Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2008

SC I ENCE EDUCAT ION

Sharing Our Expertise in Science

Much has been written about the global decline of interest in science education, its causes and its implications. The Science Faculty at Brisbane Girls Grammar School feels passionate about science education and the benefits it brings to its adherents as well as its value to society. Educational institutions worldwide are experiencing difficulties in providing a high-quality science programme, particularly in physics, primarily because there is a shortage of well-qualified, specialist teachers. The goals of science education at our School are centred on learning science, learning to do science, and learning about science. There has been a conviction in our Science Faculty that an important way for students to achieve these goals is for them to be given opportunities to practise science as professionals do in real world situations. Recent reviews of science pedagogy

now more cognisant of the protocols employed by the scientific community to ensure the validity of data collection and analysis techniques, and accept scepticism and uncertainty as right and healthy in a science laboratory. As the Centre for Science Research develops it will enhance our efforts to create opportunities to nurture young Australian scientists interested in physics, chemistry and biology, instilling a thirst for the discipline and providing bench marking opportunities on the world stage. The aspiration of the CSR is to create a synergy of students, science educators, professional scientists, support staff, physical resources and infrastructure to motivate high-quality science research in secondary educational institutions. Through the CSR Brisbane Girls Grammar School aspires to deliver a positive contribution to the future of science education in Australia.

suggest that the best way to do this is to facilitate the integration of authentic inquiry approaches into science teaching and learning. The Brisbane Girls Grammar School Centre for Science Research (CSR) will formally open in 2008. Initially it will aim to excite an interest in physics by providing a collaborative environment in which students and teachers from a variety of schools can access the resources they need to engage in authentic physics research. The CSR will seek and challenge not only our best students, but also Australia’s top students. It will look to imbue them with a tangible passion for science and provide them with opportunities to position themselves among the best in the world. An example of our pursuit of authentic research tasks led to the School’s involvement in the International Young Physicists’ Tournament (IYPT) resulting in a growing national and international reputation for our staff and students. All our Senior Physics students have the opportunity to perform IYPT tasks in both Years 11 and 12, which has led to vast improvement in the way students carry out scientific investigations. Our girls are

Mr Alan Allinson Head of Physics

Dr Sally Stephens Director, Science Faculty

14 grammar gazette autumn 2008