Scitech tours the Kimberley, visiting 26 remote schools with hands-on science education
Supported by Collier Charitable Fund and the Toyota Foundation, the Scitech team will cover more than 5000km of territory by plane and car to provide hands-on science education.
Scitech Statewide manager Dr Shaun New said the tour was part of Scitech's commitment to engaging all West Australians in science.
'Science is for everyone and that's why Scitech visits every Western Australian primary school every three years,' he said.
'We are incredibly privileged to be welcomed into remote Kimberley communities, and we start building relationships with teachers and students many months in advance.
'Our team introduces themselves to students through video first, helping to build relationships and trust, which is so important in creating a great learning environment.
'By the time we arrive in the community, we often get kids screaming and running up to the Scitech truck, making us feel like rock stars.'
Scitech senior science communicator Eliza Driffill said the workshops were specifically designed for Aboriginal students.
'We take part in the experiments alongside the students and teachers, so science is experienced in a collaborative way,' Ms Driffill said.
'One of our favourite activities involves collecting insects to look at under a microscope.
'We provide the equipment, but the students apply their own experience and knowledge when it comes to how to catch the insects and where to look for them.
'In this way, Scitech is able to offer a new perspective on an environment that the students are already experts in.
'Aboriginal people were the first scientists in Australia, and there is so much we can learn from the world's oldest continuing cultures.'
As part of the progam, Scitech also delivers professional learning workshops to extend teachers' skills and confidence in hands-on science learning.
'We provide physical resources and materials so that teachers can continue to run science lessons after our visit,' Dr New said.
'Scitech is the spark to inspire, build confidence, create fun memories and encourage teachers and students to continue their science journeys.'
Scitech will visit Sacred Heart School, Kulkarriya Community School , Looma Remote Community School, Yiramalay/Wesley Studio School, La Grange Remote Community School, Ngalapita Remote Community School, Yakanarra Community School, Nyikina Mangala Community School, One Arm Point Remote Community School and many more between May 27 and September 24.
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West Australian
3 days ago
- West Australian
Scitech tours the Kimberley, visiting 26 remote schools with hands-on science education
Scitech is bringing the fun of science education to the Kimberley, visiting 26 schools across the region between May and September. Supported by Collier Charitable Fund and the Toyota Foundation, the Scitech team will cover more than 5000km of territory by plane and car to provide hands-on science education. Scitech Statewide manager Dr Shaun New said the tour was part of Scitech's commitment to engaging all West Australians in science. 'Science is for everyone and that's why Scitech visits every Western Australian primary school every three years,' he said. 'We are incredibly privileged to be welcomed into remote Kimberley communities, and we start building relationships with teachers and students many months in advance. 'Our team introduces themselves to students through video first, helping to build relationships and trust, which is so important in creating a great learning environment. 'By the time we arrive in the community, we often get kids screaming and running up to the Scitech truck, making us feel like rock stars.' Scitech senior science communicator Eliza Driffill said the workshops were specifically designed for Aboriginal students. 'We take part in the experiments alongside the students and teachers, so science is experienced in a collaborative way,' Ms Driffill said. 'One of our favourite activities involves collecting insects to look at under a microscope. 'We provide the equipment, but the students apply their own experience and knowledge when it comes to how to catch the insects and where to look for them. 'In this way, Scitech is able to offer a new perspective on an environment that the students are already experts in. 'Aboriginal people were the first scientists in Australia, and there is so much we can learn from the world's oldest continuing cultures.' As part of the progam, Scitech also delivers professional learning workshops to extend teachers' skills and confidence in hands-on science learning. 'We provide physical resources and materials so that teachers can continue to run science lessons after our visit,' Dr New said. 'Scitech is the spark to inspire, build confidence, create fun memories and encourage teachers and students to continue their science journeys.' Scitech will visit Sacred Heart School, Kulkarriya Community School , Looma Remote Community School, Yiramalay/Wesley Studio School, La Grange Remote Community School, Ngalapita Remote Community School, Yakanarra Community School, Nyikina Mangala Community School, One Arm Point Remote Community School and many more between May 27 and September 24.
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In 1989, Professor Carol Bower and Fiona Stanley made a landmark discovery: taking folate in early pregnancy reduced the risk of neural tube defects – such as spina bifida. It didn't stop there. They followed up their findings with decades of dedicated campaigning in the hopes the whole community would benefit from the dietary supplementation. It worked. It is estimated about 4,000 Australian children have been saved from debilitating and deadly birth defects since they started advocating for their folate research. Furthermore, they pushed for government policy to address the health needs of everyone nationwide regardless of culture, age, education or choice of hospital system. 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'Our results show that RSV immunisation reduces the risk of being hospitalised with the virus by more than 80 per cent and has seen an overall 60 per cent reduction in hospital admissions – significantly reducing the number of babies becoming seriously unwell from RSV and lessening the pressure on our health system throughout the busy winter period,' Professor Blyth said. 'I am extremely pleased to see that our research has now translated into a nationwide immunisation program that will benefit so many Australian families,' he said. Play Active is a program being delivered in childcare centres across Australia to boost physical activity in young kids. Despite overwhelming evidence about the importance of physical movement in early childhood, Australia continues to receive a D-minus grade for physical activity levels among young kids – a rating that hasn't improved since 2015. 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'Nutrition, sleep and sun protection policies are required in national ECEC regulations but there is no guidance around how much physical activity, sedentary and screen time children should have while in care.' Since launching nationally last year, Play Active has registered 1000 educators and supported over 170 services to develop tailored active play policies, with research showing the program is delivering strong results. Families who introduce peanut butter and eggs to their baby's diet at around six months of age can significantly reduce the chances of them developing a life-threatening allergy, according to a new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology – In Practice. 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For more information, visit the website .
