Published 17 Aug 2026
Little Scientists Early STEM Education Awards winners announced
The 2026 Little Scientists Early STEM Education Awards have recognised outstanding educators and services leading excellence in early STEM education.
Held every two years, the awards are Australia's only program dedicated to recognising educators and teachers who champion Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning for children aged 0–8 years.
VIT congratulates Victorian winners Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar School Kindergarten, recognised for its project, 'What is so special about worms?', and Franziska Kruse, Early Childhood Teacher at Froebel Fitzroy North Early Learning Centre, who received the Outstanding Early STEM Champion Award. Nominated by her peers, Franziska was recognised for her leadership in STEM education, high-quality practice and positive impact on children, families and colleagues.
The 2026 awards attracted a record number of nominations from across Australia, highlighting the growing commitment to STEM learning in the early years.
Excellence in Early STEM Education Award - Victorian Winner
Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar School Kindergarten
Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar School – Kindergarten is recognised as the Victorian Winner for their project, “What is so special about worms?”. Over six months, the children investigated the important role worms play in healthy ecosystems by establishing and caring for a worm house, producing “worm tea” to nourish their garden, and even dressing as worms to explore how they wriggle through the soil. Their inquiry led them to discover how worms enrich soil, support plant growth, and contribute to the environment. The project excelled in its nature-based inquiry and the children’s growing sense of responsibility for the natural world.
Victorian Outstanding Early STEM Champion Award
Franziska Kruse - Early Childhood Teacher, Froebel Fitzroy North ELC
“Franzi has helped educators recognise that STEM learning happens anytime and anywhere through everyday play, interactions, and experiences. By weaving German language immersion into children’s exploration of science, nature, movement, and the environment, she has shown how language learning and STEM inquiry naturally complement one another. As a result, the team has developed a stronger shared commitment to creating rich, inquiry-based learning environments where children investigate, experiment, and explore.”
Nominated by Wen Jin Yap, Early Childhood Teacher, Froebel Fitzroy North ELC.