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Local students have tackled hands-on science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) challenges in a one-day workshop designed to explore how their classroom studies connect to the resources industry.

Year 9 students from Spinifex State College put their creativity to the test in a Beakers. Bots. Build workshop this week using problem-solving and teamwork to complete science and technology challenges.

The workshop was delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council, in partnership with Glencore Mount Isa Mines.

Tom Bates, Principal at Spinifex State College, said it had been a full day of learning and exploration for the students.

“The students worked in groups to completed STEM challenges assisted by the Glencore team and QMEA educators,” said Mr Bates.

“It was a huge bonus having Ashleigh, a Mine Planning Superintendent at Glencore, helping the students complete the STEM challenges and identify how they relate back to processes happening within mining operations.”

The students completed three STEM-based activities:

• Guiding laser through a series of light refraction obstacles (science and safety)
• Programming Spike robots to move between points (technology)
• Designing a device to sort coal (innovation and engineering)

Katrina-Lee Jones, QRC Policy Director – Skills, Education and Diversity, said the workshop was all about sparking curiosity and inspiring the next generation of STEM innovators.

“Our aim with this workshop is to inspire students to continue their STEM studies and give them a window into the sorts of careers these studies can lead to in the resources sector.”

For over 20 years the QMEA has been connecting school students with the resources industry by delivering trade and science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) activities with a focus on how these study pathways can lead to a rewarding career in the resources sector.