Stargirls program opens doors for high school students wanting to pursue STEM subjects through astronomy

A camp teaching high school girls astrophysics has opened the door for them to study STEM subjects that are often left out of mainstream schooling. A two-day camp, organised by the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, involved 20 girls from high schools in Geraldton this week, teaching them about astronomy, engineering and data science as well as practising real-world skills and talking to leading experts in the field. Interest in the Mid West was a stand-out for Charlene D’Monte, engagement manager for the organisation. “We actually had more interest in Geraldton than we did in Perth which is great to see,” she said. Throughout the camp, students were able to learn how to set up a telescope and look at the sun using advanced technology. Nagle Catholic College students Sienna Griffin, 13, and Jocelyn Cole, 12, said the camp was an exciting opportunity to learn more about a field of science they usually did not get to experience in school. “I want to get into astronomy, I have a lot of theories about space that I’d like to prove,” Sienna said. Jocelyn said she eventually wanted to study rocks from other planets: “Like a geologist but for space,” she said. The regions have become a particular focus for the program, in order to break down the barriers between young girls and STEM subjects due to limited resourcing in rural WA. Ms D’Monde said the program was entering its third year and had special ties to Geraldton due to the presence of the Square Kilometre Array project. “There is such a shortage of women in the space. So we’ve established this just to pique the interest of anyone who might be considering studying STEM,” she said. One of the most important aspects according to Ms D’Monde, is having STEM work role-modelled by women and the presence of a female mentor which has a tangible impact. Ms D’Monde said in three short years respondents have reported the camp has made a difference — influencing high school girls to elect STEM subjects when studying for their ATAR.