The Adelaide Football Club is inviting South Australian teachers and schools to register to be part of the 2020 STEMfooty program.
STEMfooty is a collaborative 10 week in-school program for Year 7 students. There is no cost involved to participate, and all resources and curriculum are supplied by the program for schools to use.
The program is closely aligned to the curriculum, covering half of the ACARA content descriptors for both science and maths in one term.
STEMfooty Program Manager Katie Gloede is excited to see new schools join the program in 2020.
“We knew sport would be a great way to engage kids in STE principles, but the impact it is having has been incredible,” Gloede said.
“Research tells us that Year 7 is the time in a child’s schooling when they start to disengage with STEM and their attitude towards selecting these subjects start to decline, and we are already seeing this program igniting interest in further study in these subjects.”
In 2019, 12 schools participated in the trial with almost 1000 students experiencing the program.
All students reported a substantial increase in knowledge of STEM principles following their involvement in the trial, however the increase was even more significant in female students.
Loreto College teacher Lydia Baccanello participated in the program in 2019 and saw notable changes in her students throughout the program.
“The STEMfooty program gave our students the opportunity to engage in maths and science in a fun and innovative way and learn how STEM principles can be transferred to real life situations,” Baccanello said.
“The students loved the practical elements of the lessons and immersed themselves in the activities on offer.
“Sport was a great means to inspire students and bring maths and science to life, particularly for those students who were previously less engaged in STEM areas and opportunities.
“We also found that those students who were less interested in AFL developed a new appreciation and love for the game and the role STEM plays in sport.
“I highly recommend the program.”
Schools from a range of backgrounds are invited to register their interest now to participate next year, with a number of spots still available for term one.
To register, please fill out the form and email back to stemfooty@afc.com.au
