Resources
Activity cards
For Year 5 to 7
- Cracking Codes [PDF 432 KB] (Mathematics) – Learn about a simple coding device using a Caesar Cipher.
- Penguin Parents [PDF 356KB] (Biology) – Learn how penguins cope with extreme weather when rearing their young.
- It is Rocket Science [PDF 370KB] (Physics) – Learn about Newton’s Laws and how rockets work.
- Criminal Ink [PDF 432KB] (Chemistry) – Solve a crime using simple chromatography.
For Year 8 to 10
- Cabbage Chemistry [PDF 368KB] (Chemistry)– Investigate acids and bases using red cabbage indicator.
- Build a Hovercraft [PDF 487KB] (Physics)– Investigate forces using this simple activity.
- Mummified Heads [PDF 428KB] (Biology)– Use desiccants to mummify an apple.
- Finding Pi with Darts [PDF 490KB] (Mathematics) – Use random chance to calculate probability results
Useful websites
Learning & teaching
- Australian Curriculum website
- Khan Academy – provides free tutorials on a range of topics including science and maths.
- E5 Instructional model
- FUSE - a great DEECD resource for teachers and students relating to all aspects of the curriculum. It includes lots of links to resources here in Victoria.
Science
- Australian Academy of Science - promoting excellence in Australian science.
- National Geographic – the latest news and stories about our planet.
- ABC Science - good to subscribe to their regular emails for the latest science news.
- Splash ABC - interactive website with games, tutorials, video clips on the national curriculum.
- Victorian Space Science Education Centre (VSSEC)– a specialist science centre which promotes engaging science education.
Biology
- Ecolinc - Specialist Science Centre with programs that offer a range of ecology based programs. Based at Baccus Marsh College.
- Gene Technology Access Centre - Specialist Science Centre with programs in cell and molecular biology. Based at University High School, Melbourne.
- Biolab - Specialist Science Centre with programs in bioscience. Based at Belmont High School, Geelong.
Chemistry
- Quantum Victoria - Specialist Science and Mathematics Centre with programs in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Based at Charles La Trobe College, Melbourne.
- Chem4kids - useful site with all the basics and activities for students.
- Creative Chemistry (UK) - useful site with lots of activities and worksheets.
Earth sciences
- Geoscience Australia - great resources for both students and teachers.
- Earth Ed - Specialist Science Centre with programs in earth sciences. Based at Mount Clear College, Ballarat.
Physics
- Practical Physics (UK) - great set of resources from the Nuffield Foundation for teachers of physics.
- Institute of Physics (UK) - great site for all things physics.
Mathematics
- The Mathematical Association of Victoria - useful resources and up to date information on mathematics teaching.
- Interactive Mathematics (USA) - covers a range of topics in a highly interactive format (secondary).
Other science outreach programs
Peer mentoring programs from other states
- STAR peer tutoring program - Murdoch University (Western Australia)
- StepUp! - Edith Cowan University (Western Australia)
- SEEK - University of Western Australia
- North STAR - Charles Darwin University (Northern Territory)
National science outreach programs
Curriculum initiatives
- Science and Technology Education Leveraging Relevance (STELR), Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) – Hands on, inquiry based in-curriculum program for Year 9 and 10 students
- Primary Connections, Australian Academy of Science – Linking science with literacy (Prep to Grade 6)
- Science by Doing, Australian Academy of Science – Engaging students with science (Years 7 to 10)
