Bringing real scientific research laboratories directly into the primary classroom!

Regional and remote school children often miss out on most of the engaging science activities given the cost associated with travelling to/from these communities.
Zoomed in Science breaks down these barriers by organizing virtual sessions!
Developed by the Centre for Materials Science, Zoomed-In Science is a QUT-sponsored virtual outreach program that brings real scientific research laboratories directly into the primary classroom. Students meet and interact with real scientists in their own labs through stimulating live and interactive online presentations that involve experiments, educational talks, and two-way discussions. The program enhances student engagement in curriculum-aligned STEM areas. The online nature of the program allows us to engage with diverse and far-reaching audiences from remote and regional communities, as well as offer students’ activities that are not possible to undertake in school environments. This makes it a truly exciting and inspiring program!
Sessions are free!
At the Centre for Materials Science, we believe all schools and students, especially those in regional and remote communities should have access to STEM outreach activities. We partner with generous sponsors from industry and government who share this sentiment to ensure that Zoomed-In Science session fees remain waived for schools.
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Organizer |
2023 Community sponsorship program |
2023 ZIS kit sponsor |

Meet the team
Zoomed-In Science presentations are delivered by exceptional, real-world scientists including research students (Honours, Masters or PhD level), professional early- and mid- career researchers, and academics. The sessions are designed collaboratively, with the contribution of external school teachers (currently serving Education Queensland primary schools).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can register for a Zoomed-In Science session?
Any primary school or primary school teacher working within Queensland can register for sessions for their students. Regional and remote school children often miss out on many of the engaging science activities that are currently on offer given the costs associated, so schools and teachers in these areas are especially encouraged to register.
Are the sessions aligned with Curriculum?
Each Zoomed-In Science presentation is carefully prepared in collaboration with currently serving Education Queensland primary school teachers to complement a specific STEM C2C unit.
To align with research into children’s interaction with STEM showing that children begin to identify themselves as potential scientists as early as kindergarten, Zoomed-In Science presents material across grades Prep to year 6.
Which class grade are the sessions suitable for?
Sessions are adapted to students from prep to year 6.
What makes the virtual experience unique?
Given the online nature of this program we can offer students activities that, due to safety constraints, are not possible to undertake in school environments. This makes it a truly exciting and inspiring program
How much does it cost?
It is free! At the Centre for Materials Science, we believe all schools and students, especially those in regional and remote communities should have access to STEM outreach activities. We partner with generous sponsors from industry and government who share this sentiment to ensure that Zoomed-In Science session fees remain waived for schools.
I am a scientist. How can I participate?
Zoomed-In Science is always seeking eager presenters. Not only does participation in the Zoomed-In Science program give you an opportunity to provide firsthand education to our next generation of scientists, but also boosts your academic career by developing critical soft-skills and demonstrating your service and commitment to the scientific community.
If you are passionate about both science and educating our next generation of thinkers please get in touch and we can work out how you can get involved!
Testimonials
“One of my most challenging students was actually one of the most engaged in your session, and it was just all round amazing”
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