Regional students to capture the sun in science program

Students at two schools near major renewable energy projects will be challenged to create solar-powered toy cars and design sustainable houses in bid to foster science education in regional areas.
Major energy retailer Alinta and the Australian Academy of Technical Science and Engineering launched their partnership on Monday, revealing an extension to the STELR education program for schools in NSW and South Australia.
The announcement comes days after Women 4 STEM called for greater funding to encourage students to study science, technology engineering and maths in regional areas, amid fears artificial intelligence technology could disadvantage girls in particular.
Alinta will fund science kits for students at Melville High School near its Oven Mountain pumped hydro project in NSW, and at Gawler and District College in South Australia, near its Reeves Plains battery storage hub.
The schools were chosen for their proximity to renewable energy projects to foster curiosity about jobs in the growing future industry, Alinta chief executive Jeff Dimery said.
"It's about creating real connections between students, their communities and the future of energy," Mr Dimery said.
"By supporting schools near our future renewable energy sites, we're helping young people see themselves in the energy transition and giving them the tools to be part of it."
The energy firm will also provide in-person training for teachers, in addition to online resources and renewable energy kits that include mini solar panels and houses.
The STELR program, which began in 2008, has reached more than one million Australian students.
Teaching children science in a practical way would be vital to support the next generation of energy workers, academy chief executive Kylie Walker said.
"To effectively transition Australia's energy towards low-carbon and zero-carbon solutions, it's urgent that we educate and inspire school students and empower them to make the most of the careers of the future," she said.
"Supporting hands-on science, technology and engineering education in schools benefits students, teachers, society and the economy by building the skills, capability and motivations of the highly capable professionals who will deliver the energy projects of the future."
A federal Education Department study found 15-year-olds in remote areas of Australia were 1.5 years behind their urban peers in science studies on average, and performed significantly below the international average in mathematics.
Challenges identified by the research included limited access to resources and difficulty finding and retaining qualified science teachers.

