From Fruit Prints to Future Pathways: Celebrating Curiosity and Enrichment in STEM at Harvest Christian College

National Science Week 2025 invited us to explore the theme “Decoding the Universe – Exploring the Unknown with Nature’s Hidden Language”. At Harvest Christian College in Kadina, Yorke Peninsula, this theme inspired a vibrant week of activities that captured the curiosity of our youngest learners while also celebrating the achievements and opportunities of our secondary students.

Primary Discovery

Throughout the week, each of our Foundation to Year 6 classes visited the secondary science labs for a double-lesson of hands-on exploration. Activities were adapted from ASTA’s very helpful 2025 National Science Week Schools Resource Book and were made possible through funding from an ASTA Science Week grant.

We planned the week so that the primary classes would visit during our normal secondary science class times. Guided by our secondary science students, the younger classes painted with the unique patterns revealed by fruit, built colourful DNA models from lollies, designed their own codes to navigate obstacles, decoded shadows and engaged in many other fun activities! These sessions helped to spark curiosity and gave our primary students the chance to experience science in engaging and memorable ways.

Secondary Celebration

The week’s highlight came during our secondary assembly, where we paused to recognise and celebrate our students’ growing engagement with STEM opportunities. This year marked the first time we have had multiple entries in the Oliphant Science Awards, and we were delighted to acknowledge this milestone; we also acknowledge the awesome support of SASTA staff in helping our students take part!

We also applauded some strong results in the Big Science Competition and the Junior Science Olympiad, and reflected on the inspiring opportunities opened up by our STEM Enrichment Tours. This year, these tours have already taken students from the ‘Copper Coast’ to experiences as far-away as New Zealand’s International Science Festival and Melbourne’s Avalon International Airshow — with a Tasmanian adventure to come later this year!

We were also honoured to welcome Mr Tom Venning MP, Federal Member for Grey, who shared his congratulations at the assembly and acknowledged the Commonwealth grants that have supported the STEM Enrichment Tour opportunities.

Looking Ahead

Science Week reminded us that STEM inspiration often begins with simple moments of curiosity. When these moments are multiplied through fun activities, classroom learning, competitions, and enrichment tours, they grow into meaningful opportunities for students to develop their skills and passions. Over time, it has brought us much joy to see these experiences shape future pathways — leading young people to careers where their knowledge and creativity make a lasting contribution. From fruit prints to future pathways, Science Week reminded us that the next generation of innovators is already among us, decoding the universe one discovery at a time!

James Snudden, Science Coordinator
Harvest Christian College, Kadina