Robots, coding, chemical processing, design engineering. It all sounds like the stuff of university boffins, but students gathered at Alexandra Hills State High School (SHS) this week to embrace science.

Year nine students from Bundamba State Secondary, Wavell SHS and Kingston State College joined Alexandra Hills SHS students and took part in the Beakers.Bots.Build workshop conducted by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA).

A group of 46 students were mentored by Hastings Deering, BHP and Glencore Technology staff as they programmed a robot to enter a mine site, pick up product from three different points, and exit safely and efficiently.

Hastings Deering’s Vincent Cosgrove said the company mentors enjoy seeing students’ interest in science subjects jolted as they come to realise that science is all around them.

‘Science engineering technology and maths (STEM) subjects are the vital building blocks of the jobs of the future and it’s important that we encourage young people to see that, and clear a pathway for them.’

Alexandra Hills SHS Principal Gail Armstrong said the highly engaging QMEA activities provide exceptional learning experiences for students.

‘It’s great for our pupils to network with students from other schools and to see classwork brought to life by industry mentors.

The QMEA is a partnership between the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program. It has 46 schools throughout Queensland.