Coding workshops to prepare young children for jobs of the future

Coding and robotics workshops will be held this week for South Burnett children, parents, teachers and librarians as part of a statewide strategy to encourage more young Queenslanders to study science and technology at school.

Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch said today (Monday) the workshops aim to prepare students for the jobs of the future and develop their skills in critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and innovation.

“This event is supported by our Advance Queensland Engaging Science Grants designed to generate interest in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), and get more Queenslanders involved in science activities,” Ms Enoch said.

“Our world is changing rapidly with the influence of technology, and it’s touching every aspect of our lives. Young people need to be prepared and ready to engage in this exciting future.

“Increasing STEM participation as well as skill levels across the state is central to our Engaging Queenslanders in Science strategy.”

Coding Kids received almost $10,000 to fund workshops for primary and high school students, and professional development sessions for librarians and teachers in the South Burnett region including St Mary’s Catholic College (Kingaroy), St Patrick’s Primary School (Nanango) and Kingaroy State High School.

Head of Coding Kids and Advance Queensland Community Digital Champion Emily de la Pena is passionate about creating the next generation of coders and programmers, and will be running the workshops from August 8–10 to introduce teachers and students to coding, as well as advocating technology creation in the classroom.

“Coding is a force for change in this world and I am really looking forward to showing young children that they too can create digital solutions for the community, and helping teachers integrate the digital technologies into the classroom,” Ms de la Pena said.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries’ 2017 Hermitage Plant Science Competition also received $10,000 as part of the grants program. Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Bill Byrne said the competition aims to highlight the significance and importance of agriculture and science in our daily lives.

“This competition aims to encourage young people from prep to Year 12 to pursue an interest in agriculture and science, and to promote the industry as a rewarding and exciting career choice in science,” Minister Byrne said.

“This year it’s achieved exactly that, with 177 schools from across the country registered, and the department receiving close to 200 entries.”

There are two components to the plant science competition, including a series of hands-on experiments and activities to increase students’ knowledge, awareness and interest in agriculture and science. The other component involves students creating a piece of artwork that relates to the topic of study.

The winners will be announced on Tuesday, 15 August during National Science Week at the Hermitage Research Facility in Warwick.

Advance Queensland Engaging Science Grants support science engagement and communication projects, events and activities that increase the reach and impact of science in Queensland.

Individuals and organisations can apply for funding up to $10,000 if their activity or project encourages the study of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects, builds a better understanding of science, or improves community engagement with science.  

For more information about applying for an Advance Queensland Engaging Science Grant, visit http://advance.qld.gov.au/esg

For more information about the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries’ 2017 Hermitage Plant Science Competition, visit https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/plants/field-crops-and-pastures/research/hermitage-competition

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