MORE than 200 girls from northern suburbs primary schools were part of a three-day workshop in Karrinyup aimed at reducing the gender gap in some industries.
St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School hosted the fourth annual STEAMing Ahead Challenge for girls in years 1 to 6, which tries to increase the presence of women in science, technology, engineering, art and maths (STEAM).
Students from 15 primary schools, including Churchlands, Woodlands, Rosalie, Kapinara, Perth College and Whitfords Catholic, competed in teams to solve simulations such as cleaning up an oil spill, using coding to program robots to transport water and breaking water tension.
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READ NOWGuest speaker Josh Richards, who is one of 100 candidates shortlisted for the Mars One mission, inspired students to engage more with science and engineers from engineering firm WSP Global worked with students.
Teaching and learning co-ordinator Helen Shaw said the challenge was designed to address the gender gap in these fields and influence choices the girls make in their future.
“STEAMing Ahead aims to educate the girls, so that they are not left wondering what an engineering or a STEM related career may look like in the future,” she said.
“This positive message is further delivered by the involvement of young adults who are currently studying or working in STEM fields.
“Our guest speakers presented challenges that inspired and motivated the girls – all the while having fun.”