Chinchilla State School joined CS Energy and Shell’s QGC business to celebrate the opening of its new $79,000 Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Hub learning space today.
A renovation of the school’s old tuckshop building has transformed it into the new STEM Hub, which was made possible by fundraising from the school P&C and sponsorship from Shell’s QGC business and CS Energy.
Chinchilla State School Principal Chris Gilbert said the school community was very excited about the renovated facility.
“Through learning STEM, students develop their skills in critical thinking, collaboration and innovation,” Mr Gilbert said.
“What had been an unused building, is now a STEM Hub of activity.
“It is fantastic that our school now has a dedicated space to inspire, spark imagination and prepare students for the jobs of the future. We love it!”
Kogan Creek Power Station General Manager Phil Matha said CS Energy was proud to support a facility that would provide long-term benefits for students and the Chinchilla community. CS Energy provided partial funding for the project in Round 1 of our Community Sponsorships Program.
“STEM skills are used in the energy industry every day and the demand for these skills is set to increase in the future,” Mr Matha said.
“CS Energy looks forward to seeing how the new STEM Hub sparks the creativity and problem-solving skills of Chinchilla State School students.”
Part of the funding for the STEM Hub also came through Shell’s QGC Communities Fund, which is available to community groups to help them deliver great projects that meet local needs.
“Through the work we do with communities, we know that engaging and inspiring students to pursue the jobs of the future is really important,” Shell’s QGC Operations Manager Justin Golding said.
“We’re excited to see this project come to life and we’re looking forward to seeing the continued growth of the students as they challenge each other and utilise this new resource.”
The STEM Hub will be used by all classes in the school in specialist STEM lessons and projects such as using drones, creating Lego robotics, coding and Makerspace projects.
The school plans to hold two specialist STEM events each year - Forensic Science Workshop and Street Science. These events would be engaging hands-on shows/workshops delivered to all students.