We would like to welcome our new Step Up Ambassadors, Melissa Blacklock, Gabby Gilmore and Gemma Sardoni, who have been awarded the Step Up / ASTA Initiative Award.

These outstanding pre-service science teachers are about to travel to Canberra to attend the National Science Teachers Summer School (NSTSS), which runs from 11-17 January 2015.

We look forward to hear from Gabby, Gemma and Melissa as they share here their insights from the event.

About the Ambassadors

Melissa Blacklock Queensland University of Technology  

Although the arts are typically seen as the creative subjects, 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.

Melissa has just completed her third year of a BEd (Secondary) degree at QUT, majoring in Biology and English. She engages in community service and leadership both inside and out of university, and is part of the QUT National Exceptional Teachers for Disadvantaged Schools Program. Melissa looks forward to teach around Australia and the world following graduation.

Gabby Gilmore The University of Queensland

I am inspired to be a science teacher because I want other young people to experience how fascinating science can be! It would be my goal to get students excited about research, sparking their passion to never stop learning and begin to understand how and why the world around them works.

Gabby has recently finished her third year of a dual BSc / BEd (Secondary) degree at UQ. She grew up on a citrus farm on the Sunshine Coast, which no doubt contributed to her decision to study Plant Science as a major and Earth and Environmental Science as a minor. Gabby is keen to follow in the footsteps of her own high school science teacher, who she describes as very passionate and highly knowledgeable.

Gemma Sardoni Griffith University 

I am passionate about helping students discover and understand the world they live in, and I hope to expand my own scientific knowledge and skills by attending the National Science Teachers Summer School.

After completing her BASc (Oral Health) degree in 2008, Gemma has worked in the private dental sector. However, it was her role as the university educator for a commercial dental health company that sparked her passion for teaching. In 2014 Gemma commenced a part-time Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education at GU. Her teaching areas are Science, including Senior Biology, along with Health and Physical Education.

About the Summer School

This annual program is about empowering teachers to inspire students in developing a lasting interest in science.

The Summer School involves five days of practical, hands-on science and exposure to new scientific innovation. The 2015 NSTSS program includes:

• meeting leading researchers from Australian universities and research centres
• visiting scientific facilities such as the CSIRO, Geoscience Australia, Questacon and the Mount Stromlo Observatory
• networking with dedicated science teachers from every state and territory, including metropolitan and remote schools.

Hear Summer School insights from Melissa, Gabby and Gemma at this Step Up blog, and find out more at the 2015 Summer School blog!

About the award

The Step Up / ASTA Initiative Award is fully sponsored by the Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA) in partnership with Step Up, and includes membership with the Science Teachers’ Association of Queensland (STAQ).

To find out more you can contact Julia Davies, Step Up Project Officer.