By 2033, Australia will need 233,600 people for jobs in professional, scientific, and technical services.
For the upcoming Generation Alpha to meet that demand, sparking an interest in STEM needs to start now.
Some of the key skills that will be needed to navigate the complex world that awaits them include problem-solving, critical thinking and creativity. To prepare them, CSIRO’s Adult Future Shapers program recognises the educators who play such a pivotal role in helping students in years five-10 build STEM skills.
Each year, five people from across Australia are selected to be Adult Future Shapers. They are parents, teachers, professionals, or community members who inspire students to build confidence, capability, and connection with STEM.
Once chosen, Adult Future Shapers design their own prize to either enhance their ability to teach STEM or provide resources for the young people they work with.
The CSIRO caught up with three of their 2024 Adult Future Shapers to highlight the positive impact they’ve had on young lives – and to inspire applications for the 2025 program that has just opened.
Jen Malone – founder of the Young Astronauts Club, Far North QLD
Malone inspires students to reach beyond the stars. Her motivation for establishing a Young Astronauts Club was to facilitate her daughter’s interest in space. The club now has more than 70 members.
For her Future Shaper prize, she selected moon floor mats, a giant inflatable moon, and a Lego model of the International Space Station.
“The ‘wows’ of excitement were fantastic and [the resources] have provided such wonderful learning opportunities for the kids, especially with the Artemis II & III missions to the Moon coming up in the next few years,” she says.
Sharni Silvestri – STEM teacher, regional WA
Silvestri encourages her primary students to draw on STEM to help tackle real-world challenges. Outside the classroom, she also organises an annual ‘STEMathon’ for her community.
Her choice of Future Shaper prize was a contribution towards a set of LEGO Spike Prime robotics kits. Silvestri describes it as a “game-changer.”
“Students who had never engaged with robotics are starting to explore and experiment,” she says.
“We are just at the start of our journey with LEGO robotics, and my next challenge is to upskill myself so I can learn alongside the students.”
Elise Thornthwaite – teacher and family educator, Tiwi Island
Thornthwaite creates culturally relevant experiences for students and their families, with a focus on building curiosity and nurturing problem-solving skills.
“Our activities include math and science exploration through natural materials, and cultural activities that connect to Tiwi knowledge and traditions,” she says.
She received classroom resources, play-based learning materials, as well as a drone for Learning on Country sessions.
“The drone offers a way for students and families to connect with their land in a meaningful, engaging way. I expected these resources to enrich the children’s learning experiences, and so far, they have done exactly that,” Thornthwaite says.
Applying for Adult Future Shapers
Adult Future Shapers is one part of the broader STEM Together program, which is powered by CSIRO and BHP Foundation.
With many groups currently underrepresented in STEM, including regional, rural and remote school students, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students, girls and students from lower opportunity areas, applications where candidates help students from at least one of these groups to build their STEM skills are welcomed.
“I encourage anyone passionate about making a difference in young people’s lives, especially through STEM education, to apply,” Silvestri says.
Applications to become a 2025 Adult Future Shaper close on Thursday, 5 December 2024.
