Full STEAM ahead with stamp collecting

STEAM learning is the focus of an Australia Post stamp collecting initiative.

The theme of this year’s Stamp Collecting Month is ‘Full STEAM ahead!’ It encourages young Australians and stamp collectors of all ages to learn more about science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

It also aims to inspire a broader conversation on STEAM subjects in the community and celebrate the way STEAM learning can be applied in the real world, with five stamps depicting innovative areas of virtual reality, hydroponics, space study, robotics and urban design.

Australia Post General Manager Post Office Network David McNamara said this year’s focus on STEAM subjects would help highlight skills that are increasingly important to solve 21st-century challenges.

“Most people are aware of STEM subjects, but by including arts as well, we are looking to acknowledge and encourage creativity, critical thinking and problem solving,” McNamara said.

“We want Full STEAM ahead! to inspire children to take a multidisciplined approach to learning, supported by these fun and accessible stamp designs and our specially created education resources.”

This year’s Stamp Collecting Month Ambassador is Associate Professor Misty Jenkins — a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) fellow and laboratory head in Immunology at WEHI in Melbourne, researching cellular immunology and cancer immunotherapy. She said working across disciplines to problem solve was an invaluable skill for lifelong learning.

“Recent events have shown us all how vital a collaborative approach is, and Full STEAM ahead! is a fun and inviting way to show the next generation how integrated learning can be applied in the real world,” she said.

“Programs like Stamp Collecting Month are an important way to creatively engage and encourage primary-aged children in STEAM to foster skills they can adapt throughout their learning.”

The stamps and associated products will be available in participating Post Offices, via mail order on 1800 331 794 and online at auspost.com.au/stamps while stocks last, with education resources available at auspost.com.au/scm.