Unlock the boundless possibilities of technology as integratedSTEM invites you to an exciting workshop that envisions a future where machine vision and artificial intelligence (AI) converge to preserve and share traditional knowledge across Australia and the world. Join us on this technological journey, where we bridge the past with the future to safeguard the invaluable heritage of Indigenous communities.

Presented by: integratedSTEM

This session will introduce students to the fundamentals of the electron phenomena we know as electricity before getting hands-on building circuits hands-on with the components and prototyping tools engineers use in the real world. Students will get an opportunity to build a plethora of circuits and have the opportunity to learn through real-world exploration of electricity. These sessions are tailored to the skillset of the class to ensure an incredibly fun, hands-on and challenging experience for all students.

Presented by: integratedSTEM

The way in which First Nations used stars for navigation will be explored before showcasing how modern-day astronomers are using spectroscopy to navigate the solar system. Students will explore and experience how life on other planets is studied from here on Earth. Light is one of the only things we can study when it comes to distant stars and planets. The students will make their own spectroscope out of a cardboard net and CDs. They will access images of stars and planets to decide what they are made of and if they are habitable. Students will then be able to use their understanding of light to assess and determine what compounds are in different substances by analysing the flame.

Presented by: UniSQ

Australia’s best youth drone racers demonstrate their skills at the controls of a racing drone. See how STEM skills like robotics, coding and electronics can be applied to build drones and learn how drones are being used in the Australian Army.

Presented by: Australian Army Cadets Drone Racing Team

Transport is something we rely on every day, and Australians have been at the forefront of developing the transport we rely on. But what about the future? What newer forms of transport might we need to trailblaze our way to 2050?

In this workshop students will learn about a range of future transport options – then work in teams to begin prototyping their own future-proof solutions.

Get hands-on with STEM tools like LEGO, Minecraft or 3D Design, and harness Design Thinking to help your planning, and then showcase your ideas.

Presented by: STEM Punks

A career in STEM can take you to some extraordinary places and epic adventures to uncover the mysteries of our amazing planet. More than experiments in labs or reviewing samples, the world of STEM offers incredible variety in activity and interests.

Showcasing a variety of STEM and industry professionals, Epic Science Adventures will demonstrate to students the real-world inspirational jobs that show there’s no limit to where they might go and what they can do!

For WSFQ Toowoomba, students will hear from three incredible speakers:

Marissa McNamara, Collection Manager Crustacean, Queensland Museum

Marissa holds a PhD from the University of Queensland where she studied the marine parasites living in the guts of butterflyfish. Yes, that’s right — worms in fish guts! Yay for science! Marissa loves the diversity of crustacean, which includes not just crabs, prawns and lobsters, but spear-wielding mantis shrimps and giant deep-sea isopods! When she’s not counting crabs or boxing barnacles, Marissa also helps manage Queensland Museum’s fish collection, and has recently been working with deep-sea fishes collected in up to 3600m of water.

Jeff Johnson, Collection Manager Ichthyology, Queensland Museum

With over 40 years experience with Australian fishes, Jeff is a recognised authority on the identification and geographic distribution of Indo-Pacific, Australian and particularly Queensland fishes. Jeff has described new genera and species of various families of fishes, and written numerous chapters for popular fish books and guides. He also has extensive experience in all methods of collecting and visually recording marine, estuarine and freshwater fishes, and is an experienced scuba diver. Jeff aims to improve knowledge and awareness of the amazing diversity of Australian fishes, providing information to enhance management and conservation outcomes.

Dr Ben Arthur, Science Communicator and Marine Ecologist, CSIRO

Ben is a science communicator and marine ecologist. After completing a degree at the University of Tasmania and escaping to the sub-Antarctic for a while, he returned to Hobart to work as a research assistant in Southern Ocean ecology. Ben has helped coordinate events for National Science Week and is currently working in outreach for CSIRO. Wanting to do more research, but not wanting to give up science communication, he started a PhD in marine zoology. Several years later, Ben still has a passion for science outreach, our natural world and how science helps us make sense of it. He currently coordinates engagement programs for the CSIRO Marine National Facility on board RV Investigator.