Click here for photos and video from the Miles SS workshop

Young geologists at Miles State School took their interest in earth sciences to a new level today, discovering the role of modern technology and robotics in the exploration and extraction of energy resources in a unique workshop delivered by the QMEA Resources Skills Academy.

Students from Years 3 – 6 attended the Mining for Big Ideas workshop, delivered by the academy in partnership with Arrow Energy. Ailsa McDonald, Senior Operations Geologist at Arrow, was on hand to answer the students’ questions and provide and insight into how technology is utilised as part of modern energy extraction.

Ailsa said the full day workshop used hands-on practical activities to simulate different uses of technology across the industry.

“At Arrow Energy, we’re always looking at how new technologies can be applied to improve safety, strengthen operational excellence and deliver better outcomes for our people, communities and the environment,” said Ailsa.

“I’m excited to share my passion for earth science with the Miles State School students and show them how science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills are used every day to solve real-world challenges and support the future of our industry.”

During the workshop the students completed hands-on activities designed to give them industry insights including:

• programming LEGO robots to complete a simulated gas field inspection;
• completing a paper plane challenge to identify how the physics of flight is applied to drone technology; and
• discovering how technology is being used to help inspect gas pipelines and storage tanks, supporting safety and monitoring processes essential to the industry.

The students worked in groups to complete each of the activities, which involved equal amounts of problem-solving and creative thinking.

Jen Hoyle, Director for the QMEA, said the workshop harnessed the primary students’ natural interest in earth sciences and complemented the National Science Curriculum.

“Days like this bring science to life for the students, they get to see how the science and technology they’ve studied in the classroom is applied in the real world and in an industry that plays such a big role in their local community,” said Ms Hoyle.

“I hope today’s workshop has given the students some great insights into the energy sector and boosted their interest in earth sciences and technology.”