• Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie to host STEM 2024 on Friday 15 November

Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie is bringing together some of the world’s brightest minds for STEM 2024.

The professional development event, led by the NSW Department of Education’s STEM Enrichment Team, convenes top educators, thought leaders and international STEM experts to inspire and equip teachers and educational leaders with cutting-edge STEM knowledge and resources.

STEM 2024 will be held on Friday 15 November at Charles Sturt in Port Macquarie, hosting experts in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

School teachers in STEM are encouraged to register here to attend the event. 

Charles Sturt Director of External Engagement in Port Macquarie Ms Kate Wood-Foye said the University is proud to host the landmark event.

“This event underscores our commitment to educational innovation, STEM learning and regional development, and is expected to draw educators from across NSW while bringing valuable professional development to the local community,” Ms Wood-Foye said.

“This is a significant opportunity for educators on the Mid North Coast to experience this level of professional development close to home, inspiring new ideas and techniques to take back to their classrooms.”

A high-calibre keynote lineup will be led by renowned astrophysicist and STEM advocate Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith (pictured above), whose session will offer insights into space science and STEM education.

The NSW Department of Education is delivering ‘Deep Dive’ workshops for teachers and middle leaders, designed to provide practical strategies for implementing the STEM curriculum within faculties and school-wide.

Lecturer in Education in the Charles Sturt School of Education Dr Natalie Thompson is one of several academics presenting a Deep Dive.

“I will be discussing how generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, have quickly become an integral part of our lives,” she said.

“For inclusive educators, the choice in front of us is how generative AI can be used to make education more equitable and responsive to human diversity.

“To date, much of the discussion about generative AI in education privileges the experiences of non-disabled people, which limits our understanding of its inclusive potential and ability to reimagine inclusive education in disability-affirming and disability-informed ways.”

Fellow Charles Sturt academics presenting Deep Dive workshops include Course Director and Senior Lecturer in Computing Dr Sabih Rehman and Senior Lecturer in Computing Dr Jason Howarth, both in the Charles Sturt School of Computing, Mathematics and Engineering.

Dr Rehman will delve into fostering critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving in the classroom while Dr Howarth will provide a comprehensive introduction to widely used programming language ‘Java’.

NSW Department of Education’s STEM Enrichment Coordinator Professor Scott Sleap said presentations like these, and many others will empower schools across the region to incorporate high-quality STEM learning as they navigate Curriculum Reform.

“The NSW Department of Education and Charles Sturt University are thrilled to bring this world-class STEM conference to the Port Macquarie region, reigniting an initiative originally planned just before COVID-19,” he said.

“We’re also excited to have Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith involved, whose recent work as an advisor on the Quad Fellowship International Advisory Board and her dedication to making Australia a more equitable STEM nation is truly inspirational.

“Her insights and leadership are invaluable in supporting the next generation of STEM talent across Australia.”

The event will also feature a unique networking opportunity on the evening of Thursday 14 November at the Port Macquarie Observatory.

Attendees will join Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith for a memorable evening under the stars, fostering connections with STEM professionals and educators in a dynamic setting.

Guests will enjoy networking, live music and finger food along with a tour at this stunning new facility and view the night sky through the new telescopy overlooking Town Beach.

Registration to the event is now open here.