Bringing Science to Life: K-6 Short Courses
Online modules on science themes for primary teachers
This series of short courses will give participants the confidence to integrate real science and a range of technologies into scientific inquiry and activities around a variety of themes. Explore a variety of useful apps, sites, software and equipment in order to support students’ natural curiosity and their ability to make evidence-based decisions.
The new NSW K-10 Science Syllabus mandates the integration of ICT to support a range of teaching, learning and assessment approaches. This provides great scope for the integration of new and emerging technologies in the design of immersive, authentic learning. Portable information gathering and processing opportunities, massive online databases and learning experiences based on individual strengths all lend themselves to quality science teaching and enhanced learning opportunities for students.
Children have an ingrained curiosity, just waiting to be turned into scientific enquiry. All of our technology today is a direct result of that curiosity. It is only fitting that we use it to enhance children’s learning opportunities and amplify their curiosity.
“Science is not formal logic–it needs the free play of the mind in as great a degree as any other creative art. It is true that this is a gift which can hardly be taught, but its growth can be encouraged in those who already possess it.”
– Max Born (1882-1970) German Physicist. Nobel Prize, 1954.
Audience: Primary teachers.
Keywords: Online, Digital Literacy, New Syllabus Implementation, STEM, STEAM
These modules are offered online and can be completed in your own time.
Weather
Making observations is an essential part of learning about weather. Explore ways to measure and record the weather. Learn how to set up a School Weather Station to collect a range of data and opening up many opportunities for scientific investigation.
Daytime Astronomy
There is a world of astronomy visible all day. Explore suitable equipment you can either make or buy, and discover ways to make observations with minimal equipment or apps. Perhaps you may end up becoming a Stellarium Guru!
Getting Off The Ground
Blast off and turn your students into rocket scientists! Discover ways to engage students in real science with balloons, kites and rockets. Explore data collection methods and collect data and images
Feeling the Earth Move
Introduce your students to the field of geoscience through seismology. Learn how to make your own recorder for measuring ground motion and explore apps for seismology and animated models.
Developer
Neville Fraser
Developer and Facilitator
Runner-up to the 2014 Prime Minister’s Award for Primary Science Teaching, Neville Fraser has over two decades experience using ICT in education, starting with setting up the first regional network of computers in the early 80s. Until his recent retirement Neville hosted a Scienzeum and planetarium at his school. Having been a director of the NSW Computer Education Group, councillor with STANSW and primary rep for ASTA, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to blending science teaching with ICT.
Enrol
Unfortunately there are no plans to run these courses again. Apologies for any inconvenience.
FAQ
How do I enrol?
How is payment taken?
How do I get there and do I need to bring anything?
What if I cancel or don't show up?
You can delete your own enrolment through MyPL, however keep in mind any cancellations made within 2 days of the event or no-shows will incur the full cost, charged to your school. Please contact us if there are any issues with your attendance.
What's a follow-on component?
Some of our courses include a follow-on component to be completed by the participant in their school context with the aim of transferring the new practice to their teaching and learning repertoire. These deliverables are included as part of the course hours and are designed to engage teachers in real ‘learning through doing’ leading to improvement in the skills and capabilities of teachers. This is an opportunity for you to have some time to take what you learned during the workshop and apply it to your own context and your own students. Details of the follow-on will be emailed out to all participants. The deliverables must meet the following Criteria:
- Product (this may refer to lesson plan, unit of work or other digital product)
- evidence of creativity;
- planning and/or design;
- incorporation of key ideas in the course;
- integration of technology; and
- a published/shared product that is appropriate to audience, purpose and context.
- Online Interaction
- peer feedback; and
- community building.
- Personal Written Reflection (200 words):
- Reflect on the learning experience gained by participating in this course, including the deliverables, OR reflect on your classroom practice (including a description of the pedagogical approach, delivery and implications for the future); AND
- Reflect on how you achieved one or more of the specified professional learning standards.
Related Courses
Bringing Science To Life: K-6
Integrating ICT into the NSW K-10 Science Syllabus
The new NSW K-10 Science Syllabus mandates the integration of ICT to support a range of teaching, learning and assessment approaches. This provides great scope for the integration of new and emerging technologies in the design of immersive, authentic learning. In this course, participants will gain confidence and ability to integrate ICT meaningfully into learning and teaching to support the aims and objectives of the new Science K-6 syllabus.
Keywords: Primary, STEM, STEAM, Coding, Creative & Critical Thinking, Design, Digital Literacy, New Syllabus Implementation
Unpacking the Design Process for Game Programming
Working through the design process for creating video games.
Teachers will gain the tools, frameworks and confidence to facilitate the development of a design mindset in their students by applying it to the game design process. Industry standard vocabulary and skills will be unpacked and there is an emphasis on learning through making.
Keywords: Online, Design Thinking, Creativity, STEAM, STEM, Coding, Critical Thinking.
Coding in the Classroom
Using digital media technologies to enhance learning and teaching for K-6.
Coding is becoming an increasingly important skill for 21st century learners. By learning to code, students are also learning mathematical and computational thinking, strategies for problem solving, systematic reasoning, project design and how to effectively communicate their ideas.
Keywords: Primary, STEM, STEAM, Coding, Programming, Creative & Critical Thinking, Computational Thinking, Design, Digital Literacy, Cross-Curricular
Bringing Maths to Life
Integrating ICT into the Mathematics K-6 NSW Syllabus for the Australian Curriculum
The increasing variety and sophistication of software and apps available today allow primary teachers to really enhance and extend learning in Mathematics from remembering and understanding to creating and evaluating. In this workshop we will show teachers how to use technology in innovative ways to more deeply engage students and meet the learning outcomes from the K – 10 syllabus within a technology rich environment.
Keywords: Primary, New Syllabus Implementation, Digital Literacy, Creative & Critical Thinking, Infographics, STEAM, Design.
