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Faculty of Education, Bundoora

ASISTM Projects

1. 'Expert Teacher-In-Residence Partnership Project (Primary Science)' Bernie Neville, Wan Ng

   Aims to promote and energise the teaching of primary science, help teachers develop their skills, and assist the schools to identify and develop their resources. This will be an action-learning project that will employ an experienced, highly skilled science teacher to work with teachers in five primary schools.

   
   

   Additional professional development will come through meetings of cluster teachers to share ideas and develop a supportive network. A research assistant will be employed to help evaluate changes in teacher's knowledge, skills and attitudes. Additional evaluation will occur through self-report questionnaires and interviews with principals. Schools will determine the indicators for improvement in children's knowledge and skills and testing procedures.

   Co-ordinator: School of Educational Studies, La Trobe University

   Partner organisations : Bellfield Primary School (Ivanhoe North) Haig Street Primary School (Heidelberg West) Olympic Village Primary School (Heidelberg West) Preston North East Primary School (Northland Centre) St Pius X School (West Heidelberg).

2. 'Engaging Students In Science and Technology Using Mechatronics' Howard Nicholas, Wan Ng

   In collaboration with Diamond Valley College, Essendon Keilor College, Lalor North Secondary College, La Trobe Secondary College, Peter Lalor Secondary College and with the support of an ASISTM grant, we are developing innovative uses of PicAxe materials for science and technology linked across the secondary school curriculum. Our industry partner is APMP, who has been responsible for the design and construction of the specific-purpose "Uniboard" that has been created for the project.

   Co-ordinator: La Trobe University, School of Educational Studies

3. 'From Fundamental To New Chemistry' Wan Ng

   From Fundamental to New Chemistry aims to enhance students' understanding of molecular properties. Chemistry and general science teachers will use freely accessible webbased software and databases to enable students to explore 3-dimensional molecular structures and learn about their functions in chemistry, physics and biology. Their applications in areas including nanotechnology and medicinal chemistry will also be explored. An expert teacher will spend time in each school to support teachers to use these tools to their full potential. Learning materials will be developed and new resources integrated into the curriculum.

   Co-ordinator: La Trobe University, School of Educational Studies

   Partner organisations : Footscray City College (Footscray), Ivanhoe Grammar School (Ivanhoe), Macleod College (Macleod), Northcote High School (Northcote), Princes Hill Secondary College (Princes Hill), Viewbank College (Rosanna).

4. 'Emerging Sciences for Middle Years Students' Wan Ng

Advancement in research in science and technology has moved at an amazing pace in the last two decades. In the areas of nanotechnology, biotechnology and electronics science, the outcomes of such research are beginning to impact on young people's lives. For example, nanoparticles in sunscreen, robotics and DNA fingerprinting in crime shows that these young people view on television. This project aims at introducing the teaching/learning of concepts in these emerging areas in ways that are relevant to their everyday living to excite and enthuse years 5-9 students in learning science. Professional development and developing new curriculum materials, including ICT-based, are features of this project.

Co-ordinator: La Trobe University, School of Educational Studies

Partner organisations : Balwyn Primary School, Balwyn North Primary School, Balwyn High School

Funding Details :

Australian Schools Innovation in Science, Technology & Mathematics (ASISTM) initiative, funded by the Federal Department of Education, Science & Training (DEST).