Reef Guardian Schools attend Government Science Group Expo!

Reef Guardian Schools attend Government Science Group Expo!

25 September 2024

Reef Guardian Schools attend GSG Expo!

In the heart of our nation’s capital and far from the Reef, our Chief Scientist Dr Roger Beeden and Assistant Director of Reef Education ran into Reef Guardian School alumni Kaiden during the Government Science Group Expo at Parliament House.

The expo attracted over 1,500 attendees to explore STEM career pathways. The Reef Authority was one of many agencies present during a showcase of where their journeys could take them.

“The expo revealed the same boundless curiosity that first ignited my passion for science. It showed me that the paths we walk in science are as diverse as the questions we seek to answer, each one leading to uncharted territories. The opportunities on display were not just career options, but doorways to new realms of possibility, reminding me that the spark of curiosity, when pursued with determination, can illuminate a path to destinations beyond our imagination." Says Kaiden

Having graduated from Townsville State High School, a Reef Guardian School, he is continuing to pursue his interest in science, studying a Bachelor of Philosophy at the Australian National University, with a focus is on neuroscience. The expo brought up great memories of his own journey through science and the incredible role that his teachers had in fostering STEM change makers.

“My time at a Reef Guardian School taught me that it wasn’t just about learning the curriculum; it was about understanding the role we, as future scientists and citizens, could play in protecting our planet.” Says Kaiden

The Reef Guardian School Program lays the foundations for students foster a sense of enquiry through curriculum-based resources and programs, using the Great Barrier Reef as a case study. It provides teaching and learning opportunities that create awareness, understanding and appreciation for the Great Barrier Reef and the threats to its sustainable future.

Since it started, the Program has had more than 350,000 students participate with schools all over the world getting involved. These students are our future stewards for the Reef and for ecosystems worldwide.