The Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer has partnered with the Department of Education to inspire NSW students into careers in bushfire management with the launch of a new science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) bushfire-focused education program.
Announced by the Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, Alister Henskens, the Bushfire STEM in Schools Program aims to improve student learning outcomes, increase understanding of bushfire management and build partnerships with local communities to increase knowledge of bushfire preparedness.
Mr Henskens said the Program would support the development of bushfire-specific initiatives for students from Kindergarten to Year 12.
“This Program will not only educate our children about innovations that can help us to manage the threat of natural disasters, but hopefully inspire a new generation of scientists developing bushfire-management technologies that will grow the economy and create the jobs of the future,” Mr Henskens said
Minister for Education and Early Learning, Sarah Mitchell said the Program, an initiative of the Office’s Bushfire Response R&D Mission (BRM), aligned with the NSW Curriculum.
“If recent floods and bushfires have taught us one thing, it is that we need to ensure our young people have the knowledge and skills to take action before, during and after a natural disaster,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The Program will encourage student entrepreneurship and promote STEM career and further study opportunities for students, including in the area of bushfire management.”
