AusEarthEd looks to inspire next generation of STEM professionals

Earth science education helps students to better understand the world around them and highlight potential career pathways in mining and geology, educator Jo Watkins says. Not-for-profit organisation Australian Earth Science Education returned to Kalgoorlie-Boulder this month to deliver free, interactive earth science workshops at four secondary schools. Students from John Paul College, Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community High School, Eastern Goldfields Education Support Centre and Fairbridge College participated in workshops which covered topics such as renewable and non-renewable resources, rock classification, volcanic eruptions and biogeochemical cycles. Ms Watkins, AusEarthEd chief executive, said the education organisation aimed to pique students’ interest in the world of earth sciences. “Earth science helps us to understand the world around us, it’s super important for everybody,” she said. “We looked at volcanism, geohazards, and the basics of carbon solubility. “As our atmosphere changes, what changes we can expect to see in our oceans and what impact that might have globally.” Ms Watkins said AusEarthEd hoped to inspire the next generation of STEM professionals. “It ties in really nicely to applications of (earth sciences) and possible careers as students get more and more interested and engaged,” she said. Science staff at Eastern Goldfields College also participated in a workshop to support the school’s implementation of Year 11 earth and environmental science in 2025.