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Microscopy and STEM Education: Fostering Scientific Curiosity in Young Minds

byZEISS Microscopy 8 May 2025 3 min read

Microscopy and STEM Education: Fostering Scientific Curiosity in Young Minds

In Australia about 1 in 20 of the working population has a degree or background in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math. In the Aboriginal community, however, that ratio is only 1 in 200. This seems to be due to a lack of role models and resources for Aboriginal children, both within the metro regions and in remote communities.
The initiative DeadlyScience aims to connect young indigenous people with mentors to encourage them to participate in modern STEM subjects, while inspiring Aboriginal kids with the ingenuity and achievements of their ancestors – from the prediction of weather using astronomy to the invention of glue.

To date, the charity has sent over 25,000 books, 700 telescopes, and other STEM resources to more than 180 communities. But it also does its inspiring work via in-person educational events.

Students learning to use a microscope. — Students attentively observe as they are instructed on the proper techniques for using a microscope.

Empowering the Next Generation of Microscopists

Recently, ZEISS provided stereo microscopes that DeadlyScience took on a road trip up the Australian east coast and into central Queensland, stopping at small and remote schools to run educational sessions.

Now ZEISS plans to ship microscopes plus lesson plans and samples to schools in the outback. The company will provide remote training for teachers, and the microscopes will be left with them for a few weeks before being sent on to the next school.

This is part of the international ZEISS initiative "A Heart for Science” that aims to encourage young people aged 12 to 18 to get into STEM subjects. Currently, more than 480 ZEISS employees are active in over 20 countries and more than 40 activities.

The ZEISS activity was such a hit with the students, with a few of them mentioning it specifically in the post-program evaluations.
I can't understate just how integral ZEISS has been to the program this year.

Matt Coffey Pathways Program Manager at DeadlyScience

A student is fascinated by the world unfolding under the microscope.

Fascinating Science Fun for Kids

At one event, the children were looking at strawberries when a tiny bug crawled out. The reaction when the kids saw it hugely magnified on a screen behind their teacher was priceless. Some of the most excited responses also came when the children used them to examine their fingers and learn about the unique features of fingerprints.

Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) supporting DeadlyScience

The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI), one of the most prominent biomedical research institutes in Australia, has also become a supporter of DeadlyScience. WEHI has a wide range of high-end ZEISS equipment, and future educational sessions are planned in collaboration with ZEISS and DeadlyScience. WEHI and ZEISS are now also working on joint programs to provide students with insights into high-end research and STEM career pathways.

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The event at WEHI was fabulous and the microscopes were a hit.

Kristy Arnall Head of Impact Reporting and Process Improvement at DeadlyScience

Students carefully approach the use of the microscope, gaining hands-on experience in scientific observation.

A group of students gathers around a monitor, their eyes wide with fascination as they learn to explore the microscopic world.

About Deadly Science

Corey Tutt, a Kamilaroi man from New South Wales, set up the organization DeadlyScience in 2018 to provide remote and under-resourced schools with science books and telescopes. The word “deadly” is used by many Australian aboriginal people to mean “great” or “excellent”.

The goal was to excite and inspire Aboriginal children about science. The Aboriginal community traditionally has a strong connection to nature and the land, but this does not translate into the professional environment.

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