Successful Projects in Round 2

An Online Community for Science Projects: A School-University Partnership aims to involve gifted and talented students in Years 7 and 8 in projects that meet the requirements of the NSW Stage 4 Science Syllabus for scientific investigations. Students’ work will be framed in a problem-based learning environment supported by information and communication technology and will incorporate mentoring relationships with university students undertaking a graduate teacher education course. Central to the project will be the creation of an online community for all project partners. All participants will meet for a conference to form partnerships, share experiences, report progress and present their findings.

Coordinator: Moriah College (Bondi Junction)

Australian Regional International Space Station Design Competition aims to provide an exciting industry simulation experience for students in Years 10-12. The competition will involve designing a significant infrastructure development in space. It will require students to consider a range of issues including structural engineering, human factors, communications, food production, energy requirements and transportation. The requirements for the infrastructure development will be complex, challenging and exciting, and will require imaginative and innovative approaches and solutions to emulate real life experience for students.

Coordinator: St Laurence's College (South Brisbane)

Bringing Scientific Research to Life aims to provide students with opportunities to engage in real world science through the dissemination of online information and resources from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. These activities will complement the Victorian Essential Learning Standards and the Victorian Certificate of Education principles. Teachers will work with students and scientists to develop flexible, powerful, dynamic and interactive online learning materials. These materials will be made widely available for use by teachers and students. The project will include a summer school to enable students to interact with scientists from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and raise awareness of potential career paths in science.

Coordinator: Melbourne Girls Grammar School (South Yarra)

Campbell Cluster Science, Technology and Mathematics Project aims to bring practising scientists into schools to work with students on original scientific research projects. The project will involve a cluster of schools across Canberra in cooperative activities and scientific investigations. The cluster schools will be provided with training and access to a suite of CSIRO education products and services. CSIRO will actively support the cluster schools to develop new and innovative ways of using these products. The project will provide teachers and students with the opportunity to work collaboratively with CSIRO scientists to complete research tasks.

Coordinator: CSIRO

Collaborative Innovations Enhancing Student Learning in Science, Mathematics and ICT aims to support teachers and students in the cluster schools to identify and address local issues that impact on student learning in science, mathematics and information and communication technology. This project will create networks of teachers within schools and across school clusters in the New England regional area to assist teachers to address the issues identified as impeding student learning. Support to enhance students’ learning outcomes will be provided to teachers and students by Teacher Associates and consultants.

Coordinator: The University of New England, SiMERR National Centre

Collaborative Interaction Design - 3D Prototyping, Remote Realisation and Manufacture aims to provide students with a real world experience of collaborative online design, 24-hour rapid prototyping, remote realisation and manufacture. Students in rural and remote locations will collaborate with partner schools in city locations on design projects. Teachers and students will work with design partners to develop skills in design and technology practices and create innovative design, scientific and mathematical solutions.

Coordinator: Institute of Industrial Arts Technology Education

Collaborative Virtual Education: Creating an Online Teaching and Learning Environment aims to provide an engaging context for students to collaboratively develop and undertake activities related to the mathematics curriculum through a virtual reality environment. A unique online environment will be provided for teachers to adapt their existing skills and enhance innovative teaching practice to enable students and teachers to create online products. The project will increase student engagement and participation in mathematics and information and communication technology.

Coordinator: Brighton Grammar School (Brighton)

Communication for an Environmentally Sustainable Society aims to enable students to design and undertake environmental investigations using scientific principles and to use science communication strategies to disseminate their research. Students and teachers will work with the local council and other education, environment and science organisations, to investigate local environmental issues, take considered, appropriate action, and communicate their findings to the wider community. Teachers will use inquiry processes to collect and analyse data about emerging science teaching practice change and increase their own understanding of current science knowledge. Teacher Associates will support students and teachers with up-to-date information about environmental science and local contexts.

