Our more popular program for Primary schools, “Astro Ag” is returning for 2026!

Join STEM teachers from the Crookwell Academy of STEM Excellence and local First Nations people on an overnight adventure exploring how to build biodiversity, STEM in agriculture, astronomy and First Nations Culture. This program is aligned with the UN’s sustainability goals, including taking climate action, providing food literacy education, and supporting student’s health and wellbeing. We encourage the adoption of these ideas learned at the AAC, both at home and in school. 

This program is suitable for students from Kindergarten to Stage 3. Can be adapted for Stage 4 students if required. 

Curriculum

Planting reeds, shrubs, and trees around the farm dams can lower emissions, boost biodiversity, ensure water security, and improve community and animal wellbeing. We will demonstrate through monitoring and observation how our planting does that. Tests will be conducted pre-planting and during treatment. 

Lesson plans include:

-Observing and data collection on birds, plants and other animals – measure and describe changes in living things

-Promoting Biodiversity: acoustic surveys and observations of amphibians and introduction of new species

-Designing a solution: design an amphibian habitat or floating wetlands for school or home

-Building a floating wetland and understanding its role within the farm

-Measuring and collecting data including carbon with Pond Sensors

Delivered by

Anna Kemp- As a primary school teacher for 15 years, and now the STEM Project Officer at the Crookwell Academy of STEM Excellence, there’s no better person to work with the students who visit our centre. Anna has a natural talent for making the complex seem simple, bringing STEM within reach for students at all levels. She helps teachers connect with their class, and students connect with the world around them.

Pejar Local Aboriginal Land Council- Based in Goulburn, the Pejar Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) helps to preserve culture through a range of awareness programs, cultural heritage talks, and activities to empower Aboriginal youth. Their support of our Astronomical Agriculture program is invaluable, as they introduce our students to Aboriginal traditions and perspectives, and deepen their connection to country.

Gary Mitchell- Gary was interested in the night sky from an early age, and over the years, he has gone from gazing at the moon with binoculars to glimpsing the birth of stars in distant nebulae. He’s been lucky enough to have seen five full solar eclipses, three of them from overseas trips, and he brings a wonderful perspective on the universe to our students, along with a variety of powerful telescopes too!