As part of a wonderful opportunity led by CEWA our Year 8 students from our college took part in a transformative STEM Cultural Camp hosted and organised through the ATSIMA STEM initiative. The camp brought together a record 85 students from across the West Kimberley region for an unforgettable experience that blended science, technology, and First Nations culture. Held in the beautiful setting of Djarindjin Lombadina, Christ the King Djarindjin Lombadina and Sacred Heart School Beagle Bay students were also a part of this incredible learning on country.
The STEM camp offered a series of hands-on workshops led by First Nations STEM professionals, alongside cultural activities from the local community. The program highlighted how traditional knowledge and modern STEM practices can work together to care for Country and empower future generations.
The workshops included;
- Stop Motion Animation allowed students to learn the art of storytelling through stop motion animation, gaining skills to create smooth, natural-looking sequences. The workshop encouraged creativity and self-expression through digital media.
- Interactive session of Mapping Country with Drones explored how drone technology can help us see and understand Country from above. Students discovered how aerial imagery supports land care and storytelling, echoing the practices of their ancestors.
- The Murujuga Rock Art Science focused on the ancient Murujuga rock art. Students investigated how the rock surface formed and how environmental factors affect it, using passive air samplers and pH testing. They also used portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometers to uncover the elemental composition of rocks, revealing hidden minerals and deepening their understanding of geology.
- Students explored Big Trig, using simple tools like string and sticks, students applied trigonometry to measure the height of trees and other natural features. The activity demonstrated how mathematical principles can be used in everyday life.
- Indigenous STEM professionals led coding workshops that introduced students to digital skills and problem-solving through Deadly Coders. The sessions reinforced the message that STEM careers are not only accessible but essential for the future of our communities.
- Cultural Tours with Bundi’s Cultural Tours’, ‘Trevor’s Traditional Tours’ and local Lombadina Tours where students went out and explored the local area for mud crab.
The success of the camp was made possible through the collaboration of schools, educators, and community leaders. We are so grateful for the vision of Sandra Brogden, Team Leader CEWA and Heather Carter Sullivan, CEWA First Nations Consultant for their ongoing support and coordination of this incredible opportunity. A huge thanks to CEO AITSMA, Chris Matthews, Melinda Pearson and Louise McGeorge from ATSIMA for managing the logistics and making the camp a reality in our remote setting. We are extremely grateful to Ms Alicia, HOLA Maths and Science for leading our St Mary’s team, along with Ms Tessima, Mr Naish, Mr Din, Ms Zoe and Ms Hannah. Special thanks go to Christ the King Djarindjin Lombadina, and Sacred Heart School Beagle Bay for supporting student participation and working with the team. Our students were exceptional and represented our college proudly with our values of courage, love, empathy, acceptance and resilience. With enthusiastic participation and strong community support, the STEM Cultural Camp has shown the powerful impact of connecting First Nations culture with STEM education. It’s a reminder that when we bring together tradition, technology, and community, we create opportunities for learning that are truly deadly.
