Schools receive visits from STEM professionals

Students will hear directly from professionals and parliamentarians who tackle national challenges such as climate change, to food security, to the ageing population, as part of their work in STEM.

The aim of the event, which is run annually, is to make careers in the STEM fields more visible and relatable for students.

CSIRO education and outreach director Mary Mulcahy said the event was a key way to inspire the next generation of workers in STEM-related fields.

"Connecting students to real life STEM experiences is an important part of helping students see their path from the classroom to solving national challenges with their work," she said.

"STEM professionals can make subjects come to life by sharing their work and their excitement about what they do. "

CSIRO chief scientist Dr Cathy Foley said a workforce with high STEM literacy was essential for the future prosperity of Australia.

"We can't think about science as something which is locked away in a lab; it connects and drives everything we touch and do," she said.

RELATED READING: Ag teacher wins big education award

"Science creates new industries, new jobs and shapes the minds and aspirations of our future leaders."

Industry, Science and Technology Minister Karen Andrews MP, said studying STEM subjects could lead to a diverse range of careers, and was important for many fields.

"STEM skills can be the launch-pad of many careers and will also be essential in many others, so we need to inspire all students to take up and stick with STEM subjects," she said.