Deputy PM goes back to school for science and literacy

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education, Ms Julia Gillard, today launched the latest unit of a world-class primary school program linking science with literacy. The Primary Connections: Linking science with literacy program is an innovative approach to teaching and learning that incorporates the teaching of science into the teaching of literacy in Australian primary schools.

The Minister acknowledged the importance of science and students’ development of scientific skills, like asking questions and knowing how to find answers.

Primary Connections builds on students’ natural curiosity to nurture their sense of wonder and develop their passion for exploring how the world works. This is achieved through a professional learning program supported by quality curriculum resources that promote a hands-on approach to science.

The program was initiated by the Australian Academy of Science and is carried out through a partnership between the Academy and the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).

Primary Connections is used in over 2500 schools across the nation and has produced ten units to date. Through observing small animals, the recently published unit, Schoolyard safari, looks at how animals move, feed and protect themselves. The diversity of animals and the adaptations that help them survive are also explored.

Speaking at the event, President of the Australian Academy of Science Professor Kurt Lambeck said:
‘The Academy is concerned about education at all levels and if we had a motto about this it would be: If Australia gets education right then everything else will succeed, if we get it wrong then nothing else matters.

‘To make sure that we get it right, we have embarked on the Primary Connections program…’

Professor Lambeck encouraged the Mossfiel Primary School students to embrace science saying:

‘By carrying out experiments, writing about them and discussing them among yourselves you will gain a better understanding about what occurs around you and perhaps become a scientist yourself. I hope so, because science remains fun and it is important!’

Former Australian of the Year and former President of the Academy Sir Gustav Nossal also spoke saying: ‘the Academy of Science has a long and proud record in primary school science education.’

Further information on Primary Connections:www.science.org.au/primaryconnections

2008 Australian Science Festival

The 2008 Australian Science Festival School Program will be held from August 20 - 22 at the National Convention Centre in Canberra.
The festival team has been busy putting together another terrific program of exciting events for school students of all ages.

Not all the details are confirmed, but here’s a taste of what to expect. If you would like to register your interest for specific activities, please email bookings@sciencefestival.com.au Remember to include your contact details, how many people you’d like to bring and the names of the activities you want to attend.

Science Week 2008

What is Science Week?
It's going to be Australia's 11th National Science Week. There will be activities for everyone!

National Science Week 2008 will be from 16 - 24 August. Anyone can get involved in National Science Week and in the coming months the 2008 event diary will be available so you can search events and find out what is happening around your area.

If you would like to run an event in 2008 or would to find out how your organisation can get involved in National Science Week contact scienceweek@dest.gov.au or call 02 6240 5078. If you have an enquiry about National Science Week in schools send an email to nscwk@asta.edu.au.

Earth Day

Earth Day Founded by the organizers of the first Earth Day in 1970, Earth Day Network (EDN) promotes environmental citizenship and year round progressive action worldwide. Earth Day Network is a driving force steering environmental awareness around the world. Through Earth Day Network, activists connect, interact, and have an impact on their communities, and create positive change in local, national, and global policies.

EDN's international network reaches over 17,000 organizations in 174 countries, while the domestic program engages 5,000 groups and over 25,000 educators coordinating millions of community development and environmental protection activities throughout the year. Earth Day is the only event celebrated simultaneously around the globe by people of all backgrounds, faiths and nationalities.

More than a half billion people participate in our campaigns every year. Our mission is to grow and diversify the environmental movement worldwide, and to mobilize it as the most effective vehicle for promoting a healthy, sustainable planet. We pursue our mission through education, politics, events, and consumer activism.

Chilly Out! Have a look at Classroom Antarctica

Classroom Antarctica is a comprehensive online teaching resource produced by the Australian Antarctic Division. It is particularly aimed at grades 5 to 8. Each unit has a selection of activities you can mix and match to meet your own school or state's learning objectives. You can adapt the activities to the range of abilities in your class and the particular interests of your students.

ReefED - educate to keep it great

ReefED Enjoy the Great Barrier Reef 'up close' with just a touch of your mouse button when you enter Reef Ed. Inside this site, you'll find a wonderful collection of resources about the amazing animals, plants, habitats and features of the Great Barrier Reef.

Whether you are looking for information for a project or just want to learn more about the Reef, Reef Ed is the perfect place to explore the wonders of Australia's most precious reef ecosystem, the Great Barrier Reef. With up-to-date information about a range of reef topics, Reef Ed is one of the most popular student and teacher resources and is used by people from all over the world.

Inside Reef Ed you'll find:
GBR Explorer - an on-line encyclopaedia where you can learn all about the amazing plants and animals in the Great Barrier Reef
Colour images and videos for educational use
A range of free teaching resources such as quality outcome-based teaching units for years K-12 and teaching modules in SOSE, Science, Technology, English, Mathematics and The Arts

Fun activities for children to complete at school and at home
The latest information about the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority's education programs.