NEWSLETTERS DECEMBER 2008
Events and awards
Deputy PM launches PrimaryConnections 'Schoolyard safari' unit – 24 April 2008
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education, The Hon Julia Gillard, launched the latest unit written by PrimaryConnections at Mossfiel Primary School, Hoppers Crossing, in her Lalor electorate in Victoria. 'Schoolyard safari' encourages students to explore the diversity of small animal life in their schoolyard and how different creatures have different adaptations to help them move, feed and protect themselves.
The Minister acknowledged the importance of science and students' development of scientific skills, like asking questions and knowing how to find answers.
Speaking at the event, President of the Australian Academy of Science Professor Kurt Lambeck said:
Professor Lambeck encouraged the Mossfiel Primary School students to embrace science saying: 'By carrying out experiments, writing about them and discussing them among yourselves you will gain a better understanding about what occurs around you and perhaps become a scientist yourself. I hope so, because science remains fun and it is important!'
Funding boost for PrimaryConnections – 2 July 2008
Acting Education Minister, The Hon Brendan O'Connor, announced ongoing funding for PrimaryConnections.
'Funded by the Rudd Government and led by the Australian Academy of Science, this program 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 PrimaryConnections 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.'
In 2008, PrimaryConnections was once again been short-listed for the Australian Publishers Association Award for Excellence in Educational Publishing in the Primary Teaching and Learning category. This year It's electrifying, Package it better and Schoolyard safari were submitted in this highly contested category.
Judges' comment
The PrimaryConnections program links the teaching of science with that of literacy and is a rich and innovative classroom resource. The program incorporates a professional development component, useful background information, practical classroom ideas and activities, and assessment guidelines. Student interactivity and use of technology, including CD-ROMs and website support, will help teachers to feel confident in tackling the subject.
Churchill Fellowship award
Major General Michael Jeffery, AC,
CVO,MC, Governor-General of
Australia (2003-2008)
PrimaryConnections Managing Director, Shelley Peers was awarded the Nancy Fairfax Churchill Fellowship in July 2008. Shelley will visit the UK, France and the US next year to study inquiry based primary science education initiatives.