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The Advertiser

2 hours ago

• The Advertiser

Regional students to capture the sun in science program

Students at two schools near major renewable energy projects will be challenged to create solar-powered toy cars and design sustainable houses in bid to foster science education in regional areas. Major energy retailer Alinta and the Australian Academy of Technical Science and Engineering launched their partnership on Monday, revealing an extension to the STELR education program for schools in NSW and South Australia. The announcement comes days after Women 4 STEM called for greater funding to encourage students to study science, technology engineering and maths in regional areas, amid fears artificial intelligence technology could disadvantage girls in particular. Alinta will fund science kits for students at Melville High School near its Oven Mountain pumped hydro project in NSW, and at Gawler and District College in South Australia, near its Reeves Plains battery storage hub. The schools were chosen for their proximity to renewable energy projects to foster curiosity about jobs in the growing future industry, Alinta chief executive Jeff Dimery said. "It's about creating real connections between students, their communities and the future of energy," Mr Dimery said. "By supporting schools near our future renewable energy sites, we're helping young people see themselves in the energy transition and giving them the tools to be part of it." The energy firm will also provide in-person training for teachers, in addition to online resources and renewable energy kits that include mini solar panels and houses. The STELR program, which began in 2008, has reached more than one million Australian students. Teaching children science in a practical way would be vital to support the next generation of energy workers, academy chief executive Kylie Walker said. "To effectively transition Australia's energy towards low-carbon and zero-carbon solutions, it's urgent that we educate and inspire school students and empower them to make the most of the careers of the future," she said. "Supporting hands-on science, technology and engineering education in schools benefits students, teachers, society and the economy by building the skills, capability and motivations of the highly capable professionals who will deliver the energy projects of the future." A federal Education Department study found 15-year-olds in remote areas of Australia were 1.5 years behind their urban peers in science studies on average, and performed significantly below the international average in mathematics. Challenges identified by the research included limited access to resources and difficulty finding and retaining qualified science teachers. Students at two schools near major renewable energy projects will be challenged to create solar-powered toy cars and design sustainable houses in bid to foster science education in regional areas. Major energy retailer Alinta and the Australian Academy of Technical Science and Engineering launched their partnership on Monday, revealing an extension to the STELR education program for schools in NSW and South Australia. The announcement comes days after Women 4 STEM called for greater funding to encourage students to study science, technology engineering and maths in regional areas, amid fears artificial intelligence technology could disadvantage girls in particular. Alinta will fund science kits for students at Melville High School near its Oven Mountain pumped hydro project in NSW, and at Gawler and District College in South Australia, near its Reeves Plains battery storage hub. The schools were chosen for their proximity to renewable energy projects to foster curiosity about jobs in the growing future industry, Alinta chief executive Jeff Dimery said. "It's about creating real connections between students, their communities and the future of energy," Mr Dimery said. "By supporting schools near our future renewable energy sites, we're helping young people see themselves in the energy transition and giving them the tools to be part of it." The energy firm will also provide in-person training for teachers, in addition to online resources and renewable energy kits that include mini solar panels and houses. The STELR program, which began in 2008, has reached more than one million Australian students. Teaching children science in a practical way would be vital to support the next generation of energy workers, academy chief executive Kylie Walker said. "To effectively transition Australia's energy towards low-carbon and zero-carbon solutions, it's urgent that we educate and inspire school students and empower them to make the most of the careers of the future," she said. "Supporting hands-on science, technology and engineering education in schools benefits students, teachers, society and the economy by building the skills, capability and motivations of the highly capable professionals who will deliver the energy projects of the future." A federal Education Department study found 15-year-olds in remote areas of Australia were 1.5 years behind their urban peers in science studies on average, and performed significantly below the international average in mathematics. Challenges identified by the research included limited access to resources and difficulty finding and retaining qualified science teachers. Students at two schools near major renewable energy projects will be challenged to create solar-powered toy cars and design sustainable houses in bid to foster science education in regional areas. Major energy retailer Alinta and the Australian Academy of Technical Science and Engineering launched their partnership on Monday, revealing an extension to the STELR education program for schools in NSW and South Australia. The announcement comes days after Women 4 STEM called for greater funding to encourage students to study science, technology engineering and maths in regional areas, amid fears artificial intelligence technology could disadvantage girls in particular. Alinta will fund science kits for students at Melville High School near its Oven Mountain pumped hydro project in NSW, and at Gawler and District College in South Australia, near its Reeves Plains battery storage hub. The schools were chosen for their proximity to renewable energy projects to foster curiosity about jobs in the growing future industry, Alinta chief executive Jeff Dimery said. "It's about creating real connections between students, their communities and the future of energy," Mr Dimery said. "By supporting schools near our future renewable energy sites, we're helping young people see themselves in the energy transition and giving them the tools to be part of it." The energy firm will also provide in-person training for teachers, in addition to online resources and renewable energy kits that include mini solar panels and houses. The STELR program, which began in 2008, has reached more than one million Australian students. Teaching children science in a practical way would be vital to support the next generation of energy workers, academy chief executive Kylie Walker said. "To effectively transition Australia's energy towards low-carbon and zero-carbon solutions, it's urgent that we educate and inspire school students and empower them to make the most of the careers of the future," she said. "Supporting hands-on science, technology and engineering education in schools benefits students, teachers, society and the economy by building the skills, capability and motivations of the highly capable professionals who will deliver the energy projects of the future." A federal Education Department study found 15-year-olds in remote areas of Australia were 1.5 years behind their urban peers in science studies on average, and performed significantly below the international average in mathematics. Challenges identified by the research included limited access to resources and difficulty finding and retaining qualified science teachers. Students at two schools near major renewable energy projects will be challenged to create solar-powered toy cars and design sustainable houses in bid to foster science education in regional areas. Major energy retailer Alinta and the Australian Academy of Technical Science and Engineering launched their partnership on Monday, revealing an extension to the STELR education program for schools in NSW and South Australia. The announcement comes days after Women 4 STEM called for greater funding to encourage students to study science, technology engineering and maths in regional areas, amid fears artificial intelligence technology could disadvantage girls in particular. Alinta will fund science kits for students at Melville High School near its Oven Mountain pumped hydro project in NSW, and at Gawler and District College in South Australia, near its Reeves Plains battery storage hub. The schools were chosen for their proximity to renewable energy projects to foster curiosity about jobs in the growing future industry, Alinta chief executive Jeff Dimery said. "It's about creating real connections between students, their communities and the future of energy," Mr Dimery said. "By supporting schools near our future renewable energy sites, we're helping young people see themselves in the energy transition and giving them the tools to be part of it." The energy firm will also provide in-person training for teachers, in addition to online resources and renewable energy kits that include mini solar panels and houses. The STELR program, which began in 2008, has reached more than one million Australian students. Teaching children science in a practical way would be vital to support the next generation of energy workers, academy chief executive Kylie Walker said. "To effectively transition Australia's energy towards low-carbon and zero-carbon solutions, it's urgent that we educate and inspire school students and empower them to make the most of the careers of the future," she said. "Supporting hands-on science, technology and engineering education in schools benefits students, teachers, society and the economy by building the skills, capability and motivations of the highly capable professionals who will deliver the energy projects of the future." A federal Education Department study found 15-year-olds in remote areas of Australia were 1.5 years behind their urban peers in science studies on average, and performed significantly below the international average in mathematics. Challenges identified by the research included limited access to resources and difficulty finding and retaining qualified science teachers.

