Celebrate Science Week 2026
The National Science Week 2026 School Theme is Seeds of Science: Nurturing Science for All.
This theme encourages students across Australia to explore how curiosity, discovery and collaboration help scientific knowledge grow. Just as a seed develops when given the right care and conditions, scientific understanding flourishes when ideas are nurtured, shared and applied to meaningful, real-world challenges across a range of fields.
As a living heritage steam railway, Puffing Billy Railway brings science, technology, engineering and mathematics to life every day—from the physics of steam-powered locomotives and mechanical engineering to environmental sustainability and problem-solving. STEMatagories is a fun way for students to explore these connections while celebrating curiosity, creativity and innovation during National Science Week.
Play STEMatagories
Sew curiosity in Science with a fun collaborative game.
Explore the power of curiosity, inquiry and shared learning by playing the Puffing Billy Railway STEMatagories games
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WHEN
Wednesday 19th of August
8:45am - 3:15pm
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WHO
Any Victorian schools
Years 3-6
How to play:
Simply find a word that meets each description (STEMatagory) that starts with the letter of the alphabet that is released on Wednesday 19th of August.
The Puffing Billy Railway website will have a live link to the entry portal that will only be open between 8:45 am and 3:15pm A.E.S.T. on Wednesday 19 August.
The STEMatagories will be:
- A source of energy that can be burnt and used to heat water
- Something living that could be found along the Puffing Billy Railway corridor
- A material that can be found within a Puffing Billy Railway carriage (includes any part of the carriage or passengers and their belongings)
- A part of a steam train (Any part of the train from the locomotive to the Guard’s van)
- A job or task that is required for the successful operation of Puffing Billy Railway
- A feeling (physical or emotional) that could be experienced by a passenger during a ride on Puffing Billy Railway
Try to think of more than one answer. Select the one you feel others may not pick as the more entries with the same word, the less points it will receive. The Maximum points possible is 600 using the system below.
TEACHER RESOURCE
We have created a resource for you to use in your preparations for the challenge.
Click below to grab a copy!
LOCOMOTIVE DIAGRAM
Would you like a detailed diagram of one of our locomotives to use during your challenge and for a reference?
Click below to view it!