STEM Engagement

In reply to Mr GARDNER (Morialta) (3 August 2016). (Estimates Committee A)

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Employment, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation, Minister for Automotive Transformation, Minister for Science and Information Economy): I am advised that the Department of State Development's Office of Science, Technology and Research (OSTAR) has two officers that work with the State's Chief Scientist to support science awareness, including working with the Department for Education and Child Development on STEM education matters.

As part of this work, DSD is working with local universities that deliver initial teacher education to enhance new teachers' contextual understanding of STEM skills. This work has led to a pilot project involving STEM student teachers from the University of South Australia and Flinders University partnering with local STEM-based companies to identify how STEM skills are utilised in the workplace.

Other engagement programs and projects being delivered by OSTAR in support of the STEM strategy include:

Initiating a new four-year agreement with the Australian Government that sees the SA Museum lead implementation of Inspiring Australia (badged locally as Inspiring South Australia) in our State, in collaboration with the State's three public universities, to increase the community's understanding and appreciation of science and the role it plays in our lives and our future prosperity.

Establishing a series of regional science education hubs across South Australian government regions.

Supporting the development of the University of South Australia's Science | Creativity | Education Studio.