Coordinator: SA Department of Education and Children’s Services

Customising Mathematics Instruction in Innovative Ways Based on Clinical Numeracy Interview Data aims to improve learning outcomes in mathematics and increase positive attitudes to mathematics learning and teaching. Supportive structures will be implemented to assist teachers to develop and implement innovative practices that are responsive to each student’s learning needs. This will lead to improvements in learning outcomes, enhanced student and teacher engagement and increased interest in learning and teaching mathematics. The involvement of preservice teachers in the project will further encourage the attraction and retention of mathematics teachers.

Coordinator: Catholic Education Office Ballarat

Developing Multimedia Tools for Senior High School Physics aims to excite and motivate the teaching and learning of senior high school physics. The project will design and develop multimedia tools for use in classrooms and on the web to address the challenge of exposing students to state-of-the-art technological advances (such as an MRI medical diagnostic tool) in the classroom. Online collaborative learning will also be encouraged through website forums. These multimedia tools will be of particular advantage to rural and disadvantaged schools.

Coordinator: The University of Sydney, School of Physics

Developing Technology Projects with Lego aims to challenge, engage and excite teachers and students in science, technology and mathematics through the development of an integrated curriculum in the middle phase of learning. The project will involve using computers, software, Lego kits and sensors within the cluster schools. Teachers in the cluster will plan a developmental program for Years 5-9 that involves students working collaboratively on investigations and presenting findings. Teachers will receive professional development on using and implementing the Lego kits and the classroom resources within curriculum programs.

Coordinator: Cooroora Secondary College (Pomona)

Educating for a Sustainable Future aims to develop a model integrating mathematics into studies of environmental sustainability for primary and secondary schools. You Yangs Learning Community cluster will work with Victoria University and other environmental sustainability education agencies to develop a framework for schools to work with community partners. A range of educational materials will be created for a number of different environmental sustainability topics using a Working Mathematically approach to these studies. This will lead to an increase in students’ knowledge, values, skills and social action as well a greater understanding of natural resources in schools.

Coordinator: You Yangs Learning Community

Engaging Indigenous Students: Embedding ICT in Learning aims to assist primary school teachers to increase the engagement of Indigenous students. Information and communication technology and thinking tools will be integrated across Indigenous students’ learning to empower them in the construction of their own knowledge. Teachers from each school will implement and plan best practice-in-school strategies and report on these outcomes. Teachers will be mentored by educators with relevant experience and will provide feedback on their observations of student engagement to lead to overall improvements in learning for Indigenous students.

Coordinator: The University of New England, SiMERR National Centre

Enhancing Scientific Literacy through Inquiry Learning aims to assist middle school teachers, particularly those with little formal science training, with the implementation of the teaching strategy Working Scientifically through Inquiry Learning. This teaching strategy will help students to learn to think independently and acquire problem solving skills which are essential to enhance scientific literacy. The project will equip teachers with skills and competencies of inquiry learning by providing professional development and a mentoring scheme. This will result in sustainable improvement in science outcomes as well as a common approach to science for students in transition from primary to secondary school.

Coordinator: Cavendish Road State High School (Holland Park)

Eyre Peninsula Young Investigators aims to foster innovation in schools and re-invigorate students’ interest in the sciences by engaging students in environmentally and industrially relevant projects in marine science. The project will involve collaboration between the Lincoln Marine Science Centre and primary schools in Port Lincoln, South Australia to develop a program of science investigations for students. Teachers will be directly engaged in projects which will provide professional development and assist in program sustainability. Outcomes will include the stimulation of students’ interest in the sciences which will help to reverse declining science enrolments at universities.

Coordinator: Flinders University, Lincoln Marine Science Centre

First Steps to Numeracy aims to enhance the teaching and learning of mathematics to enable students to attain the skills of numeracy. The project will enhance teachers’ conceptual understanding of teaching mathematics for numeracy through collaboration between teachers (K-10), students and parents. Support will be provided by preservice teachers and education consultants and the resource First Steps in Mathematics will be used to underpin mathematical content, and action research will guide engagement of the partners. The practical collaborative engagement between partners will strengthen and elevate school, teacher, preservice teacher and student capacity. Outcomes will include measured improvement in student learning and improvement in teacher practice to enhance student numeracy learning.

