In2 Science - for the next generation
'In2science' – University to School Peer Mentoring which since 2004 has helped more than14,000 state school students in metropolitan and regional Victoria with studies in science and mathematics – is expanding.
Initiated as a consortium of La Trobe University's Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering and the Faculty of Science at the University of Melbourne, the program places university student volunteers in classrooms for a few hours each week where they act as scientific role models for high school students and as a resource for teachers.
Many of the university students who volunteer are interested in teaching as a career, while others seek to gain work place skills essential to their future employment.
La Trobe In2science manager John McDonald was recently awarded a University Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning for his role in enhancing student employability and self-worth through this program. He says In2science has placed more than 400 mentors in 36 partner schools.
'In second semester we will grow further, with the Monash University Faculty of Science joining In2science.
'The addition of a third university will allow more state schools to take part in Melbourne along with those schools already involved, linked to our Bendigo, Bundoora and Albury- Wodonga campuses where In2science has been an excellent example of community engagement.'
Mr McDonald recently took La Trobe science students on a roadshow tour of schools in Gippsland where they promoted engagement in science through nanotechnology, supported by NanoVic.
La Trobe University also has a successful outreach program involving Ivanhoe Grammar, under which year nine students come onto the main Melbourne campus at Bundoora one day a week to learn about science and carry out research using University resources. Co-ordinator, Head of the School of Molecular Science and Professor of Biochemistry, Nicholas Hoogenraad says the program offers a stimulating environment for students and helps them focus on some of the key questions that impact on the future of Australia.
See also Making a difference to school science.