Regional WA’s biggest STEM showcase returns to Waroona with third annual STEMathon

Regional WA’s biggest STEM showcase made its grand return last week, with a Peel primary school hosting its third annual STEMathon.

Waroona’s St Joseph’s School opened the doors to more than 500 students from Pinjarra, Harvey and Mandurah on Wednesday as part of National Science Week.

The school had representatives from the Perth Observatory, Waroona Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation, local police, St John WA, and the Waroona Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services.

Curtin University’s Binar Space program also set up shop, showing off satellites with components similar to the ones launched from Waroona earlier this year.

World of Maths hosted interactive maths-based activities for the students, Mindflight7 VR gave them an up close look at the International Space Station and the Royal Aero Club of Western Australia had flight simulators in operation, giving kids the chance to test their piloting skills.

Principal Ronan Kelly said the efforts of the staff and the local community paid off with a successful day.

“We’ve had dozens of volunteers from our school community and beyond,” he said.

“I’m really proud of our school and that we’ve been able to put this event on again.”

Mr Kelly said the event could not have happened without the support of the community, local businesses like Schlam Engineering and the town’s IGA along with the event’s major sponsor Alcoa Australia.