The Advertiser

2 hours ago

• The Advertiser

Call for laws to stop harm to consumers, firms online

Australia needs new laws and regulations to prevent significant harm to consumers and businesses from the exploitative practices of US tech giants. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission issued the warning in its final Digital Platform Services report on Monday, following five years of monitoring social networks, online marketplaces, app stores and search engines. The 408-page report issued six recommendations but also raised future areas of concern including a lack of competition in cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) services, and risky behaviour involving online video games. The report comes six months after the federal government launched a public consultation into digital competition proposals, and after several tech firms complained to US officials about Australia's current digital media laws. The commission's tenth and final report highlighted four existing and two new recommendations to address anti-competitive and harmful behaviour from online platforms, and chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said existing laws were not equipped to protect Australians. "While these services have brought many benefits, they have also created harms that our current competition and consumer laws cannot adequately address," she said. "This is why we continue to recommend that targeted regulation of digital platform services is needed to increase competition and innovation and protect consumers in digital markets." Existing recommendations included a ban on unfair trading practices, enforceable codes of conduct for designated digital platforms including competition protections, and mandatory processes to help consumers, including removing scams and harmful apps, verifying advertisers, and introducing a digital ombudsman to handle disputes. A consumer survey conducted for the report found more than eight in 10 Australians supported the introduction of an independent dispute resolution body to handle complaints. Support was highest for the policing of general online marketplaces, like Amazon, Temu and eBay, followed by social networks such as Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, and online messaging platforms. The report also recommended the continued monitoring of online services and a permanent Digital Platform Regulators Forum comprised of existing media regulatory bodies to collaborate on streamlined legal reforms. Future areas of concern for the commission included the regulation of digital video games, such as the risk of accidental in-game spending, consumer harm from paid loot-boxes, and clear purchasing contracts. The report also noted concerns about a lack of competition in generative AI services and cloud computing, which could be dominated by firms including Amazon, Microsoft and Google. "Harms to competition in the generative AI sector could hamper innovation, result in lower quality products and services, and force Australian businesses and consumers to pay more than they otherwise would to utilise this technology," Ms Cass-Gottlieb said. The report completes the inquiry called by then-treasurer Josh Frydenberg in February 2020, and the Labor government has since committed to several changes based on its recommendations, including a ban on unfair trading practices. The government's consultation into proposed digital competition changes, including laws to govern app marketplaces, online advertising and social media, closed in February. Australia needs new laws and regulations to prevent significant harm to consumers and businesses from the exploitative practices of US tech giants. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission issued the warning in its final Digital Platform Services report on Monday, following five years of monitoring social networks, online marketplaces, app stores and search engines. The 408-page report issued six recommendations but also raised future areas of concern including a lack of competition in cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) services, and risky behaviour involving online video games. The report comes six months after the federal government launched a public consultation into digital competition proposals, and after several tech firms complained to US officials about Australia's current digital media laws. The commission's tenth and final report highlighted four existing and two new recommendations to address anti-competitive and harmful behaviour from online platforms, and chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said existing laws were not equipped to protect Australians. "While these services have brought many benefits, they have also created harms that our current competition and consumer laws cannot adequately address," she said. "This is why we continue to recommend that targeted regulation of digital platform services is needed to increase competition and innovation and protect consumers in digital markets." Existing recommendations included a ban on unfair trading practices, enforceable codes of conduct for designated digital platforms including competition protections, and mandatory processes to help consumers, including removing scams and harmful apps, verifying advertisers, and introducing a digital ombudsman to handle disputes. A consumer survey conducted for the report found more than eight in 10 Australians supported the introduction of an independent dispute resolution body to handle complaints. Support was highest for the policing of general online marketplaces, like Amazon, Temu and eBay, followed by social networks such as Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, and online messaging platforms. The report also recommended the continued monitoring of online services and a permanent Digital Platform Regulators Forum comprised of existing media regulatory bodies to collaborate on streamlined legal reforms. Future areas of concern for the commission included the regulation of digital video games, such as the risk of accidental in-game spending, consumer harm from paid loot-boxes, and clear purchasing contracts. The report also noted concerns about a lack of competition in generative AI services and cloud computing, which could be dominated by firms including Amazon, Microsoft and Google. "Harms to competition in the generative AI sector could hamper innovation, result in lower quality products and services, and force Australian businesses and consumers to pay more than they otherwise would to utilise this technology," Ms Cass-Gottlieb said. The report completes the inquiry called by then-treasurer Josh Frydenberg in February 2020, and the Labor government has since committed to several changes based on its recommendations, including a ban on unfair trading practices. The government's consultation into proposed digital competition changes, including laws to govern app marketplaces, online advertising and social media, closed in February. Australia needs new laws and regulations to prevent significant harm to consumers and businesses from the exploitative practices of US tech giants. