Radicle roadshow is catching stars

Katherine the Astronaut will be blasting into the Territory to join Charles Darwin University (CDU) Radicle Centre’s roadshow.

This year’s roadshow has expanded to include three engaging evenings in partnership with the Australian Space Agency and Australian astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg.

The roadshow is in its 6^th year of touring to remote school across the Top End. This year the roadshow will be visiting, schools, local libraries and auditoriums with the main goal of showcasing the wonderful world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to all students. 

Ms Bennell-Pegg, the first astronaut trained under the Australian flag, said she was thrilled to be getting out into Territory communities.

“One of the best parts of my job is meeting young Australians and exciting them about the wonders of space and STEM,” Ms Bennell-Pegg said.

“It’s so important that our kids know that STEM is more than just rocket scientists or people in white coats in labs – any person from any place or any background with a variety of skills can have an exciting STEM career.

“We can only realise our full potential as a nation and a Future Made in Australia with a diverse technical workforce, and that means embracing people and creating opportunities in every corner of our vast landscape.”

On top of the opportunity to meet with the Australian astronaut, students will participate in hands-on learning activities led by CDU academics and students, activities include; making you own solar powered fan or water microscope, to building Lego cars and more.

CDU Radicle Centre Director and Senior Lecturer STEM pathways Dr Carla Eisemberg said the roadshow is about making STEM education accessible and engaging by breaking down barriers and inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers and IT professionals.

“When a child grows up in a regional or remote areas there is often less exposure to the world of STEM, so this roadshow is about offering that opportunity to young people and getting them excited about the world of science and technology,” Dr Eisemberg said. 

This year the Radicle Roadshow will be hosting three interactive sessions with Ms Bennell-Pegg at CDU’s Casuarina campus on November 10, Batchelor Institute on the November 11 and Katherine High School’s gymnasium on November 12. 

The roadshow will continue with visits to five primary schools across the Top End including Barunga, Elliot and Mataranka. 

The roadshow has been supported by CDU and Inspired NT, in partnership with the Australian Space Agency and Questacon. 

This year the CDU Radicle team opened their new STEM Engagement Centre at the Danala Campus, the first STEM Engagement centre north of Brisbane.