Supporting a brighter future in science education

For the past three years, Xcalibur Smart Mapping through the Australia Business unit has supported the University of Western Australia’s project; Einstein-First, helping this incredible initiative bring modern physics education to classrooms across Australia. Although our support is behind the scenes, we are thrilled to play a role in enabling a programme that inspires young minds and equips them with the knowledge needed to navigate an increasingly scientific and technological world.

Einstein-First is breaking barriers in science education, and we’re happy to contribute to their mission of making complex concepts like Einsteinian physics accessible, engaging, and relevant to students of all ages.

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Sparking Curiosity in Science

Einstein-First is built on a simple but powerful idea: students can and should learn the science that shapes our modern world. Over the last decade, their team has created innovative ways to teach advanced physics concepts like gravity, spacetime, and light particles. Using hands-on activities—such as stretching spandex to model planetary orbits or demonstrating photons with Nerf guns—they’ve shown that even young children can grasp and enjoy these ideas.

Their approach has proven transformative. Research shows that students from all academic backgrounds not only understand the material but develop a genuine enthusiasm for learning it. Girls, who often start with less confidence in physics, have shown remarkable progress, closing the gap with their male peers and gaining a new sense of empowerment in science.

Einstein-First has gone beyond outreach events, working with educators to develop a spiral curriculum that integrates Einsteinian physics into school programs from Year 3 to Year 10 (ages 8 through 16). This curriculum builds understanding progressively, ensuring students grow their knowledge step by step.

Through tools like lesson plans, activity guides, and short instructional videos, Einstein-First has made it easier for teachers to confidently bring these concepts to life in their classrooms. Nearly 150 teachers have been trained so far, with over 60 schools adopting the program. Teachers who’ve participated in Einstein-First’s professional development workshops have reported feeling more confident in teaching these concepts which are not complex but are entirely new way of thinking to? people brought up on classical school science. As one teacher shared, “I thought I understood atoms, but now I see how much more there is to learn. The children are loving it!”

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Reaching remote communities and inspiring future scientists

One of Einstein-First’s most inspiring initiatives is the “Einstein-First Comes to Town” campaign, which brings science education to remote and under-served communities. This year, thanks to contributions from donors like us, the program reached the desert regions of Western Australia, including the areas around the Super Pit gold mine.

During these visits, nearly 328 students—including Indigenous learners—were introduced to the building blocks of the universe: atoms, molecules, and photons, as well as the science behind environmental issues like climate change. The response was overwhelmingly positive. The programme’s hands-on approach left a lasting impression on both students and teachers. As one teacher noted, “I never realised how powerful simple activities could be in making science come alive for the children.”

The positive feedback and the genuine excitement from both students and teachers reaffirm the power of Einstein-First’s methods to ignite curiosity and foster a love for science.

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A Shared Vision

As a partner, we’re humbled to see the profound impact Einstein-First is having on students, teachers, and communities. Their work is laying the foundation for a future where every student has access to the knowledge, they need to thrive in a world shaped by science and technology.

We’re proud to stand behind Einstein-First and look forward to seeing how their work continues to transform education and inspire the next generation.