More than 1,400 schoolgirls and 80 teachers will head to Melbourne’s iconic Luna Park to participate in the inaugural AIR4 initiative, which aims to encourage young women to see the value in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
From designing energy-efficient carousels, learning about driverless cars to bringing ghost trains into the 21st century, AIR4 Life – the first event of the AIR4 initiative – will see students use the rides at the historic theme park to better understand how STEM can lead to exciting career options in aviation through to fashion.
Women represent only 16% of STEM graduates in Australia. AIR4 aims to increase the number of students undertaking science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects, to encourage gender diversity in STEM-based careers.
AIR4 founder and director Professor Regina Crameri said the four-year AIR4 program was an opportunity for schoolgirls aged 10 to 16 to challenge the perceptions of male-dominated careers and explore the endless opportunities available.
“At every stage of the education system, Australia loses female talent in the fields of science, maths, engineering and technology, despite no innate cognitive gender differences,” Professor Crameri said.
“Research from the Office of the Chief Scientist has shown the achievement and retention of women is directly linked with engagement, confidence and bias around these subjects, which is often embedded in their minds from a young age.
“AIR4 Life is an opportunity to positively change the status quo by giving young women the chance to be inspired by interactive and engaging activities taking place throughout the two-day event.
“AIR4 Life will bring together 115 female mentors from Defence Science and Technology, Royal Australian Air Force, as well as industry bodies and leading education organisations such as RMIT University and the Defence Science Institute, to discuss the avenues for young women to better understand how STEM plays an essential role in their everyday life.”
The event will feature the launch of Jasper; a cutting-edge, award-winning animation created by Animal Logic Academy and Air Force to spark girls interest in aviation. As part of AIR4 Life, Air Combat Officer Jacqueline Killian, the voice of Jasper, will share her personal story, career achievements, and participation in developing the Jasper animation.
“Squadron Leader Killian’s story highlights how one young person’s dream to fly became a reality through a solid mix of science, determination and courage,” said Deputy Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Gavin Turnbull.
“Today’s schoolgirls are our future. We may have the next aerospace inventor, satellite engineer, or a future fast jet pilot at this event. For these girls, we see their future as limitless, and we would like them to see it that way too,” said Air Vice-Marshal Turnbull.