Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education No Images? Click here Dear colleagueWhile the inclusion of other learning areas has been the topic of much debate, business and education groups alike agree that science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education is critical to growth in Australia’s productivity and innovation. Similarly, opinions differ on the definition of STEM. We like this one from the NSW Department of Education STEM website:
Suggested resourcesThe Australian Government has recognised the importance of STEM through the National Innovation and Science Agenda. Check out these free initiatives being provided to support STEM in schools. Australian Digital Technologies Challenges for year 5 and 7 students CSER Digital Technologies Education Programs DigIT Digital Technologies Hub STEM professionals in schools What’s new in Scootle?During July, a number of new items were added to the Scootle collection, including: new science sequences; activities and lessons focusing on engineering (the ‘E’ in STEM); English including supporting resources for the SBS series Little J & Big Cuz, and new Visible Thinking routines from Project Zero. More re-released interactivesMore of the interactives found on the Scootle website have been republished in the HTML5 format to make them accessible using mobile as well as desktop devices. These include a range of mathematics, science, history and English resources, which we’ve compiled into a handy learning path. Future EarthThis is a resource book of ideas for National Science Week. It includes activities, background science notes and case studies to support students’ involvement in attaining and maintaining a sustainable ‘future Earth’. Thought-provoking science seriesThis new collection of learning sequences for primary science F–6 uses an inquiry framework, supported by resources from the Scootle collection, to explore ideas in biology, physics, chemistry, and Earth and space. Thought-provoking science includes:
You can find these and other learning sequences by searching for ‘Thought-provoking science’ or ‘Thought-provoking maths’ within Scootle, or by using the links below. SCIS System LaunchThe SCIS team are pleased to announce launch of the new SCIS system, found at http://www.scisdata.com/ We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to the more than 3,000 SCIS users who contributed feedback via workshops, surveys and focus groups. This is the beginning of an exciting new era for SCIS, so please stay tuned for more announcements. New Student Wellbeing Hub professional learning moduleThe Student Wellbeing Hub has just launched a new professional learning module on alcohol and other drugs, with accompanying podcast episodes, for teachers and parents. Sort the facts from the myths, listen to experts and find out what works and what doesn’t in school drug and alcohol education. Use myfuture to discover where a career in STEM could take youmyfuture can help students to discover unlimited career potential across a wide range of industries. Use the Career bullseyes to explore occupations related to biology, chemistry, electrotechnology, maths and physics. Read Marita Cheng’s case study about her journey to mechatronic engineering, or one of the many other inspiring stories in the Case studies section. Published articlesOpportunities to create coding across the curriculum Scootle survey winnerDuring May and June, the Scootle team hosted a user survey to find out what features or resources were most valued, and what could be improved. We’re pleased to announce that Colleen from Governor Stirling Senior High School in WA was drawn as the lucky winner and has received a $300 Coles/Myer voucher. Congratulations, Colleen! Introducing STARportalSTARportal is a website designed to assist parents, teachers and students to locate local STEM-based events, programs and activities. It features a range of STEM activities for all students from Kindergarten to year 12, including after school clubs, holiday programs, and upcoming one-day events. Visit STARportal to see what’s available in your locality: www.starportal.edu.au Upcoming eventsConferences ESA is attending
Mark these dates in your calendar
Update your detailsWe are working to update our subscriber list to ensure we have your accurate details. If your name or email address appears to be incorrect or needs to be updated, please use the 'Preferences' link at the bottom of this email to make sure we have the right information. |