Coordinator: Catholic Education Office, Tasmania

Gateway Partners in Science aims to heighten student awareness of the role of science in society by fostering innovative and stimulating programs. The project will involve small primary schools in low socio-economic areas in collaboration with community partners. Students and teachers in Years 3-5 will have the opportunity to explore, interact and collaborate with partner organisations. Enriched Science Investigation Toolkits will be developed for each strand and shared among the schools to enhance learning and teaching. Teacher Associates and consultants will be engaged to compile resources, and provide hands-on demonstrations for teachers and students. This will equip students with an ongoing interest in science, and enhance teachers’ abilities to foster this interest.

Coordinator: Hamilton State School (Hamilton)

Goulburn River Catchment Carers and Sustainable Schools Initiative aims to integrate environmental education as an interdisciplinary component to enhance the teaching and learning of science, technology and mathematics. The cluster schools will facilitate innovative teaching and learning strategies to engage students in authentic learning tasks. Activities will include professional development for teachers, participant forums, and science and mathematics focused student activities. It will empower students and teachers with life-long skills and transferable knowledge which will have a lasting impact on environmental sustainability, and promote exemplary skills and positive attitudes towards the specialised fields of science, mathematics and technology .

Coordinator: Murchison Primary School (Murchison)

Hastings-Monash School-Community Science and Technology Challenge aims to pilot and implement an innovative school-community science and technology ‘challenge’. Students in primary schools will explore and photograph their environment, and produce, disseminate and display postcards containing challenges around the theme of science and technology. Following evaluation and refinement, a kit will be produced which will enable the challenge to be widely rolled out in schools and after-school programs. The challenge will be affordable and sustainable, providing an evidence-based, best-practice program that will promote ongoing student and teacher engagement with science and technology in the schools and the wider community.

Coordinator: Monash University, Faculty of Education

Hooked on Sports: In-Roads to Science, Mathematics and Technology aims to use students’ identified interest in sport and physical education to deliver a multidisciplinary curriculum across science, technology and mathematics to create awareness and interest in related careers. The project will provide opportunities for measurement and analysis of data, including the use of technology and scientific study related to the measured items (e.g. energy, nutrition, body systems). It will involve collaboration of industry, university and schools in an area of high social disadvantage and poor school engagement. Teachers will work with student teachers to enhance teaching practice in the delivery of physical education and sports programs.

Coordinator: Direk Primary School (Salisbury North)

Implementing Powerful Performance Pedagogies within the Mid-Coast Community of Schools aims to produce genuine and enduring improvement in teaching practice and enhance students’ learning in science. Early childhood teachers will foster curiosity in the wonders of science. Middle school teachers will create interest in scientific achievements and develop scientific knowledge through a constructivist approach. Senior school teachers will progress theoretical knowledge, advance scientific method and inspire scientific wisdom. High performing students will be allied with local tertiary institutions and local food, environment, marine, health, medical and technological industries to provide a variety of pathways to exciting scientific careers.

Coordinator: Miami State School (Mermaid Waters)

Improving Mathematics Pedagogy aims to make sustainable improvements to mathematics teaching practice through a four-phase program. Phase 1 will build teachers’ understanding of constructivist mathematics instruction. Phase 2 allows teachers to utilise expertise to develop innovative learning experiences within classrooms based around mathematics investigations. Student engagement in mathematics will be focussed on real life, hands on tasks and constructivist learning. Phase 3 will build capacity through mentoring and learning circles to implement good practice within schools. Phase 4 will involve collating the data collected in Phases 1 and 2 to align university programs with school experiences and sharing best practice for the improvement of student outcomes across schools Australia-wide. A written report will be published on successful teaching strategies in mathematics in collaboration with Teacher Associates.

