With the demand for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) talent higher than ever, organisations are faced with finding new and innovative ways to prepare the next generation of engineers, nanotechnologists, machine learning experts, aerospace technicians and so on.

Founded by engineer, education consultant and author, Dr Adrian Bertolini and event specialist, Rachel Manneke-Jones, the intent of the ‘It Takes a Spark STEM Conference’ is to bring together students and teachers (Year 4 to 10) with each other as well as industry and universities using an authentic sharing and experiential model. Participants will connect with inspiring industry role models, share their current school based activities and projects with one another, create networks of teachers and student teams, and solve design challenges (e.g. using data to aid homeless people).

There are currently four ‘It Takes a Spark STEM Conferences’ being held across Australia in 2024. Each conference is hosted by a school that has a focus on empowering students to be extraordinary. Each conference is also supported by steering committees made up from leading local educators and school leaders in the Government, Catholic and Independent sectors.

• Embrace the opportunity to be a part of Australia’s leading STEM Conferences for educators and students
• Share your expertise and be recognised as a leader in STEM education
• Stay up to date with the latest innovations, technology and developments in the field
• Demonstrate your experience in delivering successful STEM activities and programs
• Network and collaborate with schools and educators from across Australia, gain ideas and inspiration from other STEM leaders
• Access two free tickets to attend the Conference
• Promotion of your participation on the Conference website, booklet and on social media
• Earn teacher professional development hours

Each conference opens with an inspiring keynote on the theme of being someone who makes a difference using the skills inherent in STEAM & Entrepreneurship (creativity, innovation, problem solving, critical thinking, courage).

In past years our keynotes included

• Dr Jennifer Laver – Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania TAS
• Dr Madeline Mitchell – Food Agility CRC, RMIT and Superstar of STEM VIC
• Dr Megan Verdon – Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania TAS
• Professor Jonti Horner – Centre for Astrophysics, , University of Southern QLD
• Charlie Guilloteau – Managing Director, Metis Design & Engineering; Microplastix; Hub on SX
• Rimma Shafikova – Senior Data Scientist, Virtual Gaming Worlds and Ballet Dancer
• Dr Sabine Bellstedt – International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research UWA and Superstar of STEM

The keynote is followed by two rotations of concurrent teacher mini-masterclasses and hands-on digidesign sessions for students and teachers. There will also be concurrent problem solvers sessions where students and teachers will work together to solve real life design or STEM challenges. A teacher networking and pathways session is organised during the day to encourage connections between schools, industry, organisations and sponsors.

You can see examples of the conference by visiting our Media and News page

The conferences have four opportunities for Teachers, Students, Industry, TAFEs, Universities, and STEM-based organisations to be involved in authentic and practical ways…

• DigiDesign: 40 minute hands-on STEM / STEAM workshops for students (Year 4 to 10) and teachers that link to the theme of the conference.
• Problem Solver Sessions: 80 minute design challenges that lead students and teachers through a real world challenge.
• STEM / STEAM Expo: hands-on activities that will last 10-15 minutes during a 40 minute rotation where teachers and students will move around the Expo.
• Teacher Mini-Masterclass: 40 minute and 80 minute hands-on masterclass on a STEM / STEAM topic that will make a difference for teachers to enact in their schools (limited number of availability).

A special session has been created for teachers to connect and network with representatives from universities, industry, and STEM organisations. The intention is to explore and discuss the latest STEM programs and pathway possibilities that schools can connect to. The format has yet to be fully decided upon however it is likely to involve a speed dating approach or an expo format.

If your organisation is interested and able we would appreciate your sponsorship – financial or in-kind. The conference deliberately caters to students and teachers from all socio-economic environments by keeping its conference fees low. We can only do this with the generosity of sponsorship from a range of organisations. To become a sponsor and discover the benefits please email Adrian (see below) for a prospectus or visit the Sponsorship page

We invite you to submit your application to present via the ‘submit a workshop’ links below. Alternatively, if you would like to discuss your workshop idea further, please contact Dr Adrian Bertolini at adrian@spark-educonference.com.au or via phone on 0413 036 382

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