“STEM allows students to understand and make sense of the world around them. It is the ability to understand and apply solutions to complex problems is an important life skill."

We're on a mission to ignite passion with Tasmanian kids in the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM)! Our Generation Hydro program is tailored for children from Prep through to year 12, encouraging classrooms to get hands-on to learn about renewable energy.

Check out this video from Generation Hydro’s recent visit to Longford Primary school

Renewable energy is a growth industry in Tasmania and across Australia, requiring a larger workforce as we move towards a low emissions future. “STEM skills are vital for these jobs, and we wanted to play our part in the community by providing a range of activities which increase interest and engagement in STEM” said Sue Street, Education Advisor for Hydro Tasmania.

STEM allows students to understand and make sense of the world around them.
 

The ability to understand and apply solutions to complex problems is an important life skill. “By incorporating STEM into the curriculum, we can equip students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation skills essential for success in the 21st century. STEM education sparks curiosity, fosters creativity, and prepares students for a wide range of careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,” said Rich Talbot, STEM and ICT teacher at Longford Primary School in Northern Tasmania.

“I was very interested in our school to participate so students could gain first-hand knowledge of renewable energy, enhance their understanding of physics and engineering principles, and engage in some hands-on activities.”
 

“I also believe it could spark some inquiry around projects, have students start to think about their career paths in the energy sector, and inspire students to pursue STEM subjects with a focus on sustainability,” said Rich.

Through Generation Hydro visits, students can experience first-hand the basics of the engineering principles that Hydro Tasmania engineers use every day. For example, our Forces and Magnetism activity explores engineering concepts used to construct hydropower systems. Students can construct and test water turbines, wind turbines or turbine stands which will hold a turbine under the force of water.

All of Generation Hydro’s lessons plans and classroom sessions are curriculum aligned, critiqued by an independent curriculum consultant and are all free! To learn more about a Generation Hydro classroom session or lesson plan visit https://www.hydro.com.au/education

“Students were certainly engaged during the lessons. The program did go some way to boost student confidence. Some students in our 5-6 classes were hesitant to build the turbines but pushed through their self-doubt.”
 

“It was great to see their confidence grow when they achieved a successful outcome, and their smile when they tested their turbine” said Rich.

“My favourite part of being a Hydro Tasmania educator is seeing the kids succeed and be excited by science and STEM. Whether kids are building and testing a turbine, making an electric motor and electric circuit, or generating electricity, they are building their understanding of concepts and applying their knowledge in new ways. I love seeing students be excited by STEM and understanding a new concept or succeeding at building something which they didn’t know about,” says Sue. 

To find out more about Generation Hydro visit https://www.hydro.com.au/education