Successful Projects in Round 2

Bringing Deep Space into the Classroom aims to improve science engagement by students using the Faulkes Telescope in a pilot project to investigate combining astronomy and technology. This robotic telescope will be accessed via the internet to bring the wonders of deep space into the classroom. This online experience will address key science curriculum areas and develop generic skills using unique, innovative, cutting-edge technology. Students will complete and take ownership of real research projects with support from Teacher Associates, consultants and teachers. The project will develop interactive materials to integrate this new approach into the science curriculum.

Coordinator: Macquarie University, ICS Physics

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

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

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

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)

Linking Desert Knowledge with Pedagogy Research for Middle School Curriculum aims to develop a guide to assist middle school science, design and technology teachers to identify a suite of qualities associated with innovation. Schools will be linked with cutting edge research into the built environment and climate projects in the Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre, and research at the Southern Cross University into innovation education into middle school classroom practice. Teachers will gain exposure to new perspectives of the potential of their curriculum in a community of practice to establish a culture of innovation among peers.

Coordinator: Southern Cross University - School of Education

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

Rich Tasks in Science and Technology with Cross-Curriculum Content aims to involve collaboration between teachers, Aboriginal Education Assistants, curriculum consultants, academic partners and teacher assistants in action learning. The project will involve developing, trialling and publishing Rich Tasks in science and technology with Indigenous and related environmental cross-curriculum content. The project will enhance the student support role of Aboriginal Education Assistants and provide Indigenous and non-Indigenous students in Years K-12 with explicit Indigenous content and experience in science and technology.

Coordinator: Department of Education and Training, Sydney Region, Arncliffe Office

Science and Engineering Challenge Roadshow aims to take the Newcastle University Science and Engineering Challenge to small rural primary schools and isolated students. The Challenge will encourage students to take a scientific approach and apply science and engineering concepts in a fun, competitive and practical setting. Students will learn and practice teamwork skills through social interaction with peers and through competition between teams from other schools. Teachers will work with experts to develop links between the activities and the syllabus to improve the teaching of science and technology in primary schools. The project will improve collaboration between isolated students, teachers, schools and community groups and lead to an increase in student participation in secondary and tertiary science and engineering courses.

Coordinator: Dubbo/Western Plains Science and Engineering Challenge

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

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