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5/12/24
Regional school program with a core focus on rivers and reef eco-systems.
Hands-on learning, measuring environmental factors including water quality.
Healthy Rivers to Reef: STEM Learning in Action
Waterways are the lifeblood of communities, ecosystems, and industries, yet many students lack the opportunity to explore the science behind water health and sustainability. The Healthy Rivers to Reef STEM Challenge—a collaboration between STEM Punks and the Mackay-Whitsunday-Isaac Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership—is changing that. Through hands-on, inquiry-based learning, students are developing real-world skills while exploring how technology can be used to monitor and protect local waterways.
A Program with Impact
Designed for students in Years 6–9, the one-day innovation challenge took place in four schools across Mackay, bringing together students, educators, and STEM professionals. The program helped students make direct connections between science, sustainability, and future career pathways.
Key Outcomes (as of July 2024):
✅ 183 students participated
✅ 19 school staff engaged in professional learning, including Traditional Owner representation
✅ 7 STEM professionals from environmental and marine science backgrounds contributed
✅ 52% female, 46% male participation, with 2% preferring not to say
With six additional school deliveries planned, the program’s reach is set to expand further in late 2024 and early 2025.
Hands-On STEM for Real-World Challenges
The Healthy Rivers to Reef STEM Challenge was designed to be interactive, student-driven, and solution-focused. Through a design thinking approach, students worked through key stages of problem-solving, from understanding local waterway health issues to prototyping and testing their own innovations.
Program Activities:
• Smart Sensor Coding – Students programmed environmental sensors to collect real-time data.
• Waterway Infrastructure Prototyping – Building self-supporting structures to address erosion and runoff issues.
• Collaborative Design Challenges – Brainstorming and refining ideas using real-world case studies.
• 3D Design – Usign Minecraft to create a water quality solution for the rivers, estuary or coral reed systems.
By linking local sustainability issues with technology and engineering, students were encouraged to think critically about how innovation can address environmental challenges.
“Our students had an amazing time and really connected with the hands-on approach. Several have already asked when we can do this again!” – Maddison Kirkpatrick, Head of Department, Mackay North State High School
Student Learning & Feedback
The program wasn’t just about science and technology—it was about sparking curiosity and confidence in students. The survey data showed a strong positive impact on student engagement with STEM.
Student Survey Results (98 responses):
✅ 81% said the experience changed the way they think about STEM education.
✅ 89% felt the challenge was an effective way to learn about STEM.
✅ 79% reported increased understanding of STEM career pathways.
✅ 84% would like to participate again.
“Seeing students collaborating and sharing ideas was fantastic—there was a real buzz around the room. Partnerships like this help prepare young people for an unknown future.” – Mick Martin, Head of Junior School, Whitsunday Anglican School
“Our students had an amazing time and really connected with the hands-on approach. Several have already asked when we can do this again!” – Maddison Kirkpatrick, Head of Department, Mackay North State High School
Looking Ahead
With growing interest from schools and students, the Healthy Rivers to Reef STEM Challenge is set to expand, bringing more real-world, hands-on STEM experiences to regional Queensland. The next phase of the program will continue to build student awareness of environmental sustainability and innovation, fostering a new generation of problem-solvers who understand the role of science and technology in protecting our natural resources.
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