Innovating STEAM education: the impact of international exchange across the Science Gallery Network
Staff from Science Gallery Melbourne and Bengaluru embarked on an inspiring exchange to co-create transdisciplinary education programmes for students and teachers in Australia and India
From left to right: Shelwyn James S, Learning Associate, Gayatri Manu, Senior Programme Associate from Science Gallery Bengaluru, and Jesse Chambers, Deputy Head of Learning Programs at Science Gallery Melbourne (2024)
At the heart of the Science Gallery Network lies a vibrant ecosystem of universities that are reshaping education for the 21st-century. Each gallery serves as a living classroom, merging art and science to engage researchers, students, and youth communities in meaningful learning experiences. Initiatives range from Melbourne's STEAM Centre for Excellence, which collaborates with local schools to design learning modules and excursions, to Bengaluru's open courseware, which delves into exhibition themes through films, thought experiments, and participatory exercises.
Science Gallery International facilitates collaboration across the Network, nurturing relationships and enabling learning and knowledge sharing. The recent staff exchange between Gayatri Manu, Senior Programme Associate, and Shelwyn James S, Learning Associate from Science Gallery Bengaluru, and Jesse Chambers, Deputy Head of Learning Programs in Science Gallery Melbourne, exemplifies the value of such connections. Over several weeks, they immersed themselves in each other’s environments, cultivating fresh approaches to student and teacher engagement in both countries.
“The exchange allowed us to start building a community of practice rooted in respect and to reflect on how we can co-create learning programs as a Network.”
Exchange at Science Gallery Bengaluru (2024)
In Melbourne, Gayatri and Shelwyn worked with the learning team and mediator cohort to design programmes for students to engage with the current exhibitions, Sci560 in Bengaluru, SCI-FI in Melbourne, as well as their upcoming seasons DISTRACTION, and CALORIE. Reflecting on the experience, Gayatri shared, ‘Engaging with colleagues across various international locations expanded our perspectives on building a truly global network that leverages our unique positionalities and local contexts. The exchange offered valuable insights into the structural dynamics of sister galleries and highlighted innovative ways to break down disciplinary silos, especially in engaging young adults’.
This exchange was highlighted at the India and Australia Creative Connections Forum, organised by the University of Melbourne in partnership with industry stakeholders in Delhi.
Jesse and Shelwyn presented the global and local impact of Science Gallery’s STEAM learning programmes, which immerse students in future-focused exhibition themes, scientific research, and emerging technologies. Their presentation underscored the importance of fostering an inclusive space for curiosity, connection, and creativity in preparing students for present and future challenges.
“Engaging with colleagues across locations expanded our perspectives on building a truly global Network that leverages our unique positionalities and local contexts”
Gayatri Manu, exchange at Science Gallery Melbourne (2024)
Exchange at Science Gallery Melbourne (2024)
Shelwyn added, ‘Learning is a two-way process that flourishes with mutual trust. The exchange gave us a chance to come together, start building a community of practice rooted in respect, and reflect on how we can co-create learning programs as a network. There was space for lateral thinking, intercultural dialogue, and much warmth from the Science Gallery Melbourne team, even as Melbourne welcomed us with an unexpected hailstorm!’
In Bengaluru, Jesse facilitated a Global Teacher Workshop during the launch of the University of Melbourne’s Global Centre in Delhi. This professional development opportunity brought together educators from 17 schools across the region and deepened collaboration between Indian and Australian educators. Based on Science Gallery Melbourne's pedagogical work, the workshop focused on interdisciplinary learning and promoting diverse STEAM career pathways.
“From the interdisciplinary cohort of mediators to the staff teams at the Science Galleries in Bengaluru and Melbourne, this exchange demonstrates that our strength lies in our diversity”
Exchange at Science Gallery Bengaluru (2024)
Reflecting on his time in Bengaluru, Jesse emphasised how the exchange transcended cultural and geographical boundaries, sparking personal reflection on the essence of the Science Gallery community. ‘Working alongside the team at Science Gallery Bengaluru has been a transformative experience; one that transcended barriers of geography to connect different teams, cultures, and ways of working. I was inspired by the mediator team, who each bring a unique flair to their engagement with visitors.
This got me reflecting on what it means to be a ‘Science Gallery person’ – what are the things that we have in common? My attempts at landing an answer didn’t last long because it’s our difference that connects us – and this is anything but ‘common’. From astrophysics to fine arts, the interdisciplinary team of mediators, and staff more broadly, at the Science Galleries in Bengaluru and Melbourne demonstrates that our strength lies in our diversity.’
Staff exchange at Science Gallery Melbourne (2024)
“As an educator, Science Gallery provides a classroom like no other, and the Network fosters an unrivalled potential to connect young people in new and exciting ways”
Furthermore, he reflected on the global learning platform that the Network facilitates, stating, ‘As an educator, Science Gallery provides a classroom like no other, and my exchange highlighted the unrivalled potential for the Network to connect young people in new and exciting ways.
Where else in the world can students from across the globe be united through the collision of art and science? I am optimistic about the future of Science Gallery learning and what this means for tech-enhanced, meaningful experiences that connect the enthusiastic young people at the heart of our galleries to students around the world. Working with the team in Bengaluru has been immensely valuable, and this reciprocal experience has laid the foundations for an ongoing partnership.’
The staff exchange between Science Gallery Melbourne and Bengaluru demonstrates the impact of international collaboration on STEAM education. By sharing expertise, exploring new pedagogical approaches, and fostering meaningful connections across cultures, this partnership exemplifies the strength of the Science Gallery Network in creating an inclusive and innovative learning environment. As the Network grows, these initiatives will shape the future of transdisciplinary learning, empowering students, researchers and teachers of Science Gallery’s members to face contemporary challenges.
Compiled by: Ana Prendes, Science Gallery International, 2024.