Academy's Science by Doing education resources launched!

Science by Doing launched the sale of its junior secondary science resources this week after 18 months of development and testing. They are available on the Australian Academy of Science website*.

Science by Doing is a national initiative for the improvement of secondary science education. It actively engages students in learning science, and assists teachers to enhance their inquiry-based teaching through innovative curriculum and professional learning resources.

Science by Doing aligns with the Australian Curriculum: Science and has been successfully piloted in 28 schools across Australia.

‘’Research indicates Australian students are losing interest in science while students from other countries are increasingly performing better than us in their science achievement,’’ said Science by Doing Executive Consultant, Professor Denis Goodrum.

‘’So it is exciting to have these innovative Science by Doing resources available to address these issues.’’

‘’They have had outstanding feedback from students, teachers and the education community,’’ he said.

The resources made available this week include:

• Professional learning resources for teachers - cutting-edge modules on topics such as inquiry-based teaching, assessment, effective questioning, student learning and leadership.
• Enough Water fit for Drinking – an inquiry-based exploration of contemporary issues associated with water. It focuses on the role science plays in sustainable water management.
• Doing Science Investigations – enables students to develop skills necessary to complete their own open-ended science investigations. It is linked with the CSIRO’s CREST Award program.
• Inquiry: DIY guide – provides a step-by-step guide for adapting existing resources towards a more inquiry-based approach.

* More information on ordering units - www.sciencebydoing.edu.au