Coordinator: Ipswich North State School (North Ipswich)

Improving Student Achievement, Curriculum Planning and Teaching Practices aims to improve student achievement through an informed and coordinated approach to mathematics teaching and learning. The project involves common standardised testing to collect information about student achievement and areas of curriculum to be strengthened The project will allow the cluster educator to work in partnership with middle years teachers, universities, consultants and a Critical Friend. A model of teaching will be produced that will improve student outcomes and be shared through the Knowledge Bank and published in various teaching journals.

Coordinator: Craigieburn Cluster

Innovative Teaching in the Science KLA for Stage 3-4 to Improve Transition aims to improve the transition of students from Stage 3 to 4 in science. The project will involve collaboration between the local high school and primary schools in the cluster to foster sharing of innovative and successful teaching and learning practices. The united approach to achieving science curriculum outcomes will be targeted and assisted by the purchase of a mobile robotics kit for use between schools. There will be a focus on promoting a problem-based learning environment that encourages students to construct meaning for their own learning in science. Students will learn about the vital and relevant role science has in the community by using links with Teacher Associates as role models. Teachers will gain confidence in developing new ways of teaching science and actively promote a life-long interest in science.

Coordinator: Alstonville High School (Alstonville)

Interactive Online Extension aims to use information and communication technology to provide students with interactive and collaborative learning opportunities in science, technology and mathematics. Interactive online learning materials will be developed to support the current Primary Extension and Challenge Online Program. This online extension program caters for gifted students in Years 5-7 in government schools, including remote and regional areas. Teachers will work collaboratively to deliver courses that cover outcomes in the science, technology and mathematics learning areas. Students will access interactive tools such as videos, digital simulations, synchronous online classroom and Ask-an-Expert, via the Internet, CD-ROM and DVDs. These learning experiences will enhance student engagement with course content and improve their achievement of science, technology and mathematics outcomes in both process and content strands.

Coordinator: Swan District Centre for Gifted Education

Interstate School Research Teams in Primary Industry Science aims to connect isolated and remote schools located in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania into two science research team networks. Students will be able to take control of their learning by developing their own team structure and research program. The research teams will identify and research a relevant scientific topic in the livestock or horticulture industries. They will seek guidance from local industry scientists and teachers. These research activities will be designed by teachers to sit within the current curriculum framework. Each research team will present an environmental scan of their locality which will be compared and contrasted with other schools and used as a meaningful basis for dialogue. They will use online interaction, video conferencing and will develop a common website. Teacher Associates will work with student research teams and provide role models for students who are aiming for a career in industry or research science.

Coordinator: University of Tasmania

Linking Students to Employment through Meaningful Mathematics aims to enable mathematics teachers to relate mathematics teaching to employment futures for students. Teachers will form links between local industry and their students and reformulate the goals of their mathematics teaching. This will include a focus on non-exam oriented outcomes, such as practical numeracy, financial literacy, employability, and access to further education. The project will support non-traditional goals, new resources and methodologies and links to the community. Teachers will receive training and support, and the implications for the rest of the school mathematics curriculum will be explored.

Coordinator: Mathematical Association of Victoria

Making Connections—Sharing the Learning aims to involve teachers from isolated primary and area schools in action-research, to cooperatively develop units to improve science teaching and learning. The project will require a range of implementation strategies, joint investigations and data collection. Teachers and Teacher Associates will trial these units at a Sustainable Science camp in the Coorong National Park for Years 6-7 students. Workshops at the camp will enable students to gain Indigenous perspectives on the Coorong National Park environment. Students will use various research techniques to develop an information and communication technology presentation on the topic of sustainability guided by the workshop facilitators. They will demonstrate learning outcomes to panels including parents, consultants and associates.

