Teachers from Brisbane and across regional Queensland were this week on a mission to help make science technology engineering and maths (STEM) even more interesting for their students and foster a spirit of innovation.

First stop was Alexandra Hills SHS Centre of Excellence in Robotics and Automation where the 22 teachers received hands-on experience of robotics, electronics, 3D printing and virtual reality to inspire them in incorporating these elements into the new Australian curriculum.

They also received inspiration from some of Brisbane’s best young innovators at The Precinct, a Queensland Government innovation hub in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley that brings together start-ups, incubators, investors and mentors under the one roof.

The teachers heard from several start-up companies about their ‘one idea’ that started the business.
It was then on to QUT Gardens Point campus Centre for Robotic Vision where they heard from Dr Sue Keay Chief Operating Officer Science and Engineering Faculty, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Centre of Excellence (COE) in Robotic Vision who demonstrated how robots are being taught to ‘see.’

Dr Keay was recently recognised as one of Queensland’s Top 100 most influential people.

“There are developments and advancements in the digital space right now which students will apply when in the work environment and these will look very different to what we know now,” said Katrina-Lee Jones, Director Skills Education and Diversity at the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).

“It’s important that we equip our young people for the careers of the future,” she said.
The teachers also visited facilities at Glencore Technology and the Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies.

Teachers are from:
• Kirwan
• Millmerran
• Rockhampton
• Dysart
• Townsville
• Emerald
• Blackwater
• Brisbane