A dynamic and synergistic environment where STEM knowledge flourishes

Developing a powerful STEM educated society through life-long interactive experiential learning.

by Elisabetta Dalfino, Brenan Dew and Nicola Sasanelli

ISBN: 978-0646896335, Published by Agora High-Tech Pty Ltd

About the Book

This book presents a timely and important message that requires everyone’s involvement, from early childhood educators to government decision-makers.

In an era characterised by rapid technological advancements and globalisation, the need for STEM literacy among the workforce of today, and of tomorrow’s future workforce, is paramount. As contributors to society, STEM-educated individuals drive technological advancement, spearhead scientific breakthroughs, and address pressing global issues to advance a more sustainable future. This publication highlights an innovative collaboration that extends beyond the confines of the traditional classroom. It aims to inspire and equip young students with essential skills for success in a knowledge-based economy through interactive experiences.

The ‘Dynamic and synergistic environment’ described in this book represents a holistic ecosystem where young people from early childhood through to young adulthood are nurtured and can evolve as powerful, STEM-literate individuals and globally responsible citizens. A symbiotic relationship between schools and public institutions such as museums and science centres emerges as a cornerstone in this pursuit. Acknowledging the significance of interactive and intuitive learning modalities, this discourse underscores their indispensable role in shaping a knowledge populace poised for success in the future knowledge-based economy.

Through synergistic partnerships and innovative pedagogical frameworks, educators and institutions alike can cultivate an enriched educational ecosystem that empowers students to thrive in a rapidly growing global landscape.

The publication is available for purchase as a not-for-profit initiative, with all proceeds supporting an educational project designed to inspire First Nation young students in STEM subjects.

In the Media

View the Media Release

Meet the Authors

Elisabetta Dalfino

Elisabetta Dalfino is both a retired teacher of English language and literature, and Education Consultant with over 40 years of experience. With Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in English language and Italian literature, as well as Masters in Counseling at the 1st level, Elisabetta has always been dedicated to supporting students. She helps them develop their learning plans, identifies their learning difficulties, and provides guidance on overcoming them. Her professional training includes either language and teaching methodology courses in Devon (England) and Dublin (Ireland) as well as a foreign language assistant of Italian at North Cote High School in Melbourne (Australia). She has also managed international projects financed by the Migratory Department – Regione Puglia and Australian high school students to promote student exchanges. Furthermore, she has been involved in European projects such as Comenius in 2009 and Erasmus+ in 2015 and 2019. Even after retirement, Elisabetta remains active, offering her professional expertise as a language teacher and Educational Consultant. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading classics and listening to music.

Brenan Dew

Brenan Dew graduated from Macquarie University (Sydney) with Bachelor of Science (Astronomy and Astrophysics), Bachelor of Ancient History (Honours), and Masters of Research. After fulfilling early career ambitions of archaeology and Egyptology, Brenan’s career path then pivoted towards the museum sector, fueled by a dedication to make both history and science accessible to all. Now with more than a decade of experience in the dynamic world of museums, Brenan has championed the fusion of learning and STEM engagement. His background in STEM education spans from hands-on historical, meteorological and astronomical education at the iconic Sydney Observatory to his more recent position as inaugural manager of the Australian Space Discovery Centre – the education and outreach arm of the Australian Space Agency.

Nicola Sasanelli

Nicola Sasanelli graduated from the University of Bari, Italy with a degree in Electronic Engineering. He went on to work as a researcher in microelectronics high-reliability components in Bari before being appointed as Scientific Attaché at the Embassy of Italy in Canberra and then joint South Australian Government. In 2016 he was instrumental in established the South Australian Space Industry Centre and published the ‘Space Innovation and Growth Strategy (South Australia) Action Plan 2016-2020’. In 2019 he was instrumental in establishing the SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre and in 2020 he founded, and become the CEO of, the Andy Thomas Space Foundation. In January 2023 he founded the ‘Agora High-Tech’ and is now the current Chairman. From 2003 to 2013 he was appointed as Adj. Prof. of Science and Technology at the University of Canberra and in 2007 he became an Honorary Member of the Order of Australia. In 2018 Nicola was appointed Adj. Prof. at the University of South Australia and in the same year, he was appointed to the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. Nicola is the author of numerous books and articles including “What if they never existed?”, dedicated to stimulating STEM disciplines through the stories of ten well-known scientists who changed the world.

Sample Pages

Book Launch

14th May 2024, Australian Space Discovery Centre, Adelaide South Australia