Key points
- Sponsored by Chevron Australia, Living STEM has expanded its reach to involve more regional schools in 2024.
- This year's Living STEM Showcase is on 15 November and spotlights growing partnerships between schools, Indigenous knowledge holders, and the wider community.
- Showcase attendees will hear from educator Kiara Sinclair and Indigenous knowledge holder Clinton Walker, among others.
Living STEM has gone from strength to strength since its inaugural showcase in 2023. We've been teaching educators how to blend science curriculum with Indigenous knowledge systems through local partnerships in the Pilbara.
Sponsored by Chevron Australia, Living STEM continues its expansion. This year, new Western Australian educators joined us from Port Hedland and as far inland as Tom Price and Paraburdoo.
Next week, our Living STEM Showcase celebrates the growing partnerships between schools, Indigenous knowledge holders, and the wider community. The Showcase invites educators to share their learning journeys with community, government and other participants in the program, demonstrating how their partnerships bring science classes to life on Country.
Neighbourhood ecology lessons
Kiara Sinclair is a science educator from Tambrey Primary School and one of the Showcase presenters. Kiara will be speaking about Tambrey Primary School’s two-year involvement in Living STEM.
Kiara and the school proudly promote their Galharra science initiative. Galharra is the Ngarluma word for the interconnectedness of all things in nature. At Tambrey Primary School, this concept is used to further develop student's understanding of local Aboriginal histories and culture though science.
As the science specialist at her school, Kiara is passionate about teaching science through two-way perspectives.
"After participating in the Living STEM program last year and witnessing the enthusiasm my students showed during our excursions, I approached my principal. I proposed taking each of our year groups out on Country throughout the year. She jumped at the opportunity," she said.
At the heart of Tambrey Primary’s success in the program is their close collaboration with local knowledge holder Clinton Walker. Clinton, the CEO and Founder of Ngurrangga Tours, is a proud Ngarluma/Yindjibarndi man whose Traditional Lands encompass the West Pilbara region. His contributions have been invaluable, offering Tambrey students hands-on learning opportunities deeply rooted in ecological traditions of the Ngarluma people.
“I planned what I wanted to do and met with Clinton to chat about activities, locations and ideas. It was these meetings that provided the education and Aboriginal perspective connections, the ‘gold',’’ Kiara said.
“For the first on-Country experience, we took 40 kids with Clinton on a bush walk on the Yabarara trail (by the main street in Karratha). He taught us about kangaroo hides and rock art. Then we used some of the knowledge he shared to do basket weaving and make spears using natural materials. The kids were asking so many questions. It was just crazy how much they loved it.”
"One of our goals was to help students see their environment differently, and they truly did. Experiences like these broaden their understanding and deepen their connection to familiar places. Some kids said, 'We camp here all the time and didn’t know this stuff!' Now, they’re eager to share what they’ve learned with their families and friends too."
The Living STEM initiative expands
Chevron Australia’s sponsorship ensures ongoing success and expansion of the Living STEM initiative. Their commitment to supporting this program, fostering STEM curiosity, sustainable practices and cultural awareness has allowed us to reach more schools across the Pilbara region.
Ruth Carr is the Director of our Education and Outreach team.
"The maturity of the Living STEM program in the past year has been wonderful to see. We’ve seen schools like Tambrey fully embrace the two-way learning approach and its integration across the whole school is deeply encouraging.
"Programs like this demonstrate the power of collaboration between industry, education, and community to build a more sustainable and inclusive future for students."
Looking ahead, the Living STEM program shows no signs of slowing down. Applications for 2025 intake open in early January, with further regional expansion planned. With continued partnerships and support of community leaders like Clinton, the program is poised to continue its impact, inspiring the next generation of scientists and environmental stewards.
Living STEM Showcase 15 November, Dampier
We are delighted to bring participants, visitors and special guests together in the Dampier region for this annual event. This year’s Living STEM Showcase is not just a celebration of the participants learning journey of the past 12 months – it also reveals the early impact of two-way learning on the students, teachers, and communities involved.
The Showcase will feature a keynote from Traditional Owners who have collaborated with our researchers, creating seasonal calendars for northern and western regions of Australia. Schools will present their project findings, sharing knowledge and learnings taken from the program, student outcomes and experiences working with community on Country.
Clinton Walker will be emceeing the day, as well as coordinating a local cultural ceremony on the venue’s grounds. All catering and materials have been sourced by local producers and suppliers like local Indigenous photographer Jess Allan.