The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering has announced the first-ever primary school kits under its Science and Technology Education Leveraging Relevance (STELR) initiative.
Launched on 13 April 2026, the new Years 5 and 6 modules are designed to bring hands-on, inquiry-based science learning into upper primary classrooms, targeting a stage where student curiosity can either flourish – or fade.
Already embedded in more than 1,000 schools across Australia and internationally, STELR provides practical STEM resources tied to real-world themes such as energy efficiency, housing and renewable energy. The new primary kits aim to extend that approach by engaging students earlier.
The classroom-ready resources include practical components such as batteries, electrical leads, lightbulbs and buzzers, alongside structured workbooks and unit plans aligned to the Australian Science and Technology curriculum. Designed to integrate into existing teaching programs, the kits enable teachers to deliver inquiry-based learning without adding significant planning load.
Students using the kits investigate foundational scientific concepts through experimentation – testing which materials conduct electricity, constructing circuits, and designing functional switches. The emphasis is on collaborative problem-solving and active participation.
For school leaders and heads of department, the expansion signals an opportunity to strengthen STEM pathways from primary through to secondary years. By introducing structured inquiry learning earlier, schools can build continuity in pedagogical approach and better prepare students for more advanced STEM studies.
The release also reflects broader system priorities around engagement, diversity and inclusion in STEM. By targeting upper primary, the program aims to reach students before subject preferences and confidence gaps begin to emerge.
The kits are now available for purchase, with accompanying classroom resources offered as free downloads.
