Wednesday, 15 August 2007

Spicing-up science was the flavour of the day for science teachers, who visited The University of Western Australia on Monday 16 October, 2006. A group of 85 science teachers from the six 2006 SPICE schools (Armadale SHS, Churchlands SHS, Duncraig SHS, Shenton College, Warnbro Community High School and Willetton SHS) attended seminars across a range of sciences during their day at UWA. Topics included: possible treatments for spinal cord injuries; molecular tools for managing foxes; phosphorus nutrition of Australian plants; forensic chemistry; quantum computing and radioastronomy. Some of the teachers also visited the Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis and the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology. Teachers commented that the day was “Fantastic & inspiring”. It “keeps us “fresh” and adds the “spice” to our lessons and delivery… also better to counsel students and motivate them to study science after school” Mr Roger Dickinson, Director of the SPICE project said: “This is the first of many such programs being offered to SPICE schools and the program is expanding to give access to science teachers from more schools in 2007.” There are currently 12 SPICE schools, with additional schools being contacted, including non-metro schools. In June 2007 there will be four professional development science days to give all Western Australian science teachers an insight into cutting edge science through the work of scientists at UWA. The day will include information on contemporary research and some practical activities that they can take back to the classroom to raise students’ interest in science as a school subject and science as a career.

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