Community Activities
The Science Partnership
The Science Partnership is an exciting collaboration between Macquarie University and the NSW Department of Education and Training through the Peninsula Community of Schools. The schools involved are Barrenjoey High School, Cromer Public School, Narrabeen Sports High School and Pittwater High School.
By using innovative teaching and learning practices, the collaborators in The Science Partnership strive to positively influence young people's attitudes towards the study of and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Partnership projects include:
Research projects for Year 9 and primary students
- 3D computer games imaging (Barrenjoey High School)
- Narrabeen Lakes sedimentation analysis (Narrabeen Sports High School)
- Astronomy (Pittwater High School)
A tutoring program for school students provided by Macquarie University undergraduates
Professional learning for science teachers
- Investigation of the Palaeontology Lab, Astronomy Labs, Electromicroscope and Virtual Reality Lab
- Investigate pedagogical possibilities for projects including collaboration with the national Marine Science Centre
- Data logging techniques and usage
A major research project conducted by a Macquarie University PhD candidate, Mr Frank Abas, which will inform future best practice in science teaching and learning
Contact:
Rachel Rizk
Science and Technology Liaison Officer
Macquarie University
Phone: 02 9850 6045
Email: partnership@vc.mq.edu.au
Website Links
Staff from Macquarie and DET will apply for a grant through the Australian School Innovation in Science, Technology and Mathematics (ASISTM) for a joint project to develop a greater understanding of climate change issues and encourage community participation in greenhouse gas reduction and sustainable energy use in our community. This forms part of the teacher development program of the Partnership.
At the launch of the Science Partnership on Friday Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor Professor Steven Schwartz and Director-General of the NSW Department of Education and Training Mr Michael Coutts-Trotter will also sign a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise the collaboration between the two organisations.
"Success in science is vital to Australia's prosperity, and a supply of scientists, engineers and technicians is critical to our country's future," said Professor Schwartz. Unfortunately though, young people across the country are turning away from science at a time when we know that science and technology will play an increasing role in our lives for decades to come.
"Macquarie University, the Peninsula Community of Schools and the Department of Education and Training are taking this very seriously, and the Science Partnership is an example of how we can develop some positive initiatives to turn young people on to science."
 Sue Low, Willem Watson and Professor Steven Schwartz. |
Mr Coutts-Trotter said the Science Partnership was a great example of academic co-operation, which would yield significant educational and professional benefits for young people at primary, secondary and tertiary levels.
"While school science, mathematic and technology curricula offer rich learning experiences for students, there's clearly a need to make these more accessible to students," Mr Coutts-Trotter added.
"The range of projects being developed under the Partnership has great potential to attract and retain the interest of students in these important study areas, which have major influences on how the world develops.
"By involving in-depth research with practical classroom applications, the Partnership is creating a unique environment for learning across a broad front."