Primary Education

The Great Southern boasts some very experienced and enthusiastic primary science teachers. However, as primary educators we have to be proficient in a multitude of curriculum areas. Science is not always a favourite or easy subject to teach.

Luckily, the Great Southern has a network of passionate primary science teachers who are willing and able to support each other and new comers to the profession. Indeed a summary of local resources providers has been developed as a direct consequence of the GS Primary networks involvement in the STAWA ANC Pd program. A poster of locally available resources has been produced by the Western Australian Museum Albany (in conjunction with the GSSC and Inspiring Australia). The resources are all curriculum linked and cover incursions, excursions and in some cases provide a series of lessons and worksheets to help support the curriculum. Best of all, a reworked version is available on this web page (see below) or you can downlaod the original poster as a PDF. Check it out! It could really save you valuable time when planning and provide a focal highlight to your term's program.

If you would like advice on how to run a successful Science Club, Stephen Murray at Albany Primary School has been running a highly motivational 'Sciensteins' program with his students. This has recently been extended to the 'Robosteins', 'Inventionsteins' and 'Microsteins. Stephen is passionate about science teaching and has many years of experience in engaging and inspiring students. Albany Primary School is also actively involved in the Scientists in Schools Programe. If you need 'top tips' on developing and implementing primary science programs then Di Fry at South Stirling Primary is extremely committed and experienced in this area.

If you need advice on experimental design or equipment, Helen Barnett, the senior technician at Albany Senior High School is able to give advice and in some cases loan equipment on a short term basis.

Albany primary teachers have formed a new inter-school collaborative group aimed at teachers of Primary Science. It is called the Albany Primary Science Teachers group (AAPST). If you are interested in further details please contact Stephen Murray

In addition to these local resources, Primary Science Chat is a state wide discussion group for all things science and Science Assist is a new program managed by the Australian Science Teacher's Association which provides support and advice about up to date resources and safety advice.

The Australian Academy of Science also provides information on Primary Connections and Back to Basics programs.

Life is so much easier when we work as a team!

Do you want to contact local primary science teachers directly? If you want to ensure your professional development/resource opportunity gets to a teacher rather than getting lost in the school system, we suggest you use the list of local contacts below as a starting point.