STEM meets LEGO: CQU brings the Young Engineers program to Noosa these school holidays

Noosa primary school students are brushing up on their LEGO building skills as they prepare to dive into the exciting world of science' technology' engineering and mathematics (STEM) through CQUniversity's Young Engineers program.

The unique and highly popular program is designed to ignite a student's passion for STEM by exploring the careers of the future with the use of LEGO.

Students from Years 1 to 6 will combine the use of hardware' LEGO-compatible building blocks and coding to create prototypes to solve real-world problems.

Program coordinator CQUniversity Deputy Director of Online Systems and Future Proofing' Mr Pavle Jeric said he is excited to bring the program to the Noosa region for the first time.

"This is a really unique program that allows children to have fun while learning critical skills for the digital age'" Mr Jeric said.

During the two-day workshop' instructors will aim to challenge and inspire the students to follow a career in engineering or science by highlighting the unique and fun activities they can undertake.

"Different levels of the program cater to a range of ages and abilities. The students will build everything from windfarms' remote-controlled robots and sensor-activated devices while getting to experience what mechanical' mechatronic' software and other engineers do every day. All the machines move and work at the press of a button."

CQUniversity Associate Dean School of Education and the Arts' Coordinator of CQUniversity's Teacher Education Study Centre Dr Angelina Ambrosetti said the Noosa region has a lot to offer school students during the holidays' but often these are sports related or are more creative arts-based activities.

"The Young Engineers workshop will provide students with the opportunity to develop 21st century skills such as problem solving' collaboration and decision making in a fun' hands-on learning environment'" Dr Ambrosetti said.

"The primary school curriculum is crowded and with such a chaotic start to the school year' the opportunity to explore and experiment while problem solving is invaluable. The hands-on nature of the workshop will also ensure that the students are engaged and having fun while using their creativity."

Dr Ambrosetti said she thinks it is fantastic that students from all primary age groups can participate in this workshop.

The workshop will be held at Noosaville State School on Tuesday' 5 and Wednesday' 6 April. Registrations are still open' but places are limited. Visit www.cq.young-engineers.com.au/registration to find out more.