2 August 2022

Around 500 students and their teachers from Catholic schools across the Archdiocese of Melbourne will come together on Thursday 4 August to showcase how they are addressing some of the most pressing challenges faced by their communities and the planet.

The STEM MAD (Making a Difference) Showcase provides an exciting opportunity for teams of primary and secondary students to share their projects with peers and judges, and demonstrate how students in Catholic schools are taking practical action to make a difference in the world.

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) event coordinator Shelley Waldon said the Showcase is designed to acknowledge and promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning initiatives that address real-world problems.

‘The student teams are invited to design a product, service or innovation to make a difference to others or the environment’, 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.’

Entries in the STEM MAD Showcase, including working models, address issues ranging from local and personal challenges such as disability, wellbeing and the impact of COVID-19, to community and global challenges such as natural disasters, aviation, climate action and species loss.

MACS Executive Director Jim Miles said: ‘STEM MAD is a flagship initiative to engage Catholic schools in effective STEM-based multidisciplinary inquiries, and promote high-quality STEM education for future-focused learning.’

The Showcase begins on Thursday with a welcome and keynote address at 9.15 am, and culminates with a presentation of awards at 3.15 pm.

Award-winning student teams will progress to the STEM MAD National event in Melbourne on Tuesday 6 September.

A LIVE FM online broadcast will run throughout the day, including interviews with students, school leaders, sponsors and stakeholders. For more information, visit the MACS STEM MAD Showcase website.

Photo/video/interview opportunities
Thursday 4 August (9.15 am – 3.30 pm)
Catholic Leadership Centre
576 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne

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