The Museum of Science, Boston and its EiE team have entered a licensing partnership with Australia's National Science and Technology Centre, Questacon to introduce Engineering is Elementary to primary school teachers across Australia.

Peter Junk, Professor of Chemistry at JCU, will lead the study, which is funded by a $420,000 Australian Research Council Discovery Project grant. The program will be rolled out in Australia over the next three years through Questacon, supported by investment from The Australian Defence Force.

Questacon will deliver professional development workshops and resource kits to 1000 primary school teachers from up to 500 schools across Australia. Engineering is Elementary units have been aligned to the Australian Curriculum Learning Areas and the General Capabilities. Schools will also be open to opportunities to invite engineers to the classroom, giving young engineering learners a holistic educational experience.

"Australia's future as a knowledge economy depends on emerging generations being engaged with foundation skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Students benefiting from this program will start high school with an understanding of how engineering can solve problems and hopefully consider engineering as a possible career path," said Professor Graham Durant, Questacon Director.

Reaching 1.3 million students annually, EiE programs foster STEM learning and education across disciplines to inspire critical thinking in young learners. The first phase of implementation in Australia began in September, with an official launch planned for early 2020.

Annette Sawyer, Vice President, Education Division at the Museum of Science, Boston, said, "Over the past 15 years, EiE has expanded vastly, with multiple STEM programs and products now available in every state in the US, and globally in over 30 countries. We are thrilled to see the introduction of EiE curriculum into Australian primary schools, giving young learners the opportunity to become the next generation of problem solvers no matter their location.”

"We hope to see the adoption of EiE curricula in more school systems, introducing more students to engineering at this critical age."