Key points
- The Young Future Shapers program boosts confidence, capability, and connection with science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
- The program’s approaches can be used to help kids of any age feel more curious, engaged and supported with STEM.
Maya dreams of being an astrophysicist. James 3D prints prosthetics for fun. Millie analyses microplastics from her local beach. These are some of our Young Future Shapers.
All in Years 5-10, these students had epic opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM). The program supports young people from underrepresented groups in STEM. This includes girls, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students, as well as those from regional schools or lower opportunity areas.
Young Future Shapers get a personalised plan. They can also attend a multi-day STEM camp, a local learning adventure, or design their own prize pack. The program's approach to boosting confidence, capability, and connection with STEM is proving impactful.
We've borrowed five ways from the Young Future Shapers program that you can use to encourage a kid (or an adult) to fall in love with STEM.
Building curiosity
Standing near a wind turbine at James Cook University’s Cyclone Testing Station, one Future Shaper commented she was now captivated by an area of science she'd never known about. This is a common reaction on our STEM camps.
The all-inclusive camps include science facility tours, meeting experts and confidence-building activities. The itineraries cover Future Shapers' interest areas, allowing for powerful exposure across various topics.
One Future Shaper wasn't sure about pursuing STEM, but the camp inspired her to follow in the footsteps of the marine biologists she met. Another camper, who loves astronomy, is now also broadening her options with robotics.
Tip from the Young Future Shapers: We select 25 Young Future Shapers for the program, but anyone can build an interest in STEM through curiosity. We recommend asking people in your life about their interests, trying new things, realising there are no 'dumb' questions, and going down (reputable) research rabbit holes.
STEM-gaging friends and family
Future Shaper, Jordan wanted to dig deeper into palaeontology, so he got a VIP tour of Flinders University’s Paleo Lab. He also wanted to understand the campus experience of Indigenous university students, which the team facilitated with a yarning circle. This traditional Indigenous Australian practice involves a respectful and open sharing of stories, knowledge, and experiences in a group setting.
James asked to bring his class along, and some of his classmates left with a newfound interest in science. Additionally, the parents that attended the Year 5-6 camp loved learning new things and seeing their kids in their element.
"It was really good to have that trip together and the shared experience with the two of us. We will always remember it," one parent said.
Tip from the Young Future Shapers: If someone around you is developing an interest in STEM, you can help fan those flames. It may ignite your interest too!
Choose your own adventure
Millie, a Future Shaper, created a marine biology mini-lab as her prize. It included a GoPro and Bathyscope for underwater exploration digital microscopes to analyse the microplastic content in beach samples and various marine specimens and slides.
Her lab supports "inquiry-based learning". It is about encouraging young people to posit questions and find the answers means they're choosing their own STEM adventure. This approach builds critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Tip from the Young Future Shapers: Follow your instinct the next time you realise there's a gap in your understanding or you find yourself asking "I wonder how that works." Take a little time to find out and who knows what else you'll learn!
Birds of a feather learn together
James loves 3D printing, so he set up a club at his school to print things like prosthetic hands.
As a Future Shaper, he came to Lab 22 – Australia's Centre for Additive Innovation. Here, we do things like 3D printing medical implants with titanium. At Data 61's Mixed Reality Lab and Bosch Australia, James met experts working on the cutting-edge of his favourite subjects.
"This is by far the most amazing STEM experience of my life," James said.
Our STEM camps and virtual events also provide opportunities for Young Future Shapers to connect with others like them. Take Maya, a budding astrophysicist and Future Shaper.
"It was easy to make friends here because we all had something in common," Maya said.
Tip from the Young Future Shapers: Groups like code clubs, Scouts, Girl Guides and the Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy connect kids and STEM.
Build STEM skills by stealth
Young Future Shapers don’t have to be at the top of the class. Some participants like disassembling and reassembling things. Some are passionate about causes that STEM could help solve. And some are bursting with questions.
A strengths-based approach means leaning into what comes naturally, then building other skills from there. Learning is easier when you're having fun or when it relates to something you care about.
On camp, the Future Shapers devised and presented solutions to problems they were enthusiastic about. Aside from the task's obvious innovation and problem-solving elements, they were also building creativity, communication, teamwork and critical thinking skills. It's a powerful skillset for the future.
"My confidence grew in public speaking while in this program," one Future Shaper said.
"I had an opportunity to voice my thoughts and questions on many different subjects, which has changed my perspective and my confidence."
Tip from the Young Future Shapers: Find ways to link what you're already interested in, into other tasks.
Young Future Shapers is powered by CSIRO and BHP Foundation.