Coordinator: Meningie Area School (Meningie)

Mandurah High School Maths Lab aims to provide a dynamic learning environment in which students can develop their understanding of mathematical concepts. Students will access multiple technologies which will take into account preferred learning styles (e.g. kinesthetic, auditory and visual). A tutoring program will train students to support their peers and younger students. The senior college students will tutor the high school students who will in turn work with the primary school students. The undergraduate Teacher Associates will act as mathematics role models and work with students. Students will be inspired to excel in mathematics and to consider a career as a mathematics teacher. Collaborative long term links will be established between all levels of schooling from primary to tertiary in the Mandurah Region.

Coordinator: Mandurah High School (Mandurah)

Mathematics and Science Using Mobile Technology in Contexts Outside the Classroom aims to provide opportunities for students, particularly boys, in middle years of schooling to enhance their learning in science and mathematics in environmental settings. Students will pursue their individual scientific and mathematical enquiries in wetlands, aquaculture and nature reserves. They will learn about the scientific method by developing questions and experiments which will motivate them to continue the study of science and mathematics. Teachers will be empowered by acquiring knowledge and skills to integrate science, mathematics and technology, creating a changed culture in the teaching and learning of science and mathematics.

Coordinator: Mathematical Association of South Australia

Meteorology in Schools aims to establish a best-practice model for integrating a real-world context for teaching and learning science, mathematics and technology in primary and secondary schools. Schools will work with education specialists from Macquarie University to trial different styles of integration using the same basic tools and inputs. Teacher Associates will support students and teachers in meteorology topics and in computer-based teaching and learning. The model developed will be able to be used by any school in Australia and adapted to any context. It will improve students’ and teachers’ skills in the teaching and learning of science, mathematics and technology.

Coordinator: CSIRO Education

MurrayLink aims to enhance students’ awareness of water conservation and the River Murray issues through engagement in science and mathematics activities that benefit the River Murray. The project will link students from rural and metropolitan schools in the Murray-Darling Basin of South Australia in classroom and field learning. Students will be active participants in their learning and use science and mathematics tools (e.g. analysing water quality, conducting home and school water audits) to learn about the River Murray. Schools will be supported by community leaders in biology, ecology, and technology for sustainable development. The project will encourage independent thinking, community action and problem-solving activities regarding natural resource management. This will lead to increased interest in water conservation in secondary school and beyond.

Coordinator: River Murray Urban Users Committee Inc

Out of the Square into Reality aims to bring about real and permanent change and improvements to the way in which mathematics and science are taught within the school cluster. The project will be facilitated by the creation of a dynamic partnership between schools, universities, private industry and government agencies to explore ways to broaden students’ future pathways. It will increase the real world practicality of mathematics and science within the primary and secondary schools, improve higher-order thinking, provide positive role models, attract high quality students to tertiary study in mathematics and science and prepare them for their future careers within industry.

Coordinator: West Moreton Anglican College (Karrabin)

Problem Based Training and Development of Educational Repository aims to increase support for secondary teachers in NSW HSC Computing Courses through training in resource development and production of resources. Tertiary lecturers will assist with providing information on requirements for university entrance and the broad domain of learning in software and information technology, as well as knowledge and techniques in developing resources for teaching the domain. The project will be run as two workshops to assess needs and provide resources to the teachers who register. It will provide teachers with professional development opportunities, and opportunities for academics to develop a better appreciation of the qualities of students entering the tertiary system.

Coordinator: The University of New South Wales, Computer Science and Engineering

Professor Gizmo’s Robots aims to combine practical and theoretical challenges, innovative design and construction tasks to engage students in teamwork, planning, problem solving and communication. Years 7-8 students will investigate simple machines and the application of these principles to more complex machines including the design and construction of remote controlled robots. Years 9-10 students will focus on alternative energy sources for the production of electrical power for the robots. Collaboration between teachers and engineers, and contacts between students at all levels will provide role models in education and industry and lead to an increase in science, engineering and teaching as career options.

