Nearly 400 students have put theory into practice – showcasing their technical skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at a Diocesan-wide showcase, with four teams selected for a national event this November in Brisbane.
The 2024 Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) STEM MAD Showcase, held at CathWest Innovation College, featured 94 teams from over 20 schools across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains celebrating a day of innovation, creativity and collaboration.
The STEM MAD Showcase not only celebrated the talent and ingenuity of young minds but also underscored the importance of STEM education in shaping the future.
Students from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Primary School Wentworthville during the Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese STEM MAD Showcase at CathWest Innovation College. Image: CSPD
With projects that address real-world problems and propose innovative solutions, these young innovators are well on their way to making a significant impact on their communities and beyond.
The showcase was filled with excitement and hands-on activities including BlueBots and Ozobots programming to Bottle Rockets, PowerAnchor challenges, Bridge Building, and Fizzics Education demonstrations.
“The quality of the students’ STEM MAD presentations has reached new heights this year with students demonstrating outstanding innovation and critical thinking,” said Lisa Nash, Digital Learning and Library Services Manager and CSPD STEM MAD event organiser.
“Their ability to harness STEM concepts to make a difference in the world was truly remarkable.”
Students from Santa Sophia Catholic College Box Hill showcase their project at the Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese STEM MAD Showcase at CathWest Innovation College. Image: CSPD
The day culminated in an awards ceremony with St Margaret Mary’s Primary Merrylands (ACTZ – We Take Action) and St Michael’s Primary Baulkham Hills (The PRT – The Piped Rubbish Transporter) earning national selection in the primary category and Santa Sophia Catholic College Box Hill (Wind project) and Marian Catholic College Kenthurst (Fun Guys) gaining national selection in the secondary category.
These teams will present their projects at the 2024 STEM MAD National Education Showcase in Brisbane this November, offering them a platform to further share their ideas and potentially influence a broader audience.
With thanks to Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD).
