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Students from Theodore State School P-10 yesterday embarked on a scientific voyage, unveiling the marvels of technology and discovery within Queensland’s world-leading resources sector at a workshop delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA).

Thanks to Aeris Resources, about 30 students from Years 7 to 10 immersed themselves in an array of hands-on activities cleverly crafted to ignite their science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) curiosity while fostering collaboration, and sharpening their problem-solving abilities.

The QMEA is the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).

QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones said students dove into the realm of robotics, chemistry, and engineering, as they engaged in a series of captivating hands-on activities designed to ignite their imaginations and shape their future careers.

“Beakers.Bots.Build is a popular QMEA program that aims to expand the horizons of these enthusiastic learners, enlightening them about the many different exciting career pathways available in the resources and energy sector,” Ms Jones said.

“Yesterday’s session was all about nurturing the next generation’s passion for STEM and empowering them to make informed decisions about their future studies, ultimately equipping them with the skills in high demand by our industry.”

Cracow Gold Operations General Manager, Mr Geoff Atkinson said in addition to helping the students bolster their tangible STEM skills, he hopes yesterday’s educational experience has inspired these bright young minds to pursue a promising career with Aeris Resources at our Cracow Gold Operations or in the broader industry.

“Guided by experienced representatives from Cracow Gold Operations, students got a glimpse of how things they’re learning in the classroom like robotics, engineering, and optimisation, are used every day in the resources sector,” Mr Atkinson said.

“The day started off with programming Lego EV3 robots to move around a mini-mine site, simulating the cutting-edge technology of automated vehicles.

“The students also discovered how remote site sampling can be achieved by building their own machines with the capacity to sort different objects without manually touching them.”

Theodore State School P-10 Principal, Ms Susan Cannon heralded the QMEA workshop as an extraordinary occasion for students to apply the school curriculum to real-world scenarios while forging new connections with a local industry.

“After the robotics activities, students investigated how the fundamental principles of light make mine sites safer as they explored the theory of incidence and reflection,” Ms Cannon said.

“Using mirrors and a laser, students used their knowledge of light, and angles of reflection, and investigated how retroreflectors can reflect light back to its source.

“It was a fantastic way for them to see how simple physics concepts can be used in order to keep the workforce safe.”

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.