Coordinator: University of Ballarat

Re-engage in Schooling Program aims to improve the higher order thinking skills of students in Years 4-9 and enhance the teaching of science and technology. Students will be engaged in the creation, development and construction of science and technology projects. An online professional development course (Middle Phase of Learning, facilitated by the Learning Place) will support web-based discussions for teachers and students completing the projects with assistance from mentors from the community and local mining industry. The project will culminate with a community technology expo showcasing the achievements of the students’ projects and the contribution of students, teachers, mentors, aides and community members.

Coordinator: Moranbah East State School (Moranbah)

REACH (Responsible Environmental and Active Citizenship = Healthy Lifestyles Project )aims to establish a permaculture garden and engage students in practical activities to enhance learning of science, technology and mathematics. Students will analyse ecosystems, water conservation and small farm produce and teachers will have the opportunity to investigate innovative ways of teaching science, technology and mathematics. Teaching and learning modules will be produced and shared with other Townsville District schools through local science and mathematics networks.

Coordinator: Aitkenvale State School (Aitkenvale)

School DustWatch: Remote School Students Participating in Real Life Environmental Science aims to involve primary students in schools with high numbers of Indigenous students in a real-life scientific research project studying dust storms. Students will be involved in measuring and recording observations of dust storms, entering data and communicating between schools via an interactive School DustWatch website. The project will provide a stimulating learning environment in which primary students will work with Griffith University scientists who are mapping wind erosion in desert Australia. The project will develop a comprehensive teaching package for teachers in remote schools which will enable them to provide students with locally relevant scientific experiences to produce a new generation of Indigenous environmental scientists.

Coordinator: Griffith University, Faculty of Environmental Sciences

Science and Minerals School Clusters aims to enhance science teaching and learning by providing senior students and teachers with opportunities to learn from science professionals within the minerals industry. Industry professionals will share their knowledge and expertise through mentoring, experiential learning opportunities and applied research. Teachers and students will have access to modern technology which will be used to demonstrate and exemplify scientific principles and procedures. Students will participate in minerals industry-related work experience and training and gain an understanding of the range of careers within this field. Teachers will have direct contact with industry personnel, access to research opportunities and professional development. This professional development and the development of new educational resources will provide an excellent platform for teaching relevant and contemporary science.

Coordinator: New South Wales Minerals Council

Science Connections aims to improve student achievement by engaging students through the development and implementation of innovative teaching practices in secondary science classrooms. The three key elements in this project will be connecting students, connecting teachers and connecting the community. The project will involve the development of a program that exposes students to innovation in industry through contact with mentors and bring together industry, scientists, education academics, teachers and student teachers to work collaboratively on cutting edge teaching practice. This renewed approach to science teaching will enhance student achievement and motivation at school and interest in lifelong scientific learning.

Coordinator: Northern Beaches Secondary College Administration Centre

Science Outside School aims to involve cluster schools in the development and promotion of science and mathematics through an integrated approach to teaching and learning. The project will support the development of role models, leadership roles and exploration of where science and mathematics values and ethics fit in our society. The involvement of the wider community will provide positive experiences and role models for students across science and mathematical subjects and will lead to a higher participation rate in science and mathematics studies in the future. The overall experience will be documented in an information package and provided as a professional development unit for teachers.

Coordinator: Mordialloc College

Scientist-in-Residence for Primary Schools aims to support and encourage primary teachers in the teaching of science. Primary school teachers will be paired with an undergraduate or postgraduate science student with support from the Bright Minds™ Group at the University of Queensland. Teachers will have access to the Bright Minds™ Group resources, innovative ideas and activities and will be assisted in the delivery of science lessons by the scientist-in-residence. The project will lead to increased confidence and capacity of generalist teachers who may have little science background, to prepare and deliver a science class. Primary school students will be exposed to scientists as positive role models and enhance their science learning experience in an accessible and enjoyable way. The project will develop educational networks between schools and higher education partners and implement structures that will allow the project to be self-sustaining in the long term.

