Questacon and Samsung announce technology partnership

Questacon — The National Science and Technology Centre and Samsung Electronics Australia have announced the launch of a technology partnership to support Australia’s future inventors, technologists and entrepreneurs.

The three-year technology partnership will see Samsung technology used to provide STEM-themed learning opportunities for young people via the Questacon Smart Skills in-school program for students and Questacon Smart Skills Teacher Workshops.

Participating students around Australia will have the opportunity to learn how to harness the incredible power of smartphones and tablets to innovate, design and experiment.

“Most people only use a fraction of the capability of the technology they’re holding in their hands because they simply don’t realise the power of these everyday tools. This program will open doors to new learning and experiences,” Questacon Director of Science and Learning Stuart Kohlhagen said.

“The Questacon Smart Skills program will show young students how to unlock the potential of their smartphones or tablets to design, prototype, control and test model cars, rockets and bridges in our workshops.

“It will also show students that, despite today’s emphasis on constant success, failure and applying the lessons learned is an important part of innovation.”

Smart Skills is Questacon’s newest national touring program. It delivers interactive, in-school workshops in regional and metropolitan areas. Workshops expose students to the process of innovation using the steps of designing, prototyping and testing, using Samsung technology products.

Philip Newton, Vice President – Chief Marketing Officer at Samsung Electronics Australia, said programs such as Smart Skills have the potential to inspire life-long interest in technology and importantly, encourage young people to consider pursuing a career in that area.

“Samsung’s technology partnership with Questacon will give more young people the opportunity to use technology as a tool for problem-solving and creative learning. It’s our hope that as a result of this partnership, Samsung and Questacon will help inspire and motivate the next generation of Australian technology creators.

“Smart Skills has been developed with the government’s agenda to boost the study of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in mind. It’s about building on the foundation skills to get students solving problems and thinking creatively to develop and refine their ideas.

“This partnership with Samsung is a great example of how the Australian Government and the private sector can work together to reach young people in more areas, and to support teachers to continue these interactive, design-thinking activities inside and outside the classroom.

Questacon Smart Skills is part of the broader Questacon Smart Skills Initiative, supported by The Ian Potter Foundation and the Department of Industry and Science.