ASSOCIATION
ARTICLES NEWS
NISEP
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS SCIENCE EDUCATION PROGRAM
NISEP uses science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to place Indigenous secondary
students in leadership roles at school, community and university-based events so they gain the confidence,
motivation and aspiration to finish school and pursue pathways to university and STEM-based careers.
Over a decade ago, Macquarie University scientists and
the Yaegl and Bundjalung communities of northern
NSW began working together on bush medicines
research and community strengthening projects.
It wasn't long after this strong partnership was forged
that we realised that together we could achieve so much
more. The Elders asked:
Can you help us help our youth?
Our events:
Our answer was to form NISEP, which aims to increase
the secondary school completion and tertiary education
entry rates of Indigenous youth from low socioeconomic
status and/or regional/rural communities.
School Science Shows - NISEP student leaders become
role models, demonstrating hands-on experiments to
around 1000 junior students annually (Years 5–7) (see
bit.ly/Casino18 and bit.ly/Maclean18).
NISEP secondary student leaders (Years 8-12) are
trained in how to demonstrate STEM activities to broad
audiences. Annually around 200 Indigenous secondary
students act as leaders at NISEP science events attended
by more than 2000 people. We cover the travel costs of
our student leaders so they have the opportunity to take
part in local, university and Sydney-based events. We
target not only keen students, but also shy and
disengaged students to have the greatest impact we can
within our partner schools.
ConocoPhillips Macquarie Science Experience - NISEP
student leaders lead three days of STEM activities for
around 60 Year 9/10 students (see bit.ly/MQSE2019).
Indigenous Science Experiences @ Redfern and
Tolland, Wagga Wagga - Annual National Science
Week events showcasing Indigenous and Western
science to the broader public (see bit.ly/Redfern2018
and bit.ly/Tolland2018).
River of Learning Cultural Immersion Program -
Maclean High School Year 7 students learn from Yaegl
Elders and undertake cultural lessons
(see bit.ly/RiverofLearning2018).
Since starting, NISEP has expanded through
partnerships with Charles Sturt University (CSU) and 16
partner schools from across Northern NSW, the
Riverina, Central Coast NSW and Western Sydney.
NISEP student leaders also attend events such as
Macquarie University Open Day to learn about
university study and career opportunities.
NISEP was the inaugural winner of the Eureka
Prize for STEM Inclusion in 2019
www.nisep.org.au
www.youtube.com/NISEPmq
facebook.com/NISEP.MQ
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SCIENCE EDUCATIONAL NEWS VOL 68 NO 4