AusEarthEd taps into next generation of Goldfields talent

Volcanic eruptions, biogeochemical cycles, and rock classification are just some of the topics Australian Earth Science Education will discuss with local high school students this month.

The not-for-profit education organisation will return to Kalgoorlie-Boulder for the second time this year to deliver free, interactive earth science workshops for local secondary schools next week.

Students from John Paul College, Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community High School, Eastern Goldfields Education Support Centre, and Fairbridge College will participate in hands-on workshops covering topics such as renewable and non-renewable resources, the earth’s structure, plate tectonics and biogeochemical cycles.

Science staff at Eastern Goldfields College will participate in a workshop to support the schools’ implementation of Year 11 earth and environmental science in 2025.

AusEarthEd chief executive Joanne Watkins said engaging secondary students in the Goldfields region was critical to nurturing the local workforce.

“Sparking interest in earth sciences and future career pathways is key to growing the region’s talent,” she said.

“With the support of partners like MRIWA (Minerals Research Institute of WA), we’re equipping teachers with the tools to inspire the next generation of STEM professionals.”

The sessions, supported by the Minerals Research Institute of WA, will run from November 11 to 13, and mark AusEarthEd’s ninth year visiting the Goldfields region.

In collaboration with MRIWA, AusEarthEd developed educational resources, which includes materials in Indigenous languages.

The organisation collaborated with the Goldfields Aboriginal Language Centre to produce local language posters and accompanying videos.

All schools in the region received free posters earlier in the year.