UNSW Makerbus
Engineering in Motion
Makerbus is a mobile makerspace designed to increase access to high-quality, hands-on STEM learning.
We bring engineering design, coding and prototyping experiences directly to schools – supporting students to explore STEM through immersive, curriculum-aligned workshops.
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Makerbus is for students:
Across Stages 1 - 6, with workshops differentiated for age and experience.
Who benefit from hands-on, applied learning, including those exploring engineering and STEM pathways for the first time.
Gateway, regional, rural and remote cohorts, where access to specialist STEM facilities and resources may be limited.
Through design-and-make challenges, students build confidence, problem-solving skills and an understanding of how STEM connects to real-world applications.
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Makerbus is for teachers:
STEM, TAS, Science and Engineering Studies teachers, including those teaching out of field.
Educators seeking curriculum-aligned, classroom-ready resources to support the delivery of STEM learning.
Schools looking to strengthen teacher capability in engineering design processes, coding, prototyping and systems thinking.
Each Makerbus visit is designed to complement classroom teaching and can provide practical strategies teachers can continue to use beyond the visit.
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Makerbus is for Schools & Communities:
Makerbus is well suited to Primary and secondary schools across NSW.
Schools prioritising equitable access to high-quality STEM experiences.
Communities interested in building aspirations, pathways and connections to university and STEM careers.
Makerbus can be delivered as a one-off visit or as part of a broader engagement and partnership initiative.
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To support safe, smooth and effective delivery, the following information outlines what schools can expect when hosting a UNSW Makerbus visit.
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Makerbus workshops are delivered on board the bus and/or in a nearby learning space, depending on the program selected.
A flat, accessible parking space is required for the Makerbus, located close to the learning area where possible.
Access to an indoor classroom, hall or covered outdoor space (weather permitting) is recommended for all activities.
Spaces should allow for tables, chairs and safe movement between workstations.
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Access to standard power outlets is required to support equipment and charging.
Reliable Wi-Fi access is recommended where available to support digital tools.
Where Wi-Fi is limited, activities can be adapted using offline resources (to be discussed during booking).
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Schools retain duty of care and student supervision at all times
At least one teacher or supervising adult is required to remain with each booked session.
UNSW Makerbus facilitators lead all learning activities and manage specialist equipment, with teachers supporting student engagement.
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Makerbus operates across NSW, with priority delivery for UNSW Gateway, regional, rural and remote schools.
Metropolitan schools are typically scheduled within designated delivery windows.
Travel distance, site access and program duration may influence availability.
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A minimum lead time of 4–6 weeks is recommended for metropolitan bookings.
Regional and rural visits may require longer lead times to support travel planning.
All bookings are subject to facilitator availability, school calendars and access conditions.
If you are unsure whether your school meets these requirements, the Makerbus team is happy to discuss options and adaptations prior to booking.
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Makerbus visits can be delivered as 90-minute sessions, half-day or full-day programs, depending on the selected workshop and the number of student groups. Session structure and rotations are confirmed during the booking process.
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The recommended group size is up to a maximum of 30 students per session.
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Minimal preparation is required. Schools are required to book a suitable learning space and allocate teachers for supervision prior to the Makerbus visit.
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Yes. All Makerbus programs are aligned to the NESA syllabus and emphasise the engineering design process, problem-solving and applied STEM learning. Curriculum links are outlined prior to the visit.
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Makerbus provides all specialist equipment, materials and tools required for the workshop. Schools are responsible for providing standard classroom resources such as tables, chairs and access to power.
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Makerbus delivery is planned to minimise disruption due to weather. In the event of severe weather or unsafe conditions, the Makerbus team will contact the school to discuss alternative arrangements or rescheduling.
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Yes. Makerbus can be delivered as a stand-alone visit or as part of a broader engagement, professional learning or pathway initiative. Please contact the team if you are interested in a multi-visit or partnership model.
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We understand that school schedules can change. The following guidelines help us manage travel, staffing and resource planning fairly.
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Schools are asked to provide at least 10 business days’ notice if a booking needs to be cancelled or rescheduled.
Cancellations with sufficient notice will be rescheduled where possible, subject to availability.
Late cancellations may limit our ability to reallocate resources, particularly for regional and rural visits.
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In rare circumstances, UNSW may need to reschedule or cancel a visit due to unforeseen issues such as facilitator availability, vehicle maintenance or severe weather.
Schools will be notified as early as possible, and alternative dates or arrangements will be offered.
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For regional, rural and remote bookings, additional planning is required. Changes to these visits may be subject to travel and accommodation constraints.
Any specific conditions will be discussed during the booking process.
If you need to make changes to your booking or have questions about suitability, please contact the Makerbus team as early as possible – we are committed to working with schools to find the best possible solution.
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The safety and wellbeing of students, teachers and staff is central to all UNSW Makerbus activities. All programs are delivered in line with UNSW policies, NSW Department of Education requirements, and relevant Work Health and Safety (WHS) and child safety legislation.
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All Makerbus activities are supported by risk assessments and safe operating procedures appropriate to the age group and learning context.
Equipment and materials are selected to meet safety standards and are inspected and maintained regularly.
Students receive clear safety briefings at the beginning of each session, including appropriate tool use and behaviour expectations.
Activities are designed to minimise risk while maintaining authentic, hands-on learning experiences.
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Schools retain duty of care for students at all times during Makerbus visits.
UNSW Makerbus facilitators manage learning activities and equipment, working alongside teachers to ensure safe participation.
Sessions are structured to support active supervision, clear movement pathways and safe use of spaces.
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All UNSW Makerbus staff and facilitators working with children hold valid Working With Children Checks (WWCC).
Makerbus operates in accordance with UNSW’s Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy and associated procedures.
Facilitators are trained in child-safe practices, professional conduct and appropriate interactions with students.
Any child safety concerns are managed in line with established reporting and escalation processes.
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Makerbus is committed to providing safe, inclusive and respectful learning environments for all students.
Activities can be adapted to support diverse learning needs, accessibility requirements and school-specific considerations.
Schools are encouraged to discuss any adjustments or supports required at the time of booking.
Further documentation, including risk assessments, can be provided to schools upon request.
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Programs
Note: The images above are for illustrative purposes only