12 July 2021

A science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) student showcase initiated by Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) in 2018 will expand to include Catholic schools and dioceses from around the country this year.

MACS Executive Director Jim Miles says the STEM MAD (Making a Difference) Showcase is a celebration of student learning, designed to acknowledge and promote STEM learning initiatives that address real-world problems and demonstrate the distinct ethos of Catholic schools.

‘Catholic schools aim to not only be innovative and leaders in teaching and learning, but also to make a positive difference in the world’, he said.

‘What better way to bring this philosophy to life than by challenging students to address real-world science and engineering problems in a way that also acts for justice and the common good.

‘We are pleased, in this bicentennial year for Catholic education in Australia, to work collaboratively with the other dioceses to offer the STEM MAD opportunity to Catholic school students and teachers from around the country.’

To take part in STEM MAD National, primary and secondary student teams will participate in their own diocesan or statewide STEM showcases, with each diocese invited to nominate up to three projects per category which best demonstrate their learning and meet the project criteria.

These student teams will be invited to Melbourne for a live showcase to present their projects for judging in November. Student teams will also have the option of participating in the showcase digitally and attending remotely.

Categories include innovative projects to develop a product or service, and projects targeted directly at protecting the environment.

The STEM MAD National showcase is made possible with the support of Catholic Network Australia (CNA) and will take place in association with this year’s CNA Forum in Melbourne in November.

To find out more about participating in STEM MAD National 2021, visit https://stemnational.cna.catholic.edu.au.

Media contact: Gerard Delaney on 0413 274 176 or gdelaney@macs.vic.edu.au

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