Scitech Discovery Centre

Inspiring the Next Generation of STEM Leaders in Rural WA

Inspiring the Next Generation of STEM Leaders in Rural WA

Our Statewide Touring program aims to engage the problem-solvers of tomorrow, build science capital, and address inequity in the WA STEM landscape. Currently, children in regional areas are not exposed to the same learning experiences as their metro counterparts. As part of our goal to engage every student in WA at least once every three ...

GOAL

$21,420

Australia > WA > Regional
24/03/2025 > 04/11/2025

Field of Interest

  • Education/training and employment
  • Social inclusion and justice

Target Population

  • Young people (6-25)
  • General population
Scitech Discovery Centre Scitech Discovery Centre

At Scitech, our Purpose is to inspire West Australians to engage in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

For over three decades our passionate team has brought interactive and entertaining STEM experiences to the community, igniting a lifelong curiosity in the process. We believe that STEM is for everyone. We also know that people learn best when they're engaged and as such, we aim to make our Discovery Centre exhibits, theatre shows, and outreach programs fun, accessible and memorable. Through these experiences, we have the power to inspire imaginations and innovation. As well as increasing knowledge, we aim to equip the next generation with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

In 2019, we reached our 10 millionth engagement across our services. Recent surveys have revealed that 98% of participants found the content interesting and 88% stated they learnt new skills. Although Scitech's impact on the community can be difficult to quantify, Astronomer and Astrophysicist Dr Jacinta Dalhaize summed it up well, saying “I don’t know a single scientist of my generation from Perth who doesn’t have a vivid memory of Scitech… I think part of the magic of Scitech is that it leaves you with an almost emotional bond with science. Although this is intangible, it can be so strong that it lasts a lifetime.”

Project Summary

Our Statewide Touring program aims to engage the problem-solvers of tomorrow, build science capital, and address inequity in the WA STEM landscape. Currently, children in regional areas are not exposed to the same learning experiences as their metro counterparts.

As part of our goal to engage every student in WA at least once every three years, our Statewide team travels thousands of kilometres annually to reach regional and remote schools around the state.

We are seeking funding to take our team to the South-west region in early 2025. Over three weeks, our team of Science Communicators will deliver exciting science shows and hands-on workshops to approximately 2,000 students at schools in Busselton, Capel, Dunsborough, Yallingup and Vasse.

Content is curriculum-aligned and encourages students to harness the process of question, prediction, experiment to explore the world around them and unravel its mysteries. We aim to show students that anyone and everyone can be a scientist, and to provide opportunities that inspire engagement with science and with school. The program is in high demand with feedback such as:

“I have now very eager students that are motivated and engaged to interact with Science. My son walked the beach with me this morning reciting every experiment and why things work the way they do, whilst my year one daughter tried to find as many objects in the shed that she could use for her show and tell experiments! You brought some real magic to our students’ lives and learning.”
– Gareth Palmer, Principal Esperance Primary School.

Project Outcomes

The Statewide Touring program aims to:
- Reduce STEM inequity by delivering a high-quality educational opportunity for students who would otherwise be unable or unwilling to engage with science.
- Strengthen the science capital of primary school students (PP- Year 6).
- Provide hands-on shows and workshops that are reported to be interesting and enjoyable by at least 90% of participants.

As a result of the program, it is anticipated that students will:
- Be more engaged with school.
- Have increased STEM knowledge.
- Be more aware that science is relevant to them and has everyday applications in society.
- Be motivated to want to know, learn or do more, and
- Believe that science is for someone like them.

Outcomes are measured by quantitative and qualitative data that is gathered using post-event surveys.

Budget Breakdown

TOTAL BUDGET: $21,420
FUNDING
Funding source Amount
Funding gap (unconfirmed) $21,420
EXPENSES
Expense item Amount
Staffing $14,700
Accommodation $3,900
Motor vehicle fuel $1,020
Resources & consumables $1,800

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Contact Us
Level 6, 126 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne VIC 3002

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live, learn and work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Australian Communities Foundation is a proudly inclusive organisation and an ally of LGBTQIA+ communities and the movement toward equality.