STEM @ Deakin in Geelong
Our mission
Whether for pre-service or in-service teachers, our passion for scientific inquiry underpins both the instructional and relational aspects of our teaching. We believe that learning science and STEM is only possible when the value of what science can bring to the individual is appreciated.
This belief motivates us to create opportunities for teachers to have authentic and rich experiences of teaching STEM to children, so that they begin to see children’s excitement when exploring, asking questions, constructing new ideas, and using STEM to answer some of the big questions of life. We aim to develop self-directed learners who, over time and through collaboration with others, develop confidence and self-efficacy in learning to teach science and STEM.
Supporting STEM in schools
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is gaining momentum as a focus for government policy and economic productivity, a focus which is being translated into an agenda for school reform.
Deakin STEM educators and researchers are delivering high quality professional development programs designed to build the STEM teaching capacity of early childhood, primary and secondary teachers.
Academic leadership enables a research informed and coordinated approach to providing a common language around STEM, but flexibility in responding to and meeting the respective needs of each school.
Fostering links between schools where they can learn from each other.
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Associate Professor Coral Campbell
I believe that STEM has the power to improve society and I act through schools, teachers and students, to improve understanding of STEM and impact lives locally and globally.
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Dr. Lihua Xu
Our future is STEM and I am committed to working with schools and communities of Geelong to create an environment where our next generations of innovators grow and prosper.
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Associate Professor Linda Hobbs
I am committed to serving the community of Geelong through the enhancement of STEM education opportunities available.
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Jorja McKinnon
PROJECT OFFICER & RESEARCH ASSISTANT
I take great pleasure in assisting teachers and students to discover that STEM is not a product but a process - when we focus our attention on the process the PBL experience is richer.
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Chris Speldewinde
PROJECT OFFICER & RESEARCH ASSISTANT
I love the sense of wonderment that STEM learning fosters in our children and the many ways STEM prepares them for life in the 21st Century.
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Kristin Walsh
PROJECT OFFICER & CASUAL ACADEMIC
I believe sparking curiosity about the world through STEM is key to nurturing innovative, confident students and teachers; and I act to ensure communities are empowered in their approach to fostering our learners to pursue STEM futures.
Our key partners
Invergowrie Foundation
The Invergowrie Foundation is a Philanthropic organsiation with an interest in education for girls and women. Invergowire has funded a number of projects at Deakin, including a GALS pilot in 2018, a 3-year GALS program in 2020-2022, and two reports into girls and STEM.
Girls’ Future – Our Future, The Invergowrie Foundation STEM Report
Skilling the Bay
Skilling the Bay has had a long association with Deakin researchers. They have supported Deakin’s commitment to the Geelong region through funding the Successful Students-STEM Program for secondary teachers in 2015-2017, supporting Geelong teachers to participate in the Deakin’s STEM education conferences in 2016, 2018 and 2020. They have funded the SEPS 2.0 program.
Upstart Challenge
Upstart has had a long association with Deakin researchers through their contribution to a number of programs. Upstart provides invaluable experience in entrepreneurship and leadership training for the Geelong and Ballarat regions. They have consulted with Deakin in the Successful-Students STEM Program by brokering industry-school partnerships during a ‘STEM into Industry’ program; and provide student and teacher entrepreneurship and leadership training in our SEPS and GALS programs.