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Students at Bundaberg State High School have discovered that new technology is having big impacts – and it extends beyond the latest games and smartphones.

The Year 9 students participated in a Beakers.Bots.Build workshop today delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy (QMEA), the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council.

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Evolution Mining, the students were able to spend the day completing hands-on activities like robotic programming and engineering design and exploring how new discoveries in these fields are impacting on the resources sector.

Craig Martin, Principal at Bundaberg SHS, said the workshop extended the students interest in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects.

“They particularly enjoyed the challenge of working in groups to program model vehicles and operate them remotely,” said Mr Martin.

Katrina-Lee Jones, QRC Director of Skills, Diversity and Education, said the workshop built on the STEM concepts being studied through the Year 9 Australian curriculum.

“The aim is to build on the students’ STEM knowledge and apply it to the real-world by showing them how new technology is being used to enhance productivity, safety and sustainability,” said Ms Jones.

“Today was about the students’ making connections and discovering more about the resources industry.”

The QMEA is an industry-led education initiative and is now in 100 public, private and independent Queensland schools, thanks to support from Qld Resources Council members and industry sponsors. It is part of the Gateway to Industry Schools program supported and funded by the Queensland Government.

For more information about starting a resources career visit: shapeyourfuture.com.au