University of Canberra students turning science into fun for primary school children

University of Canberra science teachers-to-be are making science fun for primary school children during National Science Week 2008. Following a pilot project last year-120 University students in 2008 have been undertaking a five week program where they spend two and a half hours in primary school’s working with small groups of children teaching practical science.

Southern Cross Primary School students have been involved in designing and building bridges and shelters as they learn how built structures impact on the environment.

Southern Cross Primary School Principal, Jennie Bailey believes the program is reaping benefits for all involved, students, teachers and the University interns.
“The children work in small groups while being exposed to young teachers who bring a fresh and energetic approach with precise and explicit teaching of science concepts taking place,” she said.

University Lecturer in Primary Education, Iain Hay said, “We place great emphasis on giving our students practical on the job experience. These students are required to plan and develop a program suitable for primary school curriculums.”

The schools involved include Southern Cross Primary, Yarralumla Primary, Majura Primary and Radford College Junior.

UC students embrace ‘big book’ project

A Science and Technology Education project, developed for Graduate entry students in Bachelor of Education, (early childhood, primary and middle school) has been embraced as an outstanding success and excellent teaching resource.

The ‘big book’ project required students to design, make and appraise an interactive ‘big book’ to teach a science concept for students in a primary, early childhood or middle school classroom.
The ‘big book’ had to be a narrative, have a movable part and teach a concept utilising a range of recycled materials.

Iain Hay, Lecturer in Science and Technology Education said, “The project is truly a ‘rich task’, in the sense that it allowed our students to engage in the design and appraisal process in a very concrete way by making the interactive ‘big book’."

National Capital Educational Tourism Project

The National Capital Educational Tourism Project (NCETP) is a joint initiative of the ACT Government and the National Capital Attractions Association (the body representing all 35 National Capital Attractions). The NCETP has been formed to assist schools in understanding the educational benefit of a visit to the National Capital and encouraging more to take the opportunity to visit for the first time.

So if you are thinking about planning or going on a school excursion the NCETP make available the excursion planners, each year. It is done in conjunction with the National Capital Attractions Association (NCAA). Make sure you go to their website to find out the relevant information.

'Skoool' science and mathematics resources

A collaboration between Intel and the Department of Education has delivered more than 200 high-quality interactive learning resources for science and maths to NSW schools through the Teaching and Learning exchange (TaLe).
The Intel skoool™ learning resources target primary and secondary students of science and maths from Stage 2 (years 2 and 3) through to Stage 6 (years 5 and 6). All of the resources have been aligned and contextualised to meet NSW syllabus requirements.
There are a range of resource types available. These include simulations that model abstract concepts, tools that facilitate exploration of mathematical concepts, learning steps that guide learners through a topic, and study notes that are useful for home study and research. The skoool simulations and tools are also highly effective when used with an interactive whiteboard.

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.