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Funding boost for Primary Connections
2 July 2008

> Media release of the Australian Academy of Science
> Media release of the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations

The Hon Julia Gillard launching 'Schoolyard safari' on 24 April 2008.

Acting Education Minister, The Hon Brendan O'Connor, announced extra funding for three school science programs, including Primary Connections. 'Funded by the Rudd Government and led by the Australian Academy of Science, these programs will give Australia's school students fresh opportunities to learn science in engaging ways.' When launching the recently produced curriculum unit, 'Schoolyard safari, the Hon. Julia Gillard acknowledged the importance of science and students' development of scientific skills, like asking questions and knowing how to find answers.

The funding announcement coincided with the National Press Club Address by Professor Julie Campbell, the Academy's Secretary for Science Education and Public Awareness. Professor Campbell's address focused on inquiry-based science education in Australia in the context of the government's initiative to develop a national curriculum. She discussed the importance of science for Australia's future and explained the role that Primary Connections could play in developing quality national curricula. Professor Campbell said: 'The technological world is changing at an incredible rate, and Australia's economy demands high quality science education to cope with this change.' 'There is a decline in the number of students electing to study science, technology and mathematics both in senior secondary years of school and at university. In order for Australian students to be motivated to train in these professions the research indicates that they need to have a solid background in science education before age 14 and, most importantly, they have to be excited by it.'

Professor Julie Campbell giving her National Press Club Address Julie Campbell mentioning the embedded indigenous perspectives of the curriculum unit Plants in action