News

Albemarle volunteers have lent their expertise to mentor more than 250 south-west primary students as part of a series of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) challenges.

The students in years 5 and 6 from eight local primary schools, tested their critical thinking and problem-solving skills at the Albemarle Science and Engineering Discovery Day, aimed at encouraging youth to consider future careers in STEM fields.

The event, held on Thursday 4 May and organised by the Rotary Club of Bunbury Leschenault, was designed to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers through a variety of activities that included testing the strength of towers in an earthquake and building a buggy for Mars.

Albemarle Country Manager Beverley East said the company was committed to promoting STEM education and supporting the communities in which the company operates.

“This is Albemarle’s third year sponsoring this wonderful initiative, as it provides a great opportunity to promote STEM education throughout the south-west,” she said.

“As more and more students recognise the value of STEM skills in today’s job market, schools and organisations are stepping up to provide innovative and engaging programs to equip students with the skills and knowledge they will need to solve the complex challenges facing our world.

“It was wonderful to have volunteers from Albemarle share their knowledge and passion for science and engineering by supervising and assisting the students as they worked on various activities.

“The volunteers were instrumental in making the event a success and providing guidance and encouragement to students throughout the day.”

Albemarle Laboratory Superintendent Dana Walker said being a mentor to young people was extremely rewarding.

"We were thrilled to see the students so engaged and excited about the challenges," she said.

“It was a great opportunity for us to give back to the community and to ignite a passion in young students interested in STEM fields.”

Winners of the overall challenge on the day who made the most stable structure were students from Bunbury Primary School.

The regional event was part of the Science and Engineering Challenge and Discovery Days, which saw a total participation of 40 schools and more than 1,280 students over five days.