About
Questacon STEM Futures is a free professional development program designed to enhance STEM learning and engagement for students by boosting collaboration between schools and their local communities. Questacon STEM Futures is supported by Diamond Partner, Department of Defence. The program aims to:
- Strengthen teachers’ abilities to design and implement effective STEM programs.
- Support school leaders in fostering a STEM culture within their schools.
- Build connections between schools, STEM providers, and local industries.
By promoting collaboration, Questacon STEM Futures aims to cultivate a community of practice that engages and energises participants, facilitates knowledge sharing, and drives meaningful change in schools.
The current rounds of Questacon STEM Futures are running in Adelaide and the Port Augusta region during Semester 1, 2025. Registrations for Adelaide have now closed. If you are interested in participating in the Port Augusta region cohort, please contact teachers@questacon.edu.au.
Program Model
The program spans six months and begins with an in-person workshop that brings together teachers, school leaders, STEM providers, and local industries to build relationships, share ideas, and explore collaborative opportunities. During this workshop, participants use tools to assess their progress across five domains of school improvement and identify actionable steps to enhance STEM education for students.
Questacon then offers ongoing support throughout the next six months, including:
- Four virtual workshops to continue engaging in the community, discuss challenges, and share experiences, resources and information.
- Access to resources and national experts in STEM teaching, school leadership, and school-industry partnerships.
- A resource kit for each school, containing digital and unplugged STEM classroom resources.
- Assistance in tracking and monitoring progress against the goals outlined in each school’s action plan.
The program concludes with an in-person event to showcase and celebrate the achievements of Questacon STEM Futures with the broader community.
Program Requirements
Questacon STEM Futures prioritises underserved audiences, including low ICSEA schools and regional or remote communities. To qualify, schools must nominate at least two staff members to commit to the six-month program, one of whom must be a formal school leader or a STEM leader. Schools can add new members to the community at any time during the program.
Contact us
If you would like more information you can email our team.