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission issued the warning in its final Digital Platform Services report on Monday, following five years of monitoring social networks, online marketplaces, app stores and search engines. The 408-page report issued six recommendations but also raised future areas of concern including a lack of competition in cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) services, and risky behaviour involving online video games. The report comes six months after the federal government launched a public consultation into digital competition proposals, and after several tech firms complained to US officials about Australia's current digital media laws. The commission's tenth and final report highlighted four existing and two new recommendations to address anti-competitive and harmful behaviour from online platforms, and chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said existing laws were not equipped to protect Australians. "While these services have brought many benefits, they have also created harms that our current competition and consumer laws cannot adequately address," she said. "This is why we continue to recommend that targeted regulation of digital platform services is needed to increase competition and innovation and protect consumers in digital markets." Existing recommendations included a ban on unfair trading practices, enforceable codes of conduct for designated digital platforms including competition protections, and mandatory processes to help consumers, including removing scams and harmful apps, verifying advertisers, and introducing a digital ombudsman to handle disputes. A consumer survey conducted for the report found more than eight in 10 Australians supported the introduction of an independent dispute resolution body to handle complaints. Support was highest for the policing of general online marketplaces, like Amazon, Temu and eBay, followed by social networks such as Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, and online messaging platforms. The report also recommended the continued monitoring of online services and a permanent Digital Platform Regulators Forum comprised of existing media regulatory bodies to collaborate on streamlined legal reforms. Future areas of concern for the commission included the regulation of digital video games, such as the risk of accidental in-game spending, consumer harm from paid loot-boxes, and clear purchasing contracts. The report also noted concerns about a lack of competition in generative AI services and cloud computing, which could be dominated by firms including Amazon, Microsoft and Google. "Harms to competition in the generative AI sector could hamper innovation, result in lower quality products and services, and force Australian businesses and consumers to pay more than they otherwise would to utilise this technology," Ms Cass-Gottlieb said. The report completes the inquiry called by then-treasurer Josh Frydenberg in February 2020, and the Labor government has since committed to several changes based on its recommendations, including a ban on unfair trading practices. The government's consultation into proposed digital competition changes, including laws to govern app marketplaces, online advertising and social media, closed in February. Australia needs new laws and regulations to prevent significant harm to consumers and businesses from the exploitative practices of US tech giants. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission issued the warning in its final Digital Platform Services report on Monday, following five years of monitoring social networks, online marketplaces, app stores and search engines. The 408-page report issued six recommendations but also raised future areas of concern including a lack of competition in cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) services, and risky behaviour involving online video games. The report comes six months after the federal government launched a public consultation into digital competition proposals, and after several tech firms complained to US officials about Australia's current digital media laws. The commission's tenth and final report highlighted four existing and two new recommendations to address anti-competitive and harmful behaviour from online platforms, and chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said existing laws were not equipped to protect Australians. "While these services have brought many benefits, they have also created harms that our current competition and consumer laws cannot adequately address," she said. "This is why we continue to recommend that targeted regulation of digital platform services is needed to increase competition and innovation and protect consumers in digital markets." Existing recommendations included a ban on unfair trading practices, enforceable codes of conduct for designated digital platforms including competition protections, and mandatory processes to help consumers, including removing scams and harmful apps, verifying advertisers, and introducing a digital ombudsman to handle disputes. A consumer survey conducted for the report found more than eight in 10 Australians supported the introduction of an independent dispute resolution body to handle complaints. Support was highest for the policing of general online marketplaces, like Amazon, Temu and eBay, followed by social networks such as Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, and online messaging platforms. The report also recommended the continued monitoring of online services and a permanent Digital Platform Regulators Forum comprised of existing media regulatory bodies to collaborate on streamlined legal reforms. Future areas of concern for the commission included the regulation of digital video games, such as the risk of accidental in-game spending, consumer harm from paid loot-boxes, and clear purchasing contracts. The report also noted concerns about a lack of competition in generative AI services and cloud computing, which could be dominated by firms including Amazon, Microsoft and Google. "Harms to competition in the generative AI sector could hamper innovation, result in lower quality products and services, and force Australian businesses and consumers to pay more than they otherwise would to utilise this technology," Ms Cass-Gottlieb said. The report completes the inquiry called by then-treasurer Josh Frydenberg in February 2020, and the Labor government has since committed to several changes based on its recommendations, including a ban on unfair trading practices. The government's consultation into proposed digital competition changes, including laws to govern app marketplaces, online advertising and social media, closed in February.

