14 November 2024
Sue and Gina’s passion for sparking an interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) shines through everything they do. Together, they’ve developed a statewide Schools Program that’s hands-on and curriculum-aligned, giving students the chance to dive into STEM subjects in a way that’s both engaging and memorable.
Education Officer, Gina and Education Advisor, Sue at the Tasmanian STEM Excellence Awards.
Reflecting on the team’s achievement, Sue said, “We work with schools across the state and it is so rewarding when you see students gain confidence in STEM through our programs. We want young people to feel like a career in STEM is an exciting possibility for them.”
Making STEM Come Alive in Classrooms Across Tasmania
Over the past two years, Generation Hydro has reached nearly 10,000 students in over 100 schools across Tasmania! Through exciting, real-world challenges, students tackle questions like, ‘How do you transfer water from a water source to a power station?’
Read about Generation Hydro's visit to Longford Primary by clicking here!
In one activity, students work with a giant 3D model of the Tasmanian landscape, creating proposals to transfer water, all while considering environmental impacts, geology, and costs. In another exercise, they even build and test their own water turbines.
“Our passionate educators travel all around Tasmania delivering engaging lessons that introduce students to STEM subjects,” said Ruth Groom, Executive GM of People, Culture, and Engagement at Hydro Tasmania. “There is a STEM skills shortage in Tasmania, and we want to encourage young people to explore the opportunities a career in STEM can offer them while having fun in the process.”
Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in STEM
Generation Hydro’s work doesn’t stop there. With their ‘Girls in Power’ program, they’re inspiring young women in years 9 and 10 to explore STEM in a supportive, immersive environment. The program is grounded in the belief that you can’t be what you can’t see, and aims to show young women that STEM careers are not only within reach but full of exciting possibilities.
Read more about the 2024 Girls in Power program by clicking here!
Girls in Power participants have the chance to visit power stations, participate in hands-on projects, and connect with female professionals across the industry. They even get to try their hand at speed careering, where they learn about potential career paths and build connections within the STEM community.
Though more women are enrolling in university STEM courses and entering STEM fields, the journey is still underway. The Australian Government’s STEM Equity Monitor* reports that women represent only 37% of university STEM enrolments and just 15% of the STEM workforce. Programs like Girls in Power are taking steps to close this gap by empowering young women and showing them what’s possible.
A Bright Future with STEM
Whether it's hands-on challenges, creative problem-solving, or inspiring programs like Girls in Power, Generation Hydro is making STEM accessible and fun for students across Tasmania. Through their work, Sue, Gina, and the entire team are not only shaping young minds but also inspiring Tasmania’s next generation of STEM leaders.
Learn more about Generation Hydro resources by clicking here!
*https://www.industry.gov.au/news/state-stem-gender-equity-2023#:~:text=Women%20make%20up%2037%25%20of,slightly%20larger%20than%20in%202021
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