Harry’s school mate, Joel Cartledge (Year 11, New Town High School), was more inspired by Minister Sinodinos’ speech, describing it as very powerful. “It made you wanna go do science!”
A definite highlight for many students was being able to meet Prof. Brian Schmidt, Nobel laureate and Vice Chancellor of the Australian National University, with many sneaking in a quick selfie or photo.
It was inspirational to see such passion and engagement from a room full of very inspirational young people, each with a #PlanForThePlanet. We look forward to further reports of the conference outcomes and hearing more about the project’s progress in all states and territories across Australia.
