Please note that this is an on-going project.
Project Description
The aim of the That’s RAD! Science engagement project is to contribute to addressing inequities in the proportion of women working in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) areas by inspiring younger children to think about careers in STEM. The project features inspiring women in STEM role models in a series of engaging and educational picture books, with themes to date being parasitology, nanotechnology, forensic science and protein crystal science. Through these books the project aims to show primary school aged children that a career in STEM is something that anyone (e.g., mothers, sisters, daughters, aunts, grandmothers) can achieve.
Project Personnel and Beneficiaries
The key people involved in this project are scientists, education professionals, graphic designers and artists, professional societies, universities, libraries, and government. The project is aimed at children and families from regional and remote locations around Australia and internationally.
Outcomes to Date
1. Four children’s books produced:
– My mum is a parasite scientist. Prof Katherine Andrews, Griffith University (2017)
– Our mum is a nanotech scientist. A/Prof Qin Li, Griffith University (2018)
– Our mum is a forensic scientist. Senior Sergeant Donna Stewart, Queensland Police Service (2018)
– My aunt is a protein crystal scientist. Prof Jenny Martin, University of Wollongong and Griffith University (2019)
2. >7,000 books distributed free to children, libraries and the communityaround Australia and internationally since 2017 (including 25 Indigenous Knowledge Centre libraries in Queensland). The estimated reach of these activities is >20,000 people.
3. Community survey on the impacts of this project published in Teaching Science (Condon et al (2020) 66:11-18).
Project Significance
This project contributes to SDG Target 4.5 – “By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations.”
The project addresses SDG Target 4.5 by contribute to addressing inequities in the proportion of women working in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).