NSW Schools Showcase Inspiring Science at NSW Parliament Ahead of National Science Week
New South Wales schools engaged with policymakers at Science in the House, a special exhibition at NSW Parliament last week, highlighting the outstanding work of science teachers and students from across the state.
Organised by the Science Teachers Association of NSW (STANSW) ahead of National Science Week, Science in the House connected Members of Parliament and their staff with schools across NSW, to experience innovative classroom science firsthand and recognise the vital role science education plays in preparing Australia’s future workforce.
The event was hosted by Sally Quinnell MP and attended by Jacqui Munro, Shadow Minister for Science and Technology, at NSW Parliament House. Exhibiting schools included Clarence Town Public School, Chester Hill High School, Lisarow High School (Central Coast), Kambala, Yanginanook, William Clarke College, Trinity Grammar Junior School, Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School (Northern Rivers) and Xavier Catholic College (Albury) and Kambala.
STANSW Vice President, Lauren McKnight, says the event aligns with the 2026 National Science Week theme, “Seeds of Science: Nurturing Knowledge for All”, celebrating the power of curiosity, inquiry and scientific discovery in every classroom.
“Science in the House recognises the outstanding work of science teachers, showcasing exemplary science projects from schools across metropolitan and regional NSW.
It demonstrates the importance of sustained investment in science education to develop the skilled workforce needed for Australia’s future.”
We’re particularly passionate about advocating the needs of teachers and students in regional areas and have developed accessible professional learning to meet teachers’ needs. The 2026 Virtual Forum will bring together science teachers from all over NSW, online”
National Science Week is coming up from Saturday 15 to Sunday 23 August 2026, with schools, universities and institutions all over Australia hosting events celebrating science, and more than 2,500 events on offer across Australia – https://www.scienceweek.net.au/
STANSW’s Virtual Forum for teachers takes place in September, and teachers can register at https://stansw.asn.au/learning-events/
Exhibition Highlights
Chester Hill High School: Year 11 Chemistry students showcased the design and construction of a low-cost Arduino-based visible light (VIS) spectrometer to investigate vitamin C concentrations in beverages and separation of coloured compounds. Students demonstrated how accessible technology can be integrated into quantitative chemical analysis.
Clarence Town Public School: Showcased the Bee Humble Project, featuring student work, a video display, beekeeping equipment, hive components and honey tasting to demonstrate pollinator education and environmental sustainability.
Hastings Secondary College: Presented Science in Action: Beyond the Classroom, connecting students with local industry professionals and showcasing authentic STEM learning through health, fisheries and regional science careers.
Yanginanook: Presented an interactive display of hands-on science investigations, student inquiry projects and classroom activities that promote scientific literacy through experiential learning.
William Clarke College: Featured a collection of student depth studies and research projects, including energy efficiency, simple machines, ecosystems fieldwork and Science Extension investigations.
Trinity Grammar Junior School: Demonstrated how Design Thinking, Microbits and robotics are integrated into STEAM inquiry learning to develop creativity, problem-solving and engineering skills.
Kambala: Showcased how science journalling transforms student thinking by fostering curiosity, creativity, and confidence through reflective learning. Kambala has seen higher engagement in STEM through interactive journalling activities and reflection, developing scientific inquiry and encouraging students to think like scientist.
Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School: Showcased a range of student STEM initiatives, including Science Extension projects, STEM Ambassadors, sustainability programs, engineering challenges and environmental research.
Xavier Catholic College: Highlighted student science communication projects created for the Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize through videos, storyboards and inquiry-based investigations.
Lisarow High School: Displayed student research posters, STEM models and science demonstrations from Stage 4–6, showcasing inquiry, innovation and practical science learning across multiple disciplines.
