Most conferences currently being offered on STEM, STEAM and Entrepreneurship tend to be targeted towards teachers and involve a series of speakers and the occasional mini-workshops. This conference is designed to be different. This conference is designed by students and teachers for students and teachers.
The intent of the It Takes a Spark STEM Conference is to bring together Students (Year 4 to 10) and Teachers to connect with inspiring industry role models, share their current school based activities and projects using an authentic sharing and experiential model, create networks of teachers and student teams, and solve social justice design challenges.
The participation of the students is as important as teachers as our intent is to ignite, empower and nurture both to be leaders of STEM and Entrepreneurship within their schools. This is a conference designed and led by students and teachers for students and teachers.
Teachers will have both formal and informal opportunities to speak to other teachers who have enacted programs and activities in their schools and get their questions answered.
The Problem Solver design challenges are all hands-on so students and teachers will experience first-hand what it is like to be part of great STEM and entrepreneurial learning. This will spark new ideas about curriculum and pedagogy.
Who the conference is for…
- Year 4 to 10 students: those who are already (or aspire to be) STEM Leaders in your school OR students’ schools wish to spark an interest in, and engagement in STEM
- Teachers: those who have little experience and those who have a lot, looking to be inspired, participate in hands-on professional learning and network with peers
- Heads of Learning Areas / Curriculum: who wish to connect and elevate their STEM discipline
- Principals and Deputy Principals: to witness what is possible by embedding STEM authentically in your school
- …and the event is a 4.5 hour Professional Learning day for teachers – certificate provided.
Teacher Professional Development Stream
“Many teachers and schools are challenged by HOW to create STEM learning that develops students across the years to be the independent critical thinkers and problem solvers the world needs.
We will bring together some of Australia’s leading practitioners in the fields of design, technology, curriculum planning, student engagement and STEM learning to develop a special Teacher Professional Development stream at this year’s It Takes a Spark STEM Conference.
Every session is designed to provide teachers with the insight, practical guidance and resources they need to improve their planning and practice upon return to their schools. The professional learning will support teachers no matter their prior background, confidence, or capability.”
QUEENSLAND
THURSDAY, 25 JUNE 2026
AGENDA
9.15 AM
REGISTRATION
9.45 AM
MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Welcome to Participants, Set up for the Day, Housekeeping
9.55 AM
KEYNOTE SPEAKER – Dr Naomi Paxton MedTed Innovator, Propel Health AI
10.25 – 11.25 AM
STEM Expo
60 minute session
- Hands-on STEM activities for Year 4 to 10 students and teachers
- Opportunity to engage in multiple STEM experiences
- Presented by STEM students / educators / universities / sponsors / organisations
- 10-15 min activity, moving between activities during the 60 minute session
Expo Space
11.25 to 11.40 AM
BREAK
An quick break before moving to the next preselected workshops
11.40 AM to 12.20 PM
DIGIDESIGN MINI-WORKSHOPS – ROTATION TWO
40 minute session
- Preselected parallel mini-workshop sessions on a specific STEM topic
- For Teachers and Students
- Hands-on STEM learning for Year 4 to 10 students
- Presented by STEM students / educators / universities / sponsors / organisations
Breakout Rooms
Pre-registration required
11.40 AM to 12.20 PM
TEACHER ONLY PARALLEL SESSIONS
Teacher Masterclass
40 minute session
- Preselected parallel sessions
- Hands-on masterclass on a STEM topic that will make a difference for teachers to enact in their school
- Presented by STEM educators / universities / sponsors / organisations
Breakout Rooms
Pre-registration required
12.25 to 12.45 PM
LUNCH
- A light lunch included for students, teachers and presenters.
- An opportunity to network with other teachers and students.
12.50 to 2.00 PM
PROBLEM SOLVERS DESIGN CHALLENGE
70 minute session
- Preselected parallel sessions
- Aimed at Year 4 to 10 students and teachers
- This session involves real life design challenges where attendees are led through the design process to ideate and present possible solutions
- Presented by STEM students / educators / universities / sponsors / organisations
Breakout Rooms
Pre-registration required
12.50 to 2.00 PM
TEACHER ONLY PARALLEL SESSIONS
Teacher Masterclass
70 minute session
- Preselected parallel sessions
- Hands-on masterclass on a STEM topic that will make a difference for teachers to enact in their school
- Presented by STEM educators / universities / sponsors / organisations
Breakout Rooms
Pre-registration required
2.00 PM
WHERE TO NEXT, FEEDBACK AND CLOSE OF QLD CONFERENCE
- Completion of feedback form
- Invitation to be on the 2027 Steering Committee
2.15 PM
END OF CONFERENCE
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
VENUE
Grace Lutheran College, Rothwell Campus
Anzac Ave & Mewes Rd
Rothwell QLD 4022
DATE Thursday, 25 June 2026
TIME / AGENDA 9.15am open
9.45am start – 2.15pm finish
Read School FAQ’s – suggestions on who should attend, answers about what stage you are at and if the conference will suit, registration T&C’s, and more…
Teachers are able to attend without students
We recommend max 25 students per school with minimum teacher ratio of 1T:10S
CREATE SPARKS IN LEARNING FOR TEACHERS, STUDENTS AND EDUCATORS! BECOME A SPONSOR…
To discuss sponsorship contact Dr Adrian Bertolini – Conference coordinator
Email: adrian@spark-educonferences.com.au or Call +61 0 413 036 382
GET IN TOUCH WITH US
Rachel Manneke-Jones
Registration & Bookings
Ph: 0411 270 277
E: rachel@spark-educonferences.com.au
Dr Adrian Bertolini
Conference Co-Ordinator
Ph: 0413 036 382
E: adrian@spark-educonferences.com.au
Stay Connected
Facebook: @SparkSTEMConference
Instagram: Spark.in.STEAM
LinkedIn: spark-educonferences
© 2025 Intuyu Consulting Pty Ltd