On 1 July 2024, COMET and STEM Alliance Aotearoa proudly hosted the Connecting Curious Minds: STEM Educators Expo at MOTAT. Set within the brand new Te Puawānanga Science and Technology Centre, this inaugural event brought together over 30 exhibitors and 180 attendees, all focused on building connections and enhancing STEM outreach and education.
A dynamic evening
with something for everyone
87%
thought the networking
opportunities were valuable
The STEM Educators Expo was packed with activities and exhibits catering to all areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.
With our event’s specific focus on equipping teachers with new ideas and opportunities, attendees were able to:
- Connect with STEM outreach & education providers. Over 30 exhibitors showcased their offerings including resources, tools and technologies. These interactive exhibits covered a wide range of topics, from robotics and coding to environmental science and mathematics.
- Hear success stories of authentic STEM collaboration. Our presenters shared how collaborative partnerships between STEM role models and educators can effectively engage tamariki in project-based learning. They highlighted the many mutual benefits of collaboration for STEM professionals, teachers and students.
- Explore the Science Centre exhibitions. Both children and adults found plenty to explore and play with in the newly-opened permanent exhibitions and tech hub at the Te Puāwananga Centre.
- Network with like-minded STEM enthusiasts. The expo created a safe, vibrant space for networking, bringing together educators and STEM outreach & education providers, as well as researchers, community partners and STEM business professionals. This offered an opportunity for everyone to learn from each other and discover something new.
Attendees agree: networking opportunities are priceless!
87% of attendees felt that the Expo’s networking opportunities were valuable.
This was the top highlight from the event and shows the value there is in creating spaces for people to connect.
“It was the first [STEM Alliance event] I have attended … there was something for every part of what I do and seeing and establishing the links was very empowering. Speaking to like-minded educators was fantastic. Sometimes as STEM enthusiasts, we can seem out on a limb in our own schools but being able to share ideas freely even though we had just met was brilliant.”
– Teacher
100% of attendees were satisfied with the event and 94% would recommend the STEM Educators Expo to a colleague.
Join us next time
“Building connections and forming relationships is an ongoing process and having an opportunity to meet regularly and be available regularly is really important”
– Exhibitor
The STEM Alliance team is keen to keep the momentum going with more inspiring events in the future. To stay informed about our upcoming events and offerings, we encourage you to join the STEM Alliance mailing list. Together, we can continue to connect curious minds and support a thriving STEM outreach and education community. Thank you to everyone who attended, exhibited, and supported the STEM Educators Expo 2024. Your enthusiasm and commitment is what made this event special! A big thank you especially to our event sponsors, MOTAT and Food for Thought.
About STEM Alliance Aotearoa
STEM Alliance Aotearoa is an initiative powered by Te Hononga Akoranga COMET. Our mission is to connect New Zealand’s STEM industry and businesses with schools, communities and educators to enhance STEM education. We believe cross-sector collaborations are key to engaging young people in STEM and fostering a nation where local businesses are rich with local talent. Find out more at stemalliance.org.nz
