Successful Projects in Round 2

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

Meaningful Science and Support for Indigenous Students at Educational Risk aims to provide culturally-appropriate science learning experiences for Indigenous students. Teachers will develop skills and knowledge to provide engaging learning and teaching programs in science. Learning needs will be supported by culturally and contextually appropriate science curriculum resources. Students will be able to apply learning in their communities to support their daily lives and future aspirations. Online learning and support for students, teachers and Aboriginal Education Officers will be developed, along with professional development and a network of expert support for teachers and Aboriginal Education Officers.

Coordinator: WestOne Services

Plants for People Multimedia Pilot Project - A New Paradigm aims to deliver innovative multimedia teaching materials that foster a greater understanding of Indigenous culture and improve learning outcomes for Years 6-9 students in science and mathematics. The project will focus on traditional knowledge of plants and Indigenous understandings of the natural resilience of Australian ecological systems and emphasise that traditional culture has value and relevance. It will also encourage interest for further studies within these areas and raise self-esteem and cultural pride for Indigenous students. A network of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Teachers Associates will assist teachers to use this innovative approach to develop knowledge and understandings about Indigenous sustainability principles and practices and will support teachers to deliver the teaching materials.

Coordinator: Curtin University of Technology, Centre for Natural Resource Enterprise

Real World Science Phase 3 aims to facilitate excellence in science and technology teaching through an oil and gas project and other industry action learning initiatives. A series of industry-community based activities that focus on real-life experiences will be provided to students and will assist teachers to develop their ability to actively engage students in science and technology using established industry and community partnerships. The project will link students to career options through engagement with tertiary institutions and by experiencing real life work contexts for science and technology.

Coordinator: Kwinana Industries Education Partnership (KIEP)

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

Wildflowers in the Sky - Astronomy for Mid West Schools aims to enhance the scientific and technological skills of isolated and Indigenous students through astronomy. The project will involve schools in the Mid West region of Western Australia working together with astronomers and educators from the CSIRO Australia Telescope National Facility and partner organisations. Students will be engaged in hands-on activities and inquiry-based learning to observe the day and night sky using a range of technologies from the unaided eye through to remotely controlling telescopes via the internet. They will be able to compare regional Indigenous perspectives of the sky with those from other cultures and discuss these in terms of relevance to their region. Students will work with young scientists from the CSIRO Australia Telescope National Facility who will provide positive role models. Teachers will receive extensive professional development and have on-going access to scientists and other educators to develop strong professional links.

Coordinator: CSIRO, Australia Telescope National Facility