Coordinator: University of Queensland

Sharing the Diverse Environments of Young Children’s Lives Using Digital Technologies aims to engage primary students from urban, outback and tropical coastal communities in the use of digital media and communication technologies to enhance science learning. A website will be developed to share scientific tasks and challenges and encourage similar learning experiences. This will include filmed segments that will be video-streamed and the student film-makers will share their scientific understandings via a chat room and interactive gallery. Students and teachers will also generate science-based responses to film topics which will be loaded onto the website. Teacher Associates will support teachers and students with their application of the digital technologies and a research project will be conducted to evaluate the learning outcomes achieved.

Coordinator: Griffith University, Mt Gravatt Campus

Students and Scientists Studying the Stars aims to involve students in the collection of astronomical information and to use this data to compare Indigenous and Western knowledge of the night sky. Students and teachers will work with Indigenous consultants and mathematicians and physicists from the University of Tasmania on real research situations. This will involve developing questions based on visible and non-visible light and conducting investigations through radio telescopes and optical telescopes. Teachers of Indigenous languages will be linked to the project and will disseminate information and gather data about the material being produced by students. Students will develop web pages to share their knowledge with other schools within and outside the cluster.

Coordinator: Ceduna Area School (Ceduna)

Supporting Excellence in Primary and Middle Years Science Teaching aims to provide the foundations for long term professional support to science teachers. The project will be based on Scitech’s (WA) innovative professional development materials that utilise recent approaches to teaching science. The project will track the effectiveness of these materials, adapt, field test, and professionally package them. The adapted materials will be aligned with the South Australian Curriculum, Standards and Accountability Framework, and will be the centre of a statewide professional learning program to be conducted by The Investigator Science and Technology Centre for R-9 teachers of science.

Coordinator: The Investigator Science and Technology Centre

Systems Technology aims to improve teaching and learning and student outcomes in science, technology and mathematics in a cluster of primary schools in the Northern Metropolitan Region of Victoria. The project will involve the development of a curriculum for use across the cluster schools. Partners in the project will include science and technology organisations, universities, business and industry who will work collaboratively with teachers in the development of science, technology and mathematics curriculum, and support teacher professional development. Students will have the opportunity to apply their scientific and technological skills and knowledge towards positive solutions to community issues.

Coordinator: Ivanhoe Primary School (Ivanhoe)

Teaching and Reaching Schools Through Innovative Science Centres aims to facilitate access for regional and remote primary schools to local educational resources in science, technology and mathematics. The project will build a supportive link between regional schools, science centres and university campuses to provide a permanent source of flexible curriculum materials. Teachers will be supported to improve their approach and techniques in teaching science and technology with preservice teachers working with teachers to develop lesson plans, accessing science centres, liaising with industry and education representatives and assisting teachers to carry out the lesson plans. The project will address the needs of teachers in regional and remote schools for support and resources, improve the quality of primary school science teaching and engage regional students in science and technology.

Coordinator: Discovery Science and Technology Centre, Bendigo

Technology Education K–8: Design in Practice aims to enhance the teaching of the design process and enable students to develop innovation and design capacities. The project will explore and showcase the features of the design process across Years K-8 with a particular emphasis on the middle primary years and links between primary and secondary practices. Students will play an active role in negotiating the task, pace, process and assessment of their design projects. Teachers will be supported by curriculum, teaching practice and design experts from industry and universities to implement and document effective design activities suitable to the students’ stage of learning. The project will inform future curriculum development by extending the body of knowledge on technology education and articulating the features of exemplary teaching practice.

