Secondary school students from around Australia travelled to the Shine Dome in Canberra today to help Nobel Laureate Professor Brian Schmidt launch the Australian Academy of Science’s innovative new secondary school science education program, Science by Doing.
Four years in development, Science by Doing combines the latest in interactive technology with expertise in science and education to create rich, exciting tools for teachers and students in years 7 to 10. The students came from schools where the program was trialled.
Professor Schmidt officially launched Science by Doing at a breakfast event hosted by the Academy to celebrate the winners of the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science. The audience included national and international science and education leaders.
Science by Doing incorporates interactive activities, video and hands-on experimentation to engage secondary students with inquiry based, high-tech units fully aligned to the national curriculum for science, and supports school-based science teaching teams with training and mentorship.
Executive Director of Science by Doing, Professor Denis Goodrum, described the program as one of the best tools a teacher can have to get students interested in science.
“There are so many dedicated science teachers in Australia and they deserve the best resources,” said Academy President, Professor Suzanne Cory.
“We are very proud of our units and training program, which we believe will stimulate students’ curiosity and love of science, and deepen their understanding of the world in which we live.”
A long-time supporter of quality in science education, Professor Schmidt donated a portion of his Nobel Prize money to the Academy’s school science education programs.
“The innovators of tomorrow need to be inspired now,” Professor Schmidt said.
“Science by Doing is one of the finest ways to not only ensure every student has a good understanding of scientific principles, but also to open young minds to the realms beyond the classroom.
“The science education results for Australian students are a mixed bag - Science by Doing will help every student in Australia get the science education they deserve.”
Science by Doing is funded by the Federal Government. Curriculum resources are available free to every Australian secondary school.
Access to the resources is available to media on request.
© 2024 Australian Academy of Science
