NAIDOC Week 2025
A Teacher’s Guide to Exploring NAIDOC Week Through STEM
This year’s NAIDOC theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, celebrates the enduring strength of culture and identity passed down through generations and carried forward by the next.
At The GiST, we’re proud to recognise the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in STEM, and to honour the legacy of knowledge, innovation and leadership.
To help bring these perspectives into the classroom, we’ve put together a list of STEM-inspired events, resources and learning opportunities happening this week and throughout this month.
Let's celebrate the next generation of knowledge-keepers, innovators and educators!
Indigenous women in STEM
Browse our career profiles and celebrate the vital contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women shaping ideas in STEM!
"… anybody can achieve a career in STEM, everyone has the right to equal opportunities, including young women, including young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people."
Astronomer
"As a technologist, I am always thinking about systems and trying to figure out how power moves within them. It is so easy to be caught up new tech, new toys, new AIs - but the most important questions we can ask are, Who has power? And how could this power be used to harm others?"
Technologist
"I find it’s really helpful to remember WHY you want to do what you want to do. Why do you love science? Why do you want to achieve that particular goal? If you remember the ‘why’, that will motivate you to keep going and smashing those challenges!"
Science Communicator and extraordinary Astrophysicist
" My only goal is to make sure whatever I am doing is helpful and useful, and I am sharing my skills and knowledge to help others do what I do."
Co-founder, producer and host of popular tech and gaming podcast Queens of the Drone Age.
"It's not that people don't believe in your value or don't see your worth. Your resilience, intelligence and kindness will intimidate some people. "
Medicinal chemist and proud Gomeroi woman
"Keep learning and growing as much as you can! Don’t wait! You can self-teach yourself so many things. With access to the internet, there is an abundance of learning and resources from other people. And start making things! You can’t improve if you don’t practise and keep learning and trying new skills."
Indigenous game designer
Online events and classroom resources
Celebrate NAIDOC Week with your class by joining one of these online events or enjoying some NAIDOC-themed activities.
Traditional Knowledge – Empowering STEM for the Next Generation
Thurs 31 July, 1:45–2:30 PM (AEST) | Online webinar
Hosted by the Australian Academy of technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE), this session explores how Traditional Knowledge is shaping future-focused STEM practices. Discover how Traditional Knowledge systems are being integrated into contemporary STEM practices in fields from health, climate, culture and immersive technologies.
Register hereOnline Education Programs with Shelley Ware
Available throughout July | Virtual classroom sessions
Shelley Ware and an educator from the National Portrait Gallery guide primary school students through a 45-minute online interactive session, celebrating this year’s NAIDOC theme The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy. These engaging virtual excursions use art and storytelling to introduce students to stories and achievements of First Nations leaders.
Explore sessionsSBS Learn – NAIDOC Week classroom resources
Available throughout July | Online classroom resources
This year, SBS Learn will publish its seventh National NAIDOC Week curriculum-aligned education resource. This popular online teaching guide features NAIDOC-themed activities, discussions and clips to enable teachers to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into primary and secondary classrooms, year-round.
VisitLocal NAIDOC Week events
NAIDOC Week events are held by local communities all across Australia. Find out what events are happening near you and share in the celebrations..
Search local eventsDeadly Science
Deadly Science is Australia’s leading Indigenous STEM charity, creating STEM equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners.
Browse through their education programs, aimed to support STEM education with a focus on empowering and inspiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners..
Explore programs