The Wingaru team are always thinking about how to create learning experiences that are meaningful, engaging, and grounded in respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and knowledge systems.
We know that teachers are constantly on the hunt for high-quality STEAM resources. With that in mind, we set out to create a STEAM resource that would open up space for students to discover and explore knowledge that has sustained the world’s oldest continuing cultures for tens of thousands of years.
I still remember learning about eel traps - how to weave them, the materials used, and how long my mob had relied on these clever designs to catch a feed. As I listened to the stories about how this knowledge had been shared across generations, I remember the lightbulb moment when I realised just how sophisticated they were: how the choice of materials, the structure, and the weaving technique all played a role in their success. That moment of realisation has stayed with me so when we started talking about STEAM resources, I knew I wanted a resource that could help students experience a similar moment of discovery because Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems are nothing short of extraordinary and everyone should have the opportunity to discover that.
That’s how our First Nations STEAM Challenge Cards came to life.
These STEAM challenge sets are a hands-on classroom resource designed to bring together culture, creativity, and critical thinking. Intentionally open-ended and adaptable for any age group, the challenges support students to connect with First Nations knowledge systems as they develop their own ideas, experiment with different approaches, and create unique responses to each task rather than working towards a single “correct” outcome.
I really love this resource and I think you will too.
What Are the First Nations STEAM Challenge Cards?
The First Nations STEAM Challenge Cards include 100 cards, featuring 20 unique STEAM activities grounded in First Nations knowledge, with five copies of each challenge to support group work and whole-class engagement.
Each challenge invites students to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics through Aboriginal innovation, problem-solving, and sustainable practices that connect to Country. These are not “one-size-fits-all” activities, they’re designed to spark curiosity, discussion, and creative thinking in every classroom.
Why STEAM Challenges Work So Well
STEAM challenges are a powerful way to engage students because they encourage learning by doing. Rather than focusing on finding the “right” answer, students are supported to:
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Think critically and creatively
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Collaborate and communicate with others
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Test ideas, learn from mistakes, and refine solutions
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Make meaningful connections across learning areas
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Naturally embed Aboriginal ways of learning such as story telling, connecting to Country, and learning that is derived from meaning as well as community and relationships.
Through the First Nations STEAM Challenge Cards, students also learn that innovation and engineering have always been part of Aboriginal cultures, reinforcing the depth and longevity of First Nations knowledge systems.
Designed for Real Classrooms and All Ages and Abilities
One of the things we love most about this resource is how adaptable it is. The challenges are intentionally open-ended, allowing students to come up with their own approaches and responses.
This means the same challenge can look very different depending on the learners in front of you. Younger students might explore ideas through discussion and simple designs, while older students can plan, test, evaluate, and refine more complex solutions. This makes the cards ideal for:
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Mixed-ability classrooms
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Differentiation and extension
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Reusing activities across multiple year levels
Importantly the Challenge cards do not identify target ages so students are empowered to take ownership of their learning, making each challenge both accessible and meaningful without worrying about the level the system says they should be working at. Meeting students where they are at and building confidence is an important part of safe classrooms.
With five copies of each activity, the cards are easy to use in a variety of classroom settings, including:
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Small-group rotations
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Whole-class STEAM sessions
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Inquiry-based units
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Extension or fast-finisher activities
They require minimal preparation and offer maximum flexibility, making them a valuable addition to busy classrooms.
Supporting Cultural Understanding and Respect
At Wingaru Education, embedding First Nations perspectives authentically is at the heart of what we do. These STEAM challenges encourage students to engage with culture respectfully, highlighting sustainability, environment, and connection to Country while celebrating Aboriginal ingenuity.
For teachers, this provides a practical and genuine way to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives across the curriculum - not as an add-on, but as an integral part of learning.
We’re So Excited to Share This Resource
These First Nations STEAM Challenge Cards reflect our commitment to culturally responsive teaching and engaging, high-quality learning experiences. We’re proud to be sharing this resource and can’t wait to see how teachers and students use them to explore, question, create, and connect.
If you’re looking for a STEAM resource that brings together culture, creativity, and collaboration, these cards are a powerful place to start.