UC teaching students take science to primary school

Story and photo by Edward O'Daly

Patrick Miller admires his handmade thermometer - part of the science program.

11 September 2007: Young scientists at Majura Primary School in Watson have been getting to grips with the complexities of the weather thanks to University of Canberra teaching students.

The teachers-to-be visited the school over four weeks to test their skills and deliver special classes to small groups of seven year one pupils. Run for the first time, the program required 20 students of the University's 'science education' unit to develop resources and lesson plans for the primary school children. The classes were designed to improve the pupils' literacy as well as their science knowledge.

"We place a lot of emphasis on giving our students practical on the job experience to help them hit the ground running in their teaching career," the lecturer behind the program, Iain Hay said.
"It's also great for the primary school kids to get a taste of science."

Student Amie Dever agreed the program gave her a valuable, hands-on classroom experience.
"It's a great confidence builder to apply the theory and to know the lessons I'm preparing are engaging and see the children learning from them," she said.

Following the success of the pilot program at Majura Primary School, Mr Hay hopes to significantly expand the program next year when a cohort of 140 students will take the University's science education course. He is inviting other schools in the capital to volunteer.

Majura Primary School principal Coralie McAlister said primary schools had a vested interest in helping pre-service teachers get used to the classroom, while the program gave her pupils an valuable introduction to science.

"It was great. Our students were able to work in small groups with hands on science equipment learning different science topics," she said.

"Our students are always keen to know how things work and they really liked it. It was a great way to introduce them to science."

She added she would encourage other schools to get involve in similar programs. Schools that are interested in working with the University 2008 should contact Mr Hay on 02 6201 5910.