National Science week will take off with drone coding workshops

A series of state-of-the-art drone coding workshops are set to take off at libraries and schools across the Western Downs region this August.

STEM Punks, an organisation focused on the development of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) skills in children, will visit nine towns this August to teach our young people the ins and outs of one of the world’s fastest growing industries.

Parents and children across the Western Downs region are encouraged to book into a workshop to learn new skills in drone coding and meet others who have an interest in drones.

Western Downs Regional Council Spokesperson for Community and Cultural Development Councillor Kaye Maguire welcomes the potential for development of drone-handling capabilities among our community, no matter their age.

“I am excited to see opportunities like these for our young people to develop skills and interest in this fast-growing field of technology and it also presents the perfect chance for parents to learn alongside their children and perhaps find a new hobby of their own,” she said.

The workshops are best suited for children aged between 9 and 12 and will provide occasion for participants to reach new horizons and develop a deeper understanding of drone technology.

Adult-child teams will learn how to code drones, program them to complete pre-determined flight paths and complete mock search and rescue missions.

“The Western Downs is the perfect location for STEM Punks to exhibit and share their knowledge, and these workshops are a great opportunity to show off the reason why our region has become known as the Home of Drones.”

Council’s 2019/20 budget includes $50,000 to be invested into scoping out a Drone Centre of Excellence, covering drone-related training, racing infrastructure, education and research opportunities for the region.

All equipment will be supplied by STEM Punks – the only thing to bring is a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. Spaces are limited, so bookings are essential.

10.45am

12.00pm

107 Drayton Street

Dalby

Registration required

10.45am

12.00pm

80/86 Heeney Street

Chinchilla

Registration required

For more information or to register to attend visit www.westerndownslibraries.com/drone-coding or call 1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 624).

This program is made possible through the Queensland Government’s Advance Queensland Engaging Science Grants Program in partnership with Western Downs Regional Council.

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Media Contact:

Jessica Howard | Communications, Marketing & Design Officer | 07 4679 4135