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Over 100 Gladstone students from five secondary schools discovered how science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) concepts connect to the gas industry at a QMEA Resources Skills Academy STEM Big Day event today.

Held at CQUniversity’s Marina campus in Gladstone, the STEM Big Day was delivered in partnership with Conoco Phillips, the downstream operator of Australia Pacific LNG.

The workshop brought the students, from Years 7 to 9, together for hands-on STEM challenges and conversations with industry professionals about the different work roles in the sector including logistics, health and safety, transportation and environmental management.

The students were the first to try a new Cool Enough to Ship activity, exploring the science and engineering behind liquefied natural gas (LNG) by designing and modelling an LNG carrier ship.

Working alongside peers from other schools, the students completed interactive challenges modelled on real processes in the transportation and storage of gas, with the new activity of building a model LNG carrier ship a big success.

The challenge gave students a practical way to build on their understanding of STEM, linking lessons from school to the local gas industry.

Chantale Lane, Stakeholder Relations Manager – Conoco Phillips said having members of their team at the workshop was important as they could bring the students learning to life.

Conoco Phillips employees attending the workshop held a variety of roles across the operations, emergency response, maintenance and environmental management teams.

“There were plenty of questions from the students about people’s roles and experiences in the gas industry,” said Ms Lane.

“These young people finished the day with a stronger understanding of how STEM is used in the real world.”

Students attended the workshop from Gladstone State High School, Calliope State High School, Chanel College, Toolooa State High School and Tannum Sands State High School.

For more information on careers in the resources sector visit: shapeourfuture.com.au