Earlier this year The Kids Research Institute Australia came to Broome for the third year in a row to host a two-day STEM festival (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
Students from Years 3–10 from eight different schools and communities participated in the event, with a variety of displays and experiments. Students could learn about UV radiation and sugary drinks, and have fun making DNA. Local organisations were invited to attend the festival with their own exhibitions, to show our Kimberley kids how much fun a career in science can be. Environs Kimberley staff Kylie Weatherall and Alex Gibson put on a Wetland Wonderland display, with a helping hand from volunteer Kim Frank-Koczwara.
Our own mini wetland. How many species can you spot?
First off, the students were taught about the great diversity of wetlands we have here in the Kimberley. Next was a water filtration experiment, where the students tested how effective wetlands are at absorbing excessive rainfall and filtering out surplus sediment. Listening to the beats of singing zoologist Lucas Millar, the students enjoyed a music video full of engaging and easily digestible wetland facts.
Kylie and Alex engaging the students in our wetland water filtration experiment.
Finally, EK created its very own wetland, with a range of species: Australian rainbowfish, our common friendly garden resident, the green tree frog, and plants such as lilies and sedge. Students were tasked with identifying the different species in our aquarium, to demonstrate how high biodiversity creates a healthy ecosystem. Over 670 students participated in the STEM event. We were thankful for this opportunity to engage, educate and inspire the budding scientists of our Kimberley community.
- Alex Gibson
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