Proposed Project: Seeds of Science Community Expo

We propose to host a National Science Week “Seeds of Science” Community Expo, designed to:

• Engage students from Years 7–12

• Involve Clontarf Academy students in leadership and participation

• Provide inclusive, differentiated science activities for our SEN students

• Invite families and community members to attend after-school showcase sessions

Project Overview

Aligned with the 2026 National Science Week theme, “Seeds of Science: Nurturing knowledge for all,” this project will deliver a whole-school and community-focused Science Week program designed to spark curiosity, celebrate discovery, and promote lifelong engagement in STEM.

The proposed initiative will include:

•  Science Show Spectacular (Lecture Theatre):
  A high-impact, engaging science show delivered by Butler College science staff, featuring demonstrations such as dry ice experiments and liquid nitrogen reactions. This will showcase the “magic” of science and inspire students across multiple year groups.

•  Plant Science & Sustainability Workshops:
  Hands-on activities exploring plant adaptations, germination, and bushfire resilience—directly linking to curriculum content and Australia’s unique environment.

•  Library STEM Engagement Hub (Break Times):
  Cross-curricular activities hosted in collaboration with different learning areas, including science- themed arts, crafts and games, encouraging curiosity and a broader love of learning. We will also invite our Careers Practitioner to host a STEM careers in Energy and Sustainability display where students will explore renewable energy models and emerging STEM careers, strengthening connections between classroom learning and real-world applications.

•  Inclusive SEN Science Activities:
  Differentiated, sensory-friendly investigations tailored to students within our SEN setting, ensuring equitable access to meaningful science experiences. For example:

o Guided planting investigations
o Simple chemical reactions
o Structured observation tasks with visual supports

•  Bushranger Environmental Science Activities:
  Leveraging our Bushranger Program, students will engage in conservation-based activities that connect scientific understanding to real-world environmental action. Students will participate in hands-on investigations into plant adaptations, germination rates and the impact of environmental conditions. These activities directly link to current curriculum topics and help students understand Australia’s unique ecosystems.

•  Clontarf Engagement Opportunities:
  Encouraging participation from Clontarf Academy students and embedding Indigenous perspectives, particularly in environmental science and land management. Students will explore Indigenous perspectives on land management, bush regeneration and seed sustainability, connecting scientific understanding with cultural knowledge.