The Australian Government recognises that Australia’s future scientific and innovation capacity is dependent upon the knowledge and skills developed and attitudes fostered in our young people. The development of strong foundation skills in science, mathematics and technology in primary and junior secondary school, and encouragement of students to continue studies in these important areas, is therefore vital.
This page provides access to online resources relating to Australian Government initiatives in science, technology and mathematics education in schools. These initiatives will be of relevance to students, teachers, school principals, teacher educators, parents and others. Some of the websites, such as the Australian School Innovation in Science, Technology and Mathematics (ASISTM) website, enable prospective applicants to apply for Australian Government funding, others provide information and findings from ongoing or completed projects. A number of websites provide resources to assist teachers in the classroom.
Australian Government projects
Australian School Innovation in Science, Technology and Mathematics (ASISTM) Project 
- aims to bring about real and permanent improvements to the ways in which science, technology and mathematics are taught in our schools by funding initiatives that will bring schools together with industry, science organisations, universities and others.
Primary Connections – Linking Science with Literacy - an initiative linking the teaching of science with the teaching of literacy in Australian primary schools that provides a comprehensive approach to the development of scientific literacy and consists of a rich curriculum resource integrated with a professional learning program.
School Community Partnerships in Science (SCIPS) - A case study or story about each SCIps Partnership Project - small innovative science-based projects that promoted scientific literacy in their community - is available on this website. Each story briefly outlines the science related focus of the project, who was involved, what people did, what was achieved and future directions of each initiative.
The Status and Quality of Teaching and Learning of Science in Australian Schools - DETYA Report 2001.
Supporting Australian Science Teachers - booklet outlining a range of initiatives by the Australian Government to support the dedicated efforts of Australia's science teachers.
Australia’s Teachers: Australia’s Future – Advancing Innovation, Science, Technology and Mathematics - DEST Report 2003
National Year 6 Science Assessment Report 2003 - MCEETYA report on Year 6 Science assessment
Who's Teaching Science? - 2005 report by the Australian Council of Deans of Science
CSIRO Science Education - includes links to Double Helix Science Club, Scientriffic!, Science by email, Science Education Centres, Totally Wild Science
National Science Week - Australia's annual celebration of science and technology, supported by the Australian Government.
Questacon - shows how science and technology are relevant and important to our everyday lives. Information for kids, teens and teachers
Australian Science Olympiads - provide students throughout the nation with opportunities to enhance their knowledge, understanding and skill in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Science Education Assessment Resources (SEAR) - provides a wide range of assessment resources (or 'tasks') suitable for use across the compulsory years of schooling.
The Learning Federation - employs emerging technologies to produce world-class online curriculum content to encourage student learning and support teachers in Australian and New Zealand schools
Science Curriculum Resources - browse the EdNA database for online resources
ABC Science Education Online - for teachers
Creativity in Science and Technology (CREST) Awards - provide students with a nationally accredited award for completing experimental science or technology projects.
BHP Billiton Science Awards - competitive awards for students for research projects and for teachers for their contribution to the classroom and science education.
Prime Minister's Prizes for Excellence in Science Teaching - information about these prizes that recognise primary and secondary teachers.
The Australian Museum Eureka Prizes - more than 20 awards in four categories: education, innovation and leadership, research and science communication.