MACS students ‘make a difference’ at STEM MAD National

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28 November 2024

The best Catholic school science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) student teams from around the country were recognised at the STEM MAD National Showcase in Brisbane on 19 November 2024.

STEM MAD National is a celebration of student learning, designed to acknowledge and promote STEM learning initiatives that address real-world problems and demonstrate the particularity of Catholic schools, encouraging students to make a difference (MAD) in the world by acting for justice and the common good.

STEM MAD National
© Brisbane Catholic Education (2024)

Primary and secondary students devised innovative approaches to counter some of the issues facing our world and society.

Shelley Waldon, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) Science & STEM Lead, said the entries tackled issues ranging from social justice regarding disability, mental and physical wellbeing, and the impact of social media, to community and global challenges such as natural disasters, climate action and species loss.

‘Some complex scientific concepts explored habitat restoration and even creating amenities for living environments in space, in preparation for the next phase of human expansion to the planets. We continue to see an upward trend of girls engaging in the STEM disciplines and many neurodiverse students finding a place to flourish’, she said.

‘The creativity and deep-thinking of our young people, along with the care they have for their fellow citizens and communities, never cease to amaze me. It gives great hope that the future is in good hands.’

STEM MAD National
© Brisbane Catholic Education (2024)

MACS students took home two major awards. Congratulations to the following winners:

We also congratulate the following MACS schools, which were selected to present their projects at the National Showcase:

STEM MAD National STEM MAD National STEM MAD National STEM MAD National
STEM MAD National STEM MAD National STEM MAD National STEM MAD National