New Workshops address National Curriculum for Senior Biology and Chemistry Teachers
Using a series of experimental and analytical activities, the workshops will assist teachers to develop or refresh their laboratory skills and identify new opportunities for Extended Experimental Investigations (EEI) in the classroom.
To be held on 14 and 15 November at The University of Queensland’s St Lucia campus, the workshops will facilitate group discussions and provide teachers with resources such as manuals, templates and other support material to develop their own ideas for EEIs.
The course is designed and facilitated by Dr Jack Wang, Dr Susan Rowland, and Dr Gwen Lawrie, a group of teaching-focussed academics who share a strong interest in working closely with secondary school teachers to enrich the instructional design of laboratory learning.
All from UQ’s School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences, the presenters have experimental science backgrounds and have conducted research into better ways to teach and learn science, particularly Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Chemistry.
“The workshops will assist teachers to develop laboratory competencies directly applicable to a wide range of biology and chemistry experiments in the high school classroom, which is especially important for teachers who are working outside their original areas of qualification” said Jack.
“We will also explore opportunities to extend EEI topics that teachers are already using, enhancing aspects of science practice” he said.
“The new National Science Curriculum has a focus on understanding the value of science to society, and engaging with the science enquiry process,” said Susan.
"The teachers are the experts; they know what works, and what’s possible in the classroom – we hope to help with extension ideas and some new techniques, particularly the use of free online databases and tools for accessing and analysing information.
“We want our participants to be able to share their ideas, tips, and tricks with one another, and with us!” she said.
Day two of the workshop will focus on interpreting experimental results through critical evaluation and quantitative analyses.
"Maths is a really important part of science, and it is now getting more attention, particularly in the draft chemistry and biology curricula," said Gwen.
"We will be focusing on fundamental maths process and quantitative skills that students and teachers need to apply in collecting and analysing their experimental data.” she said.
The full cost for the two day workshop is $500, although a special price of $250 is available to participants who register by 26 October.
A limited number of travel bursaries is available for participants from remote areas.
For further information and to register, go to scmb.uq.edu.au/cpd.
Media contact: Rosalind Boulton, (07) 3365 4043, 0400 055 890
