On Tuesday 6 September, the Minister for Education and the Minister for Families and Children together launched STEM in the Education State, Victoria’s STEM education policy.
VicSTEM is your one-stop shop for all things science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) related. You can also download a copy of STEM in the Education State at this website. VicSTEM brings together the latest tips and advice, fun activities, career pathways and professional learning initiatives for educators, students and families. VicSTEM will be updated as new initiatives and programs are rolled out. www.education.vic.gov.au/vicstem
The Victorian Maths Challenge is a fun and engaging way for families to engage in real life mathematics and explore problems together.
This year, the Challenge for Years 5-8 students runs until 29 November 2016. To jump straight in, head to: www.vmc.global2.vic.edu.au.
For early childhood educators and families, resources have been provided to support the engagement of children with everyday mathematics.
To find out more, please visit www.education.vic.gov.au/vmc or email: maths.challenge@edumail.vic.gov.au.
Science and Mathematics Specialist Centres 
The network of six Victorian Science and Mathematics Specialist Centres engages students and teachers across the state in contemporary, experiential STEM programs. These programs are available to all Victorian students and their teachers, through on-site visits to the Centres, participating in virtual programs, or Centre staff visit schools through the outreach programs. The Centres are for all Victorian students from Prep–12 with priority given to rural/regional and disadvantaged schools. www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/learningdev/vicstem/Pages/centres.aspx
Education in Games Summit – 7 November 2016 
Themed Inspire+Design+Play, and part of Melbourne International Games Week, the Education in Games Summit 2016 invites educators to join us for a day packed with insights and practical takeaways about games, gameful thinking and techniques to bring the Digital Technologies Curriculum to life. To find out more, and to register, visit: http://gamesweek.melbourne/education-in-games-summit-2016/
Victorian Schools Games and Apps Challenge 
Design, plan, create a prototype for a game or app that solves a real world issue and go in the running to win an Xbox One console, plus the chance to develop your idea with Microsoft.
The Challenge is an exciting way for teachers to implement the Digital Technologies and Critical and Creative Thinking curriculum areas with links to the STEM agenda. Students in Years 6, 8 and 10 from all Victorian schools have the opportunity to develop crucial future skills, solve authentic problems, and develop and code a prototype app or video game.
Key dates: Competition is open now – Applications Close 5pm on Friday, 14th October.
Finalists showcase prototypes and winner announced as part of Education in Games Summit at ACMI on 7th November, 2016, as part of the Melbourne International Games Week. www.gac.global2.vic.edu.au
Maker Resources are available to borrow from the Department. To find out what is available, check here: makers.global2.vic.edu.au/maker-resources/. Please check the Maker calendar and contact Wendy: macpherson.wendy.w@edumail.vic.gov.au if you wish to borrow equipment.
The Taking Small BYTES card deck showcases learning opportunities built around digital technologies and other play based learning experiences. The cards support the implementation of the outcomes of the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework. To download a copy, please visit: fuse.education.vic.gov.au/?ZY2GMP
