|
|
Media Release
New Awards to Promote Science in Primary Schools
7 February 2007
Five hundred new Awards will be offered to exemplary, eligible student teachers to promote the teaching of science in primary schools in new and stimulating ways.
The Australian Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, today announced that the Primary Pre-service Teacher Awards for Excellence in Science Education, valued at $2000 each, will be offered to exemplary student teachers in the final stages of their pre-service primary teacher courses in 2007.
“This exciting initiative will strengthen the scientific literacy of qualifying primary teachers, as well as their enthusiasm for science. It will also lead to marked improvements in primary students’ interest in and learning of science,” Minister Bishop said.
“The Awards will be available through higher education institutions that incorporate elements of the Australian Government-funded Primary Connections science and literacy learning initiative into their pre-service primary teaching science units.
“Primary Connections curriculum units have been developed by the Australian Academy of Science. They provide exciting and engaging ways for primary school students to learn science through hands-on, creative activities.
Applications from eligible students are expected to be invited through individual universities after the start of the 2007 academic year.
“I would encourage pre-service primary teacher education students wishing to apply for these new Awards to speak with their institution’s Education faculty about opportunities for enrolling in science education units with a Primary Connections focus,” Minister Bishop said.
The Australian Academy of Science is running a fully-funded two day workshop in Canberra in February 2007 for primary science teacher educators. This aims to assist teacher educators to incorporate Primary Connections into their units. Further information is available from Ms Shelley Peers, Australian Academy of Science - ph 02 6201 9400, or email shelley.peers@science.org.au
Media Contacts:
Minister Bishop’s Office: Tory Vidler 0414 228 727
Dept of Education, Science & Training: Media Unit 02 6240 7300
|
