Looking for a new way to engage students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)? Wondering how to connect classroom learning to real-world experiences? As schools return for Term 1, many teachers and school leaders are reviewing their programs and thinking about how to make STEM lessons both relevant and engaging.

At Australian Sailing, we’ve developed SailLAB as a curriculum-aligned STEM education program designed to support classroom teaching through real-world applications. Using sailing as a practical context, SailLAB helps students explore scientific and engineering concepts in a way that is hands-on, connected to life beyond the classroom, and grounded in Australia’s rich sailing history. 

Designed For Teachers

SailLAB is written by teachers, ensuring the program is practical, flexible and easy to implement. The program supports inquiry-based learning and encourages students to apply scientific and engineering concepts through investigation, problem-solving and experimentation.
Teaching resources include lesson plans, student workbooks, presentations and assessment materials, allowing teachers to integrate SailLAB into existing STEM units or use individual modules to support specific learning outcomes. No prior sailing experience is required to deliver the content.

What’s Included?

The program includes six Primary modules and ten Secondary modules, covering topics such as wind and forces, design and engineering, meteorology and ocean science. Each module aligns with the Australian Curriculum and follows a structured STEM learning cycle, supporting both core content delivery and general capabilities.

For schools seeking additional practical learning opportunities, SailLAB can also be complemented by optional experience days delivered in partnership with local sailing clubs, where students can apply their classroom learning in a practical setting.

Looking ahead, we are developing additional modules to cover areas such as ropework, materials science, navigation, sustainability, and the technology showcased through SailGP. This ensures the program continues to evolve and stay relevant for schools and students across the country.

How To Get Involved?

SailLAB is available to schools at no cost and can be delivered flexibly to suit different teaching contexts, including metropolitan, regional and remote settings. Schools across Australia — including more than 40 already registered for 2026 — are using SailLAB to engage thousands of students, with particular benefits for regional and remote schools seeking accessible STEM opportunities.

Teachers, STEM coordinators and school leaders interested in incorporating SailLAB into their 2026 programs are encouraged to explore the resources page and submit an Expression of Interest to access full teaching materials and program support.