Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) was showcased to 18 wheatbelt schools in an exciting forum, held in Wongan Hills last Thursday and Friday.
The annual Wheatbelt Science Forum bought together the best scientists and professors in Perth, to one teaching event.
The special guest was neuroscientist professor Lyn Beazley who is also former 2015 West Australian of the Year and Chief Scientist of WA from 2006-2013.
Students had the chance to learn from world renowned physicist, professor David Blair who discovered new theories on gravitational waves in 2016, as well as other scientific leaders.
Over the two-days, students learnt about robots, coding, physics, sustainability, virtual technology and other STEM ideas.
The students were broken up into groups and rotated around the workshops.
Teachers from the wheatbelt schools also received professional learning in a separate building.
Wheatbelt regional executive director Alison Ramm attended this kind of event demonstrates the reason why educational networks help provide students with a better learning experience.
“This is the reason why we get schools to work together,” said Ms Ramm.
“There are some things small schools can not do alone and this is one of them.
“This is one of the best days in WA in terms of the quality of presenters.”
Ms Ramm said presenters strive to be part of the event because of its popularity and the speakers it has attracted over the past three years.
Wheatbelt science consultant and forum organiser Velu Ramasamy said the event is great for the wheatbelt.
“It is fulfilling to get these exceptional people together in one place,” he said.
“It is such a great thing for students and teachers. “Presenters volunteer their time to come and teach the future generation.
“We had a lot of good feedback on the whole forum from students, teachers and presenters.” Mr Ramasamy said he believes STEM was successfully showcased to the students.
“They were so curious and the questioned they were asking were amazing,” he said. Mr Ramasamy said he had built strong science connections over ten years in the wheatbelt, which started when he was a science teacher at Avonvale Primary School.
But he said the day could not have been successful without all of the help he received. “A lot of people worked together to make this happen, from the science community to the presenters to Wongan Hill District High School,” he said.