Science teachers from all over Australia are congregating in Canberra from 11-17 January to hear from some of Australia’s leading scientific researchers, including Nobel Laureate Professor Brian Schmidt. The teachers will learn first-hand about the researchers’ work as part of the National Science Teachers Summer School (NSTSS), a program designed to enthuse science teachers and bridge the gap in understanding between what is taught in the classroom and real-world research and practice.

Three pre-service teachers from QLD have been selected to participate in the NSTSS, sponsored by the Step Up project and the Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA). Melissa Blacklock (Queensland University of Technology), Gabby Gilmore (University of Queensland) and Gemma Sardoni (Griffith University) are the first ever pre-service teachers taking part in the Summer School, and also gain complimentary membership with the Science Teachers’ Association of Queensland (STAQ).

“Although the arts are typically seen as the creative subjects,” says Melissa, “science can be a way for students to authentically explore and create in an alternative way. Through the NSTSS, I hope to find means to reflect this in my own teaching, and learn how to inspire students.” Gemma is “passionate about helping students discover and understand the world they live in” and hopes “to expand my own scientific knowledge and skills by attending the Summer School”. Gabby describes her goal, “to get students excited about scientific research, sparking their passion to never stop learning and begin to understand how and why the world around them works.” These emerging leaders in science education will be contributing to the Step Up blog and ASTA and STAQ forums to share their insights with peers.

The NSTSS has been developed to support science teachers build on their personal knowledge of, and enthusiasm for, real-world science innovation and application. Teachers who are genuinely excited by the subject they teach are better equipped to inspire interest and excitement in their students. They are also more likely to find new and innovative ways to make the subject matter relevant to young people.

“This is the first step in engaging future science teachers and building supportive communities in science education,” says Professor Les Dawes, Step Up Project Leader.

For further information, download the media release.

Tune into the blog next week to hear from our new Step Up Ambassadors, Gabby, Gemma and Melissa, as they share their inspirations for becoming science teachers and insights during the Summer School. You can follow #NSTSS to engage with the event social media.

Image credit: Gabby, Andrew Laming MP, Melissa & Gemma at NSTSS