The Western Australian Coordinating Committee and Inspiring Western Australia have awarded 6 Mid-Tier National Science Week Grants to applicants, totalling $44,915 for larger-scale STEM events across the state. A further 13 Small-tier National Science Week Grants were awarded to recipients, with $44,627 in funding provided. These events will support individuals and organisations to further community STEM engagement, particularly for those in underrepresented communities.
This year, the grant criteria prioritised engaging communities often overlooked in STEM, focusing on First Nations communities, people with disabilities, women and girls, those in regional and remote areas and more.
This grant round was open from 18th March to 22nd April 2024. Applications were favoured if they demonstrated partnerships or engagement with underrepresented groups, featured novel or innovative programs, and were delivered in collaboration with local organisations and STEM professionals.
Congratulations to all the recipients!
Shire of Narembeen Community Resource Centre- Explore, Experiment, Excite! Narembeen
The Shire of Narembeen Community Resource Centre invites you to join their exciting National Science Week celebrations. Explore science through interactive experiments and a thrilling stage show, igniting curiosity for children and families alike.
Kondinin Community Resource Centre- The First Scientists, Kondinin
Participants will learn about First Nations people as some of the world’s first scientists through a workshop led by Dylan Collard, a Wadjak and Balardong Noongar man. Participants will be guided in creating an axe (kodj) using traditional materials and methods, showcasing First Nations’ contributions to STEM.
Serpentine Jarrahdale Shire- STEM programs with SJ Library Services, Serpentine Jarrahdale
Serpentine Library Services will present three dynamic STEM programs during National Science Week. These inclusive and family-friendly events feature a Hands-on Science Workshop packed with interactive experiments, a Slime Fest Workshop offering take-home slimes, and an exciting Coding Class exploring bot building and programming.
Edith Cowan University and Murdoch University- Gardens for Wildlife, Bunbury, Mudoch and Joondalup
This engaging initiative will take place across three locations. Each event will feature a public lecture on creating wildlife habitat in gardens, a campus nature walk, morning tea, and a seedling giveaway for attendees to use in their gardens. The aim is to cultivate a passion for wildlife and provide an experience for people with disabilities and retired adults.
Ravensthorpe Community Resource Centre- Botany for Beginners, Ravensthorpe
Botany for Beginners aims to ignite botanical curiosity among young people and adults. Led by botanist Katie White, the workshop begins with a field walk in the UNESCO-listed Fitzgerald Biosphere, followed by hands-on botanical studies using dissecting microscopes at the RCRC.
Edith Cowan University- The Science of Beer, Joondalup
Set in ECU’s Birra Bar, this event presents a captivating presentation by brewer Hugh Dunn, accompanied by a tasting featuring pale ale, lager, and dark beer. Participants will delve into the intricate brewing process and participate in brewery tours and discussions about the sampled brews.
Brookman Primary School- Brookman STEM Spectacular, Langford
This annual community event will spotlight the school’s commitment to STEM engagement through student-led demonstrations and hands-on activities. Attendees will witness the innovative projects and problem-solving skills of students firsthand.
Toodyay Community Resource Centre- Out of this World! Stargazing, Toodyay
To launch National Science Week, the Toodyay Community Resource Centre will create a free at-home STEM activity book for families. This will be followed by a community stargazing event with live music, a sausage sizzle, and expert astronomy presentations, focused on the rich history of First Nations astronomy and STEM contributions.
Mundaring Toy Library- STEM@Play, Mundaring
Mundaring Toy Library presents STEM@Play, featuring eight interactive stations highlighting STEM toys. From exploring concepts like sinking and floating to diving into coding and construction, families are empowered to nurture their child’s interest in STEM.
Shire of Shark Bay- Celestial | Shark Bay, Shark Bay
Experience two stellar astronomy events with the Shire of Shark Bay. Begin with “SPACE MUSIC: A Journey through Space and Time” at the Rose de Freycinet Art Gallery, led by astrophysicist Dr. Antony Brian. Then, enjoy a Stargazing Evening at the Town Oval, where you can observe the stars in the dark skies of the Shark Bay World Heritage area.
Curtin University and Edith Cowan University- Indigenous Science and Western Science in a Box, virtual participation
Chemistry academics from Edith Cowan University and Curtin University will host live science demonstrations for primary and high school students across Western Australia. The aim is to spark curiosity about chemistry and highlight ties to First Nations science.
Western Australian Gould League- A Masterclass in Herpetology – Surviving & Thriving, Wembley
Explore the captivating realm of amphibians and reptiles. Participants will delve into topics like classification, threats, and wildlife conservation through engaging presentations and hands-on activities. These crafted sessions cater to all, with smaller group sizes and sensory sessions for visually impaired participants.
Hopetoun Community Resource Centre- Biosphere Brainiacs, Hopetoun
Engage with the Biosphere Brainiacs interactive quizzes, tailored for different age groups, to enhance knowledge and appreciation of the Fitzgerald Biosphere. Participants will answer quiz questions and share short stories about their biosphere highlights, with selected stories being featured in community publications and social media.
Millennium Kids Inc- Wilman Kids on Country, Pumphrey’s Bridge and Dryandra region
Millennium Kids presents a two-day on Country at Dryandra Woodland and Pumphrey’s Bridge. Through workshops and engagement with Elders, scientists, and artists, First Nations young people will co-design a youth strategy and explore STEM activities aligned with the Wilman Healthy Country Plan.
Perth NRM- STEM Jumpstart Program Day: Women in Agriculture and Environment, Perth
This program aims to equip participants with the tools and confidence needed to excel in STEM careers. Through engaging mentorship sessions and compelling presentations led by accomplished women in science, participants will receive invaluable insights and inspiration for their STEM journeys.
Victoria Park Community Centre – Women ROCK! Victoria Park
Immerse yourself in family fun at the Vic Park Community Centre, where the marvels of ancient Earth unfold through the pioneering discoveries of women scientists. Engage in thrilling experiments, games, and activities, from dinosaur explorations to journeys into ancient history.
Western Australian Gould League – Beyond Boundaries: Expanding Access to STEM and Nature, Wembley
Join the WA Gould League for STEM stations tailored for individuals with disabilities. Experience guided nature walks, encounters with wildlife, sensory crafts, and scientific investigations, including water-quality assessments and bird observations. Collaborate with Noongar Indigenous partners to delve into traditional toolmaking, storytelling, painting workshops, and bush walks.
International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research – Exploring Indigenous Astronomy and Science, West Perth
Learn about First Nations Astronomy and STEM at the Scitech Planetarium with ICRAR. Witness the captivating full dome film, “The Earth Above,” and engage with presentations by local First Nations guest speakers.
BioBarcode Australia – WA Barcoding Blitz 2024, Onslow, Fitzroy, Kalgoorlie, Albany, Geraldton, Karratha, Broome, Kununurra, Bunbury, Newman
Embark on a citizen science expedition for biodiversity conservation across ten regional areas of Western Australia. Utilising cutting-edge technology and community participation, this initiative empowers local stewardship and genetic documentation of under-described species.
