Mount Isa students make robots rule
Mount Isa students learnt just how exciting Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) can be when they discover their practical applications in a Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) ‘Beakers.Bots.Build’ workshop today.
More than 50 students from Good Shepherd Catholic College and Spinifex State College were mentored in the program by Glencore Mount Isa Mines (MIM) representatives thanks to the QMEA, the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).
“With limited time and resources these students will use design thinking and construction skills to create a self-propelled sorting device, thanks to Glencore MIM’s unwavering support for QMEA programs,” said QRC’s Director of Skills, Education and Diversity Katrina-Lee Jones.
“The workshop also encourages students to hypothesise and test different perforation patterns on a simulated gas well to investigate which pattern will collect the most fluid. Meanwhile, Lego EV3 robots will be put through their paces in a coding challenge to simulate transporting material from a mine to conveyor belts,” she said.
“At Glencore MIM we believe we have a part to play showing senior students how STEM is used in the world of work and encourage them onto university and trade STEM pathways,” said Glencore Queensland Metals Human Resources Group Manager, Clint Milner.
“These QMEA events really make a difference to local students in understanding the opportunities available to them locally in the resources sector,”
“The workshop demonstrates the connection between these technologies and the career paths they open for students,” he/she said.
“Digital technologies are an integral part of workplaces, and it’s great to see the QMEA and Glencore MIM equipping our students with knowledge to give them a good grounding for their future careers,” said Principal of Good Shepherd Catholic College Kathleen McCarthy.
The QMEA is Australia’s largest and most successful industry-led education and skills training initiative and seeks to broaden student and teacher knowledge of VET and STEM career opportunities in the resources sector.
The academy is largely funded by QRC members and sponsors, and currently delivers hands-on workshops and programs to 80 Queensland schools. The QMEA has a focus on increasing female and Indigenous participation and is part of the Gateway to Industry Schools Program which is supported and funded by the Queensland Government.