#STEMLIKEAPATSGIRL CONFERENCE

Our ninth annual #STEMLikeAPatsGirl Conference was a wonderful celebration of curiosity and innovation, bringing together more than 200 participants during Science Week. Students explored the exciting world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics through a range of hands-on workshops – from coding, forensic anatomy and allied health, to virtual reality, paramedics and rocket science.

We extend our thanks to Guest Speaker, Dinosaur Palaeontologist Adele Pentland, for her fascinating insights into pterosaurs – the extraordinary flying reptiles. We are also grateful to Rummage Technical, The Marketing Factory and the Queensland Government Engaging Science Grants Program for their support in empowering girls in STEM and making this event possible.

 

YEAR 5 & 6 GIRLS EXPLORE THE FUTURE OF SPACE HABITATION IN #STEMLIKEAPATSGIRL WORKSHOP

As part of the STEM Like a Pats Girl introduction day, incoming Year 5 and 6 students engaged in a hands-on workshop that encouraged them to think like future space explorers. Using micro:bits, environmental sensors, technology tools, and robotics, the girls were challenged to design and test solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of human spaceflight and habitation beyond Earth.

Tackling Real-World Space Challenges

Students programmed micro:bits connected to CO₂ and temperature sensors, capturing real-time data to monitor environmental conditions—an essential skill for sustainable living in space habitats where air quality and climate control are critical. They linked this learning to the reality of maintaining safe conditions on Mars or other planetary environments, gaining an understanding of how technology supports survival in extreme conditions.

The girls also applied technology design tools to imagine and prototype monitoring systems for use in extraterrestrial settlements. This gave them a chance to see how digital technology translates into practical, problem-solving innovation for future space exploration.

Robotic Exploration

The workshop culminated in a robotics challenge, where teams coded micro:bit–enabled rovers to simulate Martian exploration. These vehicles were tasked with navigating terrain, collecting cargo, and delivering it to a base station. The race to complete the mission sparked creativity, persistence, and teamwork—mirroring the challenges faced by astronauts and engineers working to advance human spaceflight.

(Photo: Hands-on STEM in action—Chris from STEM Punks helps the students prepare for their Mars rover race.)

A Stellar Guest: Dr Adele Pentland

The day was made even more special by the presence of Dr Adele Pentland, keynote speaker and distinguished vertebrate palaeontologist. Dr Pentland has described two of Australia’s most complete pterosaurs—Ferrodraco lentoni and Haliskia peterseni—and her research has been featured globally in The New York Times, National Geographic, the BBC, and The Washington Post. She is also a passionate science communicator, reaching diverse audiences through her ‘Pals in Palaeo’ podcast and her STEM outreach in regional and remote communities.

(Photo: Inspiring future innovators: Dr Adele Pentland (in dress) with Mrs CJ Lancashire (to her left), combining research excellence and classroom leadership to support girls in STEM.)

Building Futures in STEM and Space

By fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, this workshop prepared students to imagine and address the complex challenges of space exploration and sustainable habitation. Beyond the technology, the girls learned to:

  • Collaborate effectively within teams.
  • Communicate their ideas persuasively when justifying design choices.
  • Consider the ethical implications of their innovations, from sustainability to equity of access.

This interdisciplinary approach equips our students with the mindset and skills necessary to contribute to the development of sustainable, habitable environments beyond Earth—paving the way for future human settlements in space.

At St Patrick’s College Townsville, we are proud to inspire the next generation of innovators and explorers, giving them the confidence and capabilities to shape the future of humanity among the stars.

CJ Lancashire
Teacher – Science Faculty