Coordinator: NSW Department of Education and Training, Technology Unit, Curriculum K–12 Directorate

The EIC Model - A Wetlands Learnscape aims to enhance engagement in science, technology and mathematics by student participation in the joint restoration of a wetland at Whittlesea College. This will involve schools working collaboratively across year levels with research scientists and community members to conduct water quality tests, propagate Indigenous seeds and monitor the biodiversity of flora and fauna. The project will include professional development with the Thinking Curriculum, team teaching and student and teacher mentoring. The production of interdisciplinary learning units will be shared through the Victorian Department of Education and Training Knowledge Bank for use by schools outside the cluster.

Coordinator: Whittlesea Secondary College (Whittlesea)

The Impact of Human Habitation on Darebin Creek aims to enhance the teaching and learning of science, technology and mathematics, and improve the skills, knowledge and environmental literacy of both students and teachers. Teacher Associates will work with students from Years 4-9 to research the history of Darebin Creek and make visual, photographic and video observations of the plant and animal life, water colour and level of pollution. They will use assorted scientific probes to measure the temperature, pH and flow rate at different sites along Darebin Creek. The project will create a learning environment which encourages scientific thinking and the use of modern technology to collect and analyse data.

Coordinator: Northland Secondary College (Northland)

The Sounds of Science aims to enhance secondary students’ interest and engagement in science by developing units of work that link to the ABC Radio National The Science Show. Specific curriculum links will be made to the transcripts and audio files from this long-running, highly successful radio program. This primary source material will include interviews with some of the world’s brightest minds in science and discussions on scientific issues. The project will be delivered using podcasting technologies and students will be involved in the broader scientific community, gaining an insight into what motivates scientists, the frustrations they experience and the joys of discovery. This will lead to a lifelong interest in science for these students.

Coordinator: NSW Department of Education and Training

The Sustainable Cities Challenge aims to provide Years 5-8 students with an engaging and practical application for science, technology and mathematics. Students will plan, design and build a scale model of a future sustainable city or sustainable house. This will promote innovation, creativity, research skills, problem solving, teamwork and leadership. The project will apply Victorian Essential Learning Standards to achieve real and authentic learning and will also introduce students to the concepts and practical application of sustainability. A modified program will be developed for students in special education settings. The project will create strong community links and will encourage students to continue with science, mathematics and technology related subjects in senior secondary school and to investigate possible careers in these areas.

Coordinator: Gould Group

Train the Trainer-Students as Teachers aims to improve teaching and learning of science, technology and mathematics by using the expertise of experienced information and communication technology students from each cluster school. These students will train other students in all aspects of multimedia and will be used as a resource and support for teachers who will be up-skilled in the use of multimedia. The project also focuses on science and technology graduate teachers who will develop an environmental education curriculum that is rich in the multi-disciplinary aspects of science, technology and mathematics and will be trained in delivering real projects that are motivating and inspirational to students. All learning will be shared in an online forum, using webpage and multimedia tools .

Coordinator: Southvale Primary School (Noble Park)

Using Emerging Technologies to Mentor Graduate Mathematics Teachers Working in Rural Locations aims to support recently graduated teachers working in Years K-7 rural schools. The teachers will be assisted by trainee mathematics specialists to administer diagnostic assessments and build detailed profiles of their students mathematics needs. These profiles will form the basis of rich programmes that teachers will design and implement with regular support from project leaders via fortnightly video conferencing. This will improve student outcomes and expose graduate teachers to best practice mathematics approaches, which over time will become general practice throughout their careers. A training kit will be developed from this project which will enable other rural schools to replicate this process.

Coordinator: The University of Notre Dame Australia, The College of Education

Visual and Spatial Systems aims to focus on under-achieving gifted and talented students within the middle and senior school years to improve their engagement in science and mathematics. The project involves the collaboration between schools, tertiary institutions and industry to develop curriculum materials which are inclusive and engaging for gifted and talented students. One of the principal outcomes of the project will be the provision of training and development programs for teachers.

Coordinator: The Heights School (Modbury Heights)