About the Program
Defining features of the In2science program
In2science supports science teaching and learning through the placement of university science students as 'peer mentors' in schools in Victoria. The In2science Peer Mentors work alongside science teachers, supporting students in their learning. They share their enthusiasm for science, and provide students with an insight into science learning beyond school. The program commenced in 2004 and has grown to involve several universities and over 100 schools in the government school system of Victoria.
- Mentors are volunteers
The university students selected as mentors are volunteers who choose to participate in their own time. The program is not a compulsory component of their university studies. All Mentors complete a pre-placement training program to prepare them for their role in schools. - Mentors are young scientists, not trainee teachers
In2science Mentors are typically undergraduate science students, and all have completed at least one year of their degree. Mentors represent a diversity of disciplines, from biochemistry to engineering, physics to zoology. - One science teacher in each participating school serves as 'Link Teacher'
The Link Teacher serves as the liaison point between the school and the university-based management of the program. Perhaps more important is their role within the school community, coordinating and supporting the participation of fellow teachers. The Link Teacher is often the science coordinator in the school, although they need not be. - There is no cost to schools
In2science is essentially 'free to schools'. Time is the only cost for teachers and the Link Teacher. - Teachers nominate the classes in which they might host a Mentor
Teachers in participating schools volunteer to be part of the program. They nominate potential classes, and the Link Teacher seeks to match the school times with Mentor availability. - Teachers determine how Mentors are involved in class
Through negotiation with the Mentor, the host teacher decides how they will work with the Mentor. The mentor supports the teacher by supporting the students, demonstrating their enthusiasm for learning and sharing their experiences of science in university. - Universities take responsibility for coordinating Mentor placements
The In2science Team are responsible for the selection of Mentors, and for preparing them for their role in schools. These university-based managers provide ongoing coordination and liaison between the Mentors and participating schools. - Mentors have continuing relationships with teachers and their classes
Most Mentor placements involve school visits of two to three hours, weekly for at least ten weeks over two school terms. Some Mentors develop relationships with their host schools which continue for several years. - In2science promotes science learning, generally, and not particular universities or courses
The In2science program is a collaborative, multi-university initiative. Unlike university outreach initiatives which seek to recruit students to particular institutions or particular courses, In2science aims to promote students' engagement with science learning more broadly. In2science mentors are perceived as 'young scientists', not as representatives of their particular institution.
The contribution of In2science to science learning in schools is a distinctive one. Even in schools with an existing focus on science, and with various other initiatives in place to promote science learning, the contribution of the In2science program is highly valued. In2science is seen to complement other science-related initiatives, and schools describe Mentors as 'adding value' to other science and mathematics programs