Young STEM leaders inspire almost 400 students at CQU expo

By Priscilla Roberts

Almost 400 school students from across Central Queensland have explored the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics at a Young STEM Expo hosted by CQUniversity STEM Central.

Held as part of National Science Week (26 August), the expo brought together Year 6 students from Trinity College and Year 9 and Year 11 robotics students, who designed and delivered a series of hands-on STEM activities for visiting students from eight schools across Rosedale, Miriam Vale, Gladstone and Boyne Island.

The event was delivered in partnership with Trinity College and the Inspiring Australia STEM Hub network, with support from the Queensland Government.

Students rotated through 14 interactive activities, including building da Vinci bridges, launching whirlybirds from the staircase, programming Blue-Bots and Ozobots, coding, constructing circuits, playing soccer with rovers, building catapults and experimenting with Sphero Minis and Makey Makey kits.

The expo even featured a retro gaming station, where students could revisit classics including Sonic the Hedgehog, Space Invaders and Pac-Man.

The activities were co-designed by students and educators and included curriculum-linked lessons and resources for teachers.

Trinity College STEM specialist teacher Cara Morgan delivers upper-primary Digital Technology classes at STEM Central each week, giving students access to CQUniversity’s specialist facilities and resources.

“The Young STEM Expo provided a way to showcase the work that Cara is doing with her classes from Trinity College who are utilising the wonderful resources we have here at CQUniversity and STEM Central,” STEM Central Lead Associate Professor Pfeiffer said.

Visiting students were also invited to vote for the activities they enjoyed most and those they felt helped them learn the most, providing feedback on the hands-on learning experience.

The expo formed part of National Science Week activities coordinated through the Inspiring Australia STEM Hub network.

The newly established STEM Central Collaborative has also secured three years of funding from 2026 to 2028 from Australia Pacific LNG, operated downstream by ConocoPhillips, Santos and Shell QGC.

The funding provides STEM Central with support through to 2028, marking 10 years since the facility opened in 2018 and reinforcing its role in connecting regional students with STEM learning opportunities.