Published 15 Mar 2024
Nominations open for Early STEM Education Awards 2024
The Little Scientists Early STEM Education Awards are returning for the fourth time in 2024!
Held every two years, the awards celebrate excellence in early Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) education for children aged 0-7.
This year's theme is 'Overcoming gender bias in early STEM education' in recognition of the critical role early childhood educators and early primary teachers play in overcoming gender stereotypes and implicit gender biases that impact young girl’s participation in STEM.
Research shows that by the age of six, girls’ interest and confidence in STEM education is already negatively impacted by gender stereotypes and implicit gender biases. This early deterrence from STEM education has lifelong consequences, with women making up just 15% of the STEM workforce in Australia.
The awards invite teachers and educators to critically reflect upon the STEM gender stereotypes and implicit gender biases that permeate our services, classrooms, homes, and society and to showcase how this can be overcome through intentional, informed, and inspirational early STEM teaching practices.
There are two award categories in 2024 with prizes on offer to support the teaching and learning of STEM.
Excellence in Early STEM Education Award
Recognising early learning services or early primary classrooms
One national winner will receive
- LoveHeart 1-year subscription on the Team Plan (worth $1,788)
- EdTechs Bee-Bot Rechargeable Swarm & Australian Map (worth $1,108)
- Little Scientists 2 in-person OR 4 online workshop tickets (worth up to $430)
- EducationAll Junior Inventor XXL Kindergarten Set (worth up to $380)
8 state and territory winners will receive
- LoveHeart 6-months subscription on the Team Plan (worth $894)
- EdTechs Single Rechargeable Bee-Bot & Australian Map (worth $238)
- Little Scientists 1 in-person OR 2 online workshop tickets (worth up to $215)
- EducationAll Find and Count Set (worth up to $60)
Outstanding Early STEM Education Leader Award
Recognising early childhood educators and teachers
One national winner will receive
- LoveHeart 1-year subscription on the Transform Plan (worth $948)
- EdTechs Bee-Bot Rechargeable Swarm & Alphabet Mat (worth $1,108)
- Little Scientists 1 in-person AND 2 online workshop ticket (worth up to $395)
- EducationAll Magnetisx Set (worth up to $500)
8 state and territory winners will receive
- LoveHeart 6-months subscription on the Transform Plan (worth $474)
- EdTechs Single Rechargeable Bee-Bot & Australian Map (worth $238)
- Little Scientists 1 in-person OR 2 online workshop tickets (worth up to $215)
- EducationAll Rings and Sticks Set (worth up to $75)
Nominees also get a share in prizes, with further gift cards and coupons on offer.
Nominations close Friday 31 May 2024.
