Questacon Maker Project
Australia’s future as a knowledge economy depends on emerging generations engaging with foundations skills in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre offers interactive workshops and activities developed especially for school students in Years 6–12. Designed to immerse and engage students in ideas, tools and creativity, the Questacon Maker Project workshops support science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education with strong links to the Australian Curriculum.
Thefree two-hour workshops conducted in the purpose built Maker Space at The Ian Potter Foundation Technology Learning Centre in Deakin, are delivered by a team of young, professional and vibrant STEM educated facilitators, and provide students with in-depth exposure to the innovation principles of need, think, make, try and refine.
Questacon Maker Projectworkshops explore creative thinking using simple tools, materials, and emerging technology such as 3D printing and robotics.
In workshops, students are presented with different challenges and learning experiences to expand their lateral and logical thinking, as well as increase confidence in their ability to work through problems to reach a solution.
Using inquiry based learning, students are supported through the integral aspects of learning such as conversation, interaction with others, and the application of knowledge to think innovatively and construct meaning and understanding of the world around them.
In addition to the workshops delivered at the Ian Potter Foundation Technology Learning Centre, Maker Project also offer interactive virtual excursion workshops via video conference to schools across Australia. Suitable for students in Years 5–10, the one-hour STEM workshops engage students in challenging engineering, design and maths problems.
Maker Project aims to create an awareness of technology, engineering and design thinking in young Australians, providing a chance for students to explore and invent, and it is through this invention and exploration that the potential for innovation resides.
The Maker Project is delivered as part of the broader Questacon Smart SkillsInitiative, a national initiative that engages young people in design thinking, technology, creativity and innovation through a range of programmes. The Smart Skills Initiative is funded jointly by the Australian Government and Principal Partner, The Ian Potter Foundation.
Further information about the Questacon Maker Projectis available at
King Edward Terrace Canberra
Phone: 02 6270 2800
Media enquiries:
Phone: 02 6213 6308
Current August 2016