Selected small public primary schools in Western Australia will receive funding grants for science equipment and resources to help students develop STEM skills such as teamwork, problem solving, creativity, independent thinking, critical analysis, initiative and communication.
The grants will be provided to over 60 schools, all with a maximum of 100 students, as part of the Western Australian Government’s focus on STEM.
“We want our young people to develop an interest in science that continues throughout their schooling, and puts them in the best possible place to take up the job opportunities of the future,” said Education and Training Minister, Sue Ellery. “This investment will ensure teachers have access to science equipment that allows them to deliver STEM subjects in an exciting and innovative way for students.”
The schools will receive a science resources grant to purchase equipment for their classrooms such as telescopes, salinity testing kits, raised garden beds, lego kits, solar/photovoltaic cell kits and petri dishes.
A total of 36 schools with less than 50 students will receive a grant of $5,000; and 25 schools with up to 100 students will receive $10,000.
It is hoped that igniting an interest in science in primary school students will encourage them to continue that study in secondary school, ensuring they are job-ready when they start to enter the workforce in the late 2020s or early 2030s.
“By 2030, it is estimated that workers will spend double the amount of time solving problems and 77% more time using science and mathematics skills,” said Science Minister Dave Kelly.”
“These grants complement the McGowan Government’s initial investment of $3.3 million to begin delivery of the State’s first STEM skills strategy, including providing professional development for more than 1000 teachers in low socioeconomic public schools.”
