• Click here for photos of the Pulleys for Productivity workshop – Good Shepherd Catholic College, Mt Isa
• Click here for photos of the STEM Unearthed workshop – Kirwan SHS, Townsville

Experiments and exploration were part of the program for students in Mount Isa and Townsville recently with students in both locations participating in workshops delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) with the generous support of Glencore.

The curious minds of over 120 students from Year 7 at Good Shepherd Catholic College were challenged in a Pulleys for Productivity workshop where they investigated the physics of a pulley system and created pulley models.

The hands-on activity was followed with a discussion about how the physics of a pulley can be used to move heavy loads – improving productivity and safety.

Glencore Manager, Human Resources and Training, Fiona Pascoe said the program was a fantastic opportunity for students to gain a practical understanding of physics and how physics are used every day in the resources sector.

“The lifting and moving of heavy loads is essential for mining operations,” said Ms Pascoe.

“This workshop has given the students a greater appreciation of the role pulley-based machinery plays on a mine site.”

“The students’ have gained a real-world perspective on the importance of STEM learning, which could lead them to consider a career as a mining professional.”

The Townsville workshop at Kirwan State High School included the delivery of a STEM Unearthed program for Year 10 students, with students rotating through a range of science activities relating to roles in the minerals and energy sector.

The activities included working in groups to run a simulated mine site and the extraction of minerals from rock – modelling roles essential for the production and processing required for a mining operation.

“We want the students to realise the skills they’ve learnt in the workshops have applications across a whole range of Glencore engineering and design projects, and the future is bright if they’re considering joining the resources workforce,” said Ms Pascoe.

The QMEA is the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council and is part of the Gateway to Industry Schools program supported by the Queensland Government.