Click here for photos of Treasures of the Earth.
Click here for photos of STEM Unearthed.

Two hands-on educational experiences delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) have ignited the curiosity and enthusiasm of Brisbane students in Years 8, 9 and 10 for a career in the resources and energy sector.

Thanks to an education levy supported by Queensland Resources Council (QRC) members, about 50 students explored the practical applications of their science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) learning from a resources and energy industry context.

QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones said at the first workshop, young minds from Glenala State High School delved into the world of earth sciences as they embarked on an interactive treasure hunt, connecting the dots between elements on the Periodic Table and their significance in everyday items.

“Treasures of the Earth is an interactive experience where students work in teams to link critical resources from the Minerals Council of Australia’s (MCA) ’30 Things’ publication to essential products like medication, white goods, and transportation,” Ms Jones said.

“This is a fun and engaging way for students to make personal connections with an industry at the forefront of technological innovation that offers a myriad of exciting career opportunities.”

Principal of St Edmund’s College, Mr Ray Celegato said at the second workshop, students got the chance to apply their collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills as they worked in teams to run their own mini mines.

“Using valuable life skills like scheduling, process engineering, and financial planning, our students had a great time participating in QMEA’s popular STEM Unearthed program,” Mr Celegato said.

“Tasked with running their own mini mine sites, students had to identify the best and most efficient way to ‘extract coal from the ground’ while responsibly controlling their operational finances, factoring in regular maintenance and replacement of equipment, and finally rehabilitating their site.”

As Australia’s largest and most successful industry-led education and schools initiative, the QMEA seeks to broaden student and teacher knowledge of career opportunities in resources.

The academy encourages a talent pipeline of employees into vocational and professional careers, with a focus on female and Indigenous participation. The QMEA currently engages with over 90 schools and is a partnership between the QRC and the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program.