Perth Now

4 hours ago

• Perth Now

Regional students to capture the sun in science program

Students at two schools near major renewable energy projects will be challenged to create solar-powered toy cars and design sustainable houses in bid to foster science education in regional areas. Major energy retailer Alinta and the Australian Academy of Technical Science and Engineering launched their partnership on Monday, revealing an extension to the STELR education program for schools in NSW and South Australia. The announcement comes days after Women 4 STEM called for greater funding to encourage students to study science, technology engineering and maths in regional areas, amid fears artificial intelligence technology could disadvantage girls in particular. Alinta will fund science kits for students at Melville High School near its Oven Mountain pumped hydro project in NSW, and at Gawler and District College in South Australia, near its Reeves Plains battery storage hub. The schools were chosen for their proximity to renewable energy projects to foster curiosity about jobs in the growing future industry, Alinta chief executive Jeff Dimery said. "It's about creating real connections between students, their communities and the future of energy," Mr Dimery said. "By supporting schools near our future renewable energy sites, we're helping young people see themselves in the energy transition and giving them the tools to be part of it." The energy firm will also provide in-person training for teachers, in addition to online resources and renewable energy kits that include mini solar panels and houses. The STELR program, which began in 2008, has reached more than one million Australian students. Teaching children science in a practical way would be vital to support the next generation of energy workers, academy chief executive Kylie Walker said. "To effectively transition Australia's energy towards low-carbon and zero-carbon solutions, it's urgent that we educate and inspire school students and empower them to make the most of the careers of the future," she said. "Supporting hands-on science, technology and engineering education in schools benefits students, teachers, society and the economy by building the skills, capability and motivations of the highly capable professionals who will deliver the energy projects of the future." A federal Education Department study found 15-year-olds in remote areas of Australia were 1.5 years behind their urban peers in science studies on average, and performed significantly below the international average in mathematics. Challenges identified by the research included limited access to resources and difficulty finding and retaining qualified science teachers.