It’s never too early or late to learn about the fascinating world of Quantum and Advanced technologies!

Queensland is actively exploring ways to incorporate quantum education into STEM initiatives at the school level, recognising its importance in preparing the next generation for future needs. STEM education fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills, nurturing curiosity and establishing a strong foundation for a diverse talent pipeline in countless professions. By supporting STEM initiatives, Queensland invests in cultivating a knowledgeable and skilled population ready to drive innovation, seize economic potential, and showcase competitive edge on the global stage.

Below are just a few STEM initiatives catered for school students:

STEM Girl Power Initiative

The STEM Girl Power Initiative is a year-long program that engages girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The initiative aims to demonstrate the diversity of STEM pathways and encourage girls’ participation in senior STEM subjects and careers through innovative activities, events, and sessions with leading STEM stakeholders and through sessions with female role models. The initiative builds from information and awareness sessions to leadership and ambassador workshops that encourage Year 10 students to become STEM Ambassadors in their own school and region before becoming a member of the STEM Girl Power Alumni Community. School principals may nominate one Year 9 student to participate in the initiative in the following year – when the student is in Year 10. Visit STEM Girl Power or contact stem@qed.qld.gov.au for more information.

STEM Girl Power Camp

Up to 60 state high school students from across all regions of Queensland are selected to participate in the annual STEM Girl Power Camp. During camp, students travel to Brisbane where they participate in a variety of activities at locations including universities and research institutions. Students hear from leading experts and role models about STEM careers and develop their leadership skills as ambassadors for STEM. Upon their return to school, the students participate and organise STEM initiatives to promote National Science Week, with the support of their schools. Before the end of the year, students attend the STEM Girl Power Summit event where they showcase and celebrate their success as regional STEM Ambassadors and are officially welcomed as Alumni into the STEM Girl Power Community.

Premier's Coding Challenge

The Premier’s Coding Challenge is an annual, statewide initiative for all Queensland students in Year 3 to Year 10. The Premier’s Coding Challenge aims to encourage an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in Queensland students.

The theme for 2024 is #digitalinnovationqld. Students are aware of the challenges that they face each and every day and the ones which are impacting on their lives and others. They are living in a world where technologies enrich and impact on the lives of people and societies globally.

Students can develop an app, game or website and they must also submit a short video to explain or evaluate their entry.

Winners will receive prizes of coding and robotic kits (total prize pool $15,000), attend an awards ceremony, and engage with tech experts to develop their talent and awareness of future pathways.

Learn more about 2024 Premier’s Coding Challenge.

CSIRO’s STEM Professionals in schools

STEM Professionals in Schools is Australia’s largest national skilled volunteering program for STEM professionals and classroom educators. The program fosters flexible, ongoing partnerships between science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professionals and teachers in schools across Australia.

The initiative involves individually matching teachers with STEM professionals to collaboratively enhance teachers’ and students’ STEM skills, knowledge, and confidence through various activities. Each partnership is tailored to the partners’ combined expertise, the curriculum, student needs, and their availability.

Supported by the Australian Government Department of Education and delivered by CSIRO, STEM Professionals in Schools aims to enrich STEM education nationwide.

Learn more about STEM Professionals in schools.

Queensland Students Make Waves at the National Quantum Tech Camp!

In May 2024, young innovators from Ripley Valley State Secondary College, Foxwell State Secondary College, and Albany Creek State High School dived into the world of quantum computing at a three-day online camp. Hosted by the Sydney Quantum Academy and LA-based Qubit x Qubit, this event, now in its third year, welcomed its largest cohort ever with 52 high school students.

Students from across Australia came together, both in-person and virtually, to explore quantum computing. They learned from quantum researchers, engaged in live online lessons with physicists, and witnessed experiments and demonstrations by Quantum Girls.

Students appreciated the diverse range of talks, particularly those focused on future pathways in quantum computing in Australia. One student remarked, “I really enjoyed all the talks about future pathways in quantum computing in Australia, along with all the speakers at the camp.”

The camp successfully ignited a passion for quantum computing among participants. One student stated, “After completing the camp, I am determined to learn more in the field of quantum computing, it has struck a chord for me really.” Another affirmed, “This camp has boosted my confidence and piqued my interest in the world of quantum. I feel motivated and driven to learn more.”

When asked to describe the camp for others, one student responded, “The Quantum Camp was a fun, interactive, three-day long crash course on the fundamentals of Quantum Computing, delivered in a clear and concise manner, with a plethora of opportunities to get involved!”

Overall, the Quantum Tech Camp provided a unique and valuable experience for high school students, opening their eyes to the exciting possibilities within the field of quantum computing. The camp not only educated but also inspired a new generation of quantum enthusiasts, poised to explore and contribute to this cutting-edge field in the future.

Students left the camp with a sense of determination and curiosity, eager to delve deeper into the world of quantum mechanics and computing. As one student aptly put it, “Quantum computing is still in its infancy, and my generation will have the opportunity to see it prosper. The camp is a great opportunity to get students across Queensland excited about future opportunities in Quantum!”

Future STEM Leaders Explore Quantum at 2024 Girl Power Camp

During the 2024 STEM Girl Power Camp, 60 Year 10 students from across Queensland participated in a series of innovative workshops designed to enhance their Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics skills as future STEM ambassadors.

One highlight was the Quantum 101 session at the University of Queensland, led by Professor Andrew White. Students learned about current technological performance barriers, such as processor speed, MRI signal-to-noise ratio, solar cell efficiency, clocks and timing, battery efficiency, and sensing capabilities. The session delved into how quantum mechanics’ unique features—superposition, entanglement, and quantum measurement—can overcome these limitations.

Professor White explained how the second quantum revolution is set to advance communication, simulation, metrology, computations, and more.

Additionally, the session covered ongoing quantum computing developments in Queensland, emphasising government investment and the potential for students to leverage their STEM skills for future leadership roles in this emerging field.

When asked what they found surprising about quantum mechanics, one student remarked, “I was fascinated that they said that the future of technology is based on the human cell. That shows how interconnected the universe is.”

When asked about the Australian and Queensland governments investing to make the first quantum computer in the world, their responses included:

“I think that it’s a good idea, it puts Queensland and Australia on the map. It’s good to have something big happen for Queensland.”

“I think that is amazing for Australia to have something so futuristic and revolutionising here.”

Through the Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies Strategy the Department of Education looks forward to providing more exciting opportunities for all Queensland students.

Further information

For further information about the Queensland Quantum Academy, please contact the department.

Email: qldquantum@qld.gov.au