Click here for a link to the Clermont SHS workshop photos

Term 2 was off to a cracking start for Clermont State High School students participating in a special STEM workshop designed to increase their knowledge of the resources sector and challenge their powers of critical thinking.

The Year 7 and 8 students joined experts from Glencore Coal to explore the wonderful world of resources through a series of science and technology experiments and challenges.

Clermont State High School A/Principal, Tanya Bambling, said the students were excited to have a day of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) discovery.

“Today was about connecting key concepts they’ve learnt in the classroom to the real world, particularly the coal mining sector which plays such a major role in our community,” said Ms Bambling.

“The Year 7 students put their technology skills to the test using Arduino kits to code a model lighting system using flowcharts, sensors, and blinking lights,” she said.

“While the Year 8 students discovered more about the earth’s resources through a minerals treasure hunt and chemistry experiment to observe how crystals are formed.”

The STEM workshops were delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) in partnership with Glencore Coal.

Anthony Exelby, Glencore Coal Human Resources Manager said the day was all about education and inspiration.

“It is fantastic to see the students engaging with both geology and technology. Today’s workshop gave us a valuable opportunity to show how these disciplines come together in the mining industry,” Anthony said.

“Our team was impressed by the students’ enthusiasm, and I wouldn’t be surprised if some go onto become exploration geologists or digital technology designers who shape the industry’s future.”

The QMEA is the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council. For over 20 years it has been connecting school students with the resources industry through trade and science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) programs with a focus on how these study pathways can lead to a rewarding career in the resources sector.