STEMpals

You can’t be what you can’t see!

In our increasingly technology dependent world, some 90% of future jobs will require STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Maths) skills, but according to the Department of Education, only around 10% of Australian high school students are electing to study STEM subjects, leading to a steep decline in scientific literacy levels.

Curiosity Factory’s mission is to reverse this trend by providing early positive science engagement to upper primary school students. In this collection of resources, you can find resources to help students explore STEM careers, connect with STEM professionals and build their understanding that STEM is for everyone.

Additional Information

The Curiosity Factory is an Australian not-for-profit that builds scientific literacy and curiosity in young people so they are better equipped to tackle future challenges.

Its flagship program, STEMpals, connects upper primary and lower secondary students with real STEM professionals through a structured pen-pal exchange across the school year. Each student is matched with a STEM professional who responds to three letters, creating an authentic audience for student writing and a meaningful, low-barrier way for professionals to engage with classrooms.

STEMpals has paired thousands of students and supported the exchange of over 6,000 letters. The program is grounded in evidence that early positive science experiences shape long-term STEM engagement. It helps demystify who STEM professionals are, showing that STEM is accessible, human, and present in everyday life, while also strengthening student writing through purpose-driven communication.