The Australian Academy of Science’s secondary science program, ‘Science by Doing’, is proud to announce a new website designed specifically for teachers.
Launched in February, the site builds on the Academy’s strong educational foundations with a new program using a revised pedagogical approach emphasising flexible professional learning.
Recognising the pivotal role that teachers play and based on knowledge of how students learn, the program provides teachers with strategies designed to challenge Year 7–10 students to explore, ask questions, share ideas and improve their ways of thinking for the rest of their lives.
The goal is to support teachers to be confident to reach out to all students, which promotes equitable learning where all students are supported to engage with science.
Teachers are so often the source of that early spark of excitement about discovery that inspires young people to pursue a scientific career and turn their minds to the process of discovery.Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Cathy Foley
Teachers are provided with examples that will help their students to ‘figure things out’ through problem-oriented teaching and learning, all aligned to the Australian Curriculum.
The program incorporates sensemaking, a way to build on individual student experiences, and is designed to develop each student’s confidence to engage with the world through science.
“Teachers are so often the source of that early spark of excitement about discovery that inspires young people to pursue a scientific career and turn their minds to the process of discovery,” says Academy Fellow and Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Cathy Foley.
Using research-based contemporary practices, with a greater emphasis on real-world Australian science contexts, data, and scientists, the resources are adaptable to cater for the diversity amongst Australian students and different contexts across our classrooms.
In designing and testing the new program, Science by Doing is examining how to enable teachers to better facilitate a guided inquiry approach, create deeper engagement and enhance outcomes for their students.
The Science by Doing program engages with teachers, science education academics and scientists – across Australia and internationally – to co-develop, trial, monitor and evaluate curriculum materials, to strengthen STEM capabilities and to meet the needs of school communities.
The Australian Academy of Science aims to inspire young people through science, and this new website is designed to help build a future Australia equipped to face the challenges and opportunities of a fast-changing world, both locally and globally.
Learn more about the Science by Doing program.
Science by Doing is supported by the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment
© 2024 Australian Academy of Science
