Maths and Science

Centres of ExcellenceTaking STEM to rural and lower socio-economic

environments.

Background

A partnership with Pilbara–based primary schools to

significantly increase the number of Indigenous students who

have the skills and knowledge in the mathematics and

science areas to choose study options and pathways into

Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths careers.

An initiative of the Graham(Polly) Farmer Foundation.

Maths and Science

Centres of Excellence

Location

Port Hedland

Industry Partner

BHP Billiton

School Partnerships

Baler Primary School

Cassia Primary School

South Hedland Primary School

Port Hedland Primary School

Saint Cecilia’s Catholic Primary School

Project Manager

Emily Ulrich

Maths and Science

Centres of Excellence

Location

Wickham

Industry Partner

Rio Tinto and with

Lotterywest grant

School Partnerships

Wickham Primary School

Project Manager

Melissa Reimers

Research

Science Engagement

“The review found considerable evidence that, for the majority of students, their life aspirations are formed before the age of 14, with the implication that engaging students in STEM* pathways becomes increasingly difficult after the early secondary school years. Interventions and resources aimed at encouraging student engagement in STEM thus need to be prioritized to engage and capture the imagination of students in the upper primary and early secondary school years.”

Reference: Opening up pathways: Engagement in STEM across the Primary-Secondary school transition Russel Tytler et al (2008) DEEWR commissioned study *STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)

PISA Scores

“Two of the largest differences among specified groups of Australian students concerned socioeconomic background and Indigenous status. On average Indigenous students had scientific literacy scores 88 points lower, and mathematical literacy scores 80 points lower, than that of non-Indigenous students.”

Reference: Participation in Science, Mathematics and Technology in Australian Education, John Ainley, Julie Kos & Marina Nicholas (2008) Reporting on *PISA (Programme for International Student Achievement) Scores in Mathematical and Scientific Literacy

Learning Environments for Indigenous students

“… ‘quality teaching’ that enhances learning environments with responsive pedagogical practice is fundamental to meeting Indigenous students’ needs, and that ‘engaging learning environments’ are essential for the development of effective learning relationships that enhance success and subsequently foster students’ self-worth and sense of belonging.”

Reference: Australian Directions in Indigenous Education 2005–2008 (2006)

Program Structure

Selection of students

Years four to six Indigenous students who demonstrate aptitude in maths and science through national NAPLAN, WAMSE and in-school testing are offered places in

the enrichment program.

Centre locations

Maths and Science Centre of Excellence have been established at South Hedland Primary School (Hedland) and Wickham Primary School (Wickham).

Learning Program

Offered on two after-school sessions per week for two hours each

Sessions include afternoon tea, thirty minute maths, forty minute science and thirty minute extension/enrichment activity.

Employs teachers from the participating schools as maths and science Leaders to provide small group learning.

Time Period Activity

2:45 – 3:00 pm Afternoon snack with Maths and

Science Leaders

3:00 – 3:30 pm Maths Activities – delivered individually

through online programs or in group

problem-solving activities

3:30 – 4:10 pm Science Activities – hands-on practical

activities

4:10 – 4:45 pm Extension Activities – students choose

from LEGO Robotics, Eng Quest Projects

or CREST Investigations in an area of

interest

4:45 pm Student s depart

4:45 – 5:00 pm Clean-up and lock laptops and other

resources away

Term Programs

Program Length

The program runs for nine weeks each term and covers a maths and science strand that is aligned with participating schools.

Assessment Blocks

Each term consists of a six week assessment block where students complete pre and post maths and science assessment tasks that focus on one aspect of the Maths and Science strand. The 5E’s model of learning is used in the delivery of the science program. Student achievement is reported to School Principals and a Steering Committee each term.

Enrichment

During the remaining weeks of term excursions to community programs and industry partners are scheduled. Representatives from the local Indigenous community are invited to attend the centre and share their knowledge with students. Open Days, parent evenings, visits from scientists and engineers and enrichment activities are planned.

Resources

Maths

Students access a range of online

learning activities to improve student

achievement and have targeted

support with individualised maths

learning plans.

Improve online assessment

resource

Maths 300

Black Douglas task centre

activates

Maths spheres

Abacus Maths kits

Laptop Computers

Resources

Science

Students engage in hands-on activities to improve learning outcomes, extend classroom learning and provide opportunities for students to explore areas of science interest.

Primary Connections Lessons

SciTech DIY Kits

Scootle Interactive Learning Paths

CSIRO Scientriffic and Double Helix Magazines

TigTag Videos

Enhance TV – Scope Episodes

Digital Microscopes

Extension Activities

LEGO Robotics

Integrating digital technologies students learn to build and program a robot to perform a series of tasks.

EngQuest Projects

Students choose an engineering project to complete and work through the stages of design, construction, testing and evaluation.

CSIRO CREST Investigations

Students develop investigating skills and processes by completing real-life, open-ended investigations. They have the opportunity to pursue a science topic of interest.

Assessment

Attendance

Data is recorded and targets are set each year. These are included in the centres strategic plan.

Student Achievement

Maths and science assessment data is reviewed each term outlining improvement. This is made available to school principals and the steering committee. School grades for maths and science along with NAPLAN results are also collected each year to track progress.

Attitudinal Surveys

Students, Maths and Science Leaders and School Principals complete online surveys each year. These highlight student attitudes towards maths and science, potential career aspirations, success of the program and areas for improvement.

Indigenous

Perspectives

Wherever possible Indigenous

Perspectives are incorporated

into the program. Indigenous

community members provide an

invaluable source of knowledge

and are invited to visit centres

frequently.

Primary Connections

SciTech DIY Kits

Local Indigenous Community

Community

Involvement

Open Day

Parents, guardians and families

are guided through the centre

and invited to experience some

of the activities students have

completed during the term.

Compact Signing Event

Students sign a Compact

agreeing to a range of

attendance and educational

objectives.

Industry Links

Eng Challenge Day

Students invite a friend from their school to participate in a day of team engineering challenges. Maths and Science Leaders facilitate the activities and visiting engineers from the local resources industry judge and award the winners of team challenges.

Visiting Scientists and Engineers

Local and visiting scientists and engineers provide students with first hand knowledge about their field of expertise. They provide students with subject selection information and career pathways into the industry. They help to plant the seed for further study.

Science Camp

Students are selected to attend a annual science camp. In 2014 students from both programs flew to Perth for a week long camp where they visited SciTech, Harry Perkins Medical Research Institute, UWA, AQUA and Perth Zoo to name a few.

Incursions

Western

Australian

Police

Pilbara Turtle

Program

Dr Peter Eastwell

Science Camp

2014

Harry Perkins

Medical Research Institute

Perth Observatory

BHP Billiton Iron Ore

Perth Zoo

AQWA

School Partnerships

Science Discovery Afternoon

Each term students travel to the local senior high school to participate in a science discovery session. They use and experiment with science equipment and experience working in a science laboratory. The session is lead by high school science teachers.

Have a Go Day

Students interested in being part of the program are invited along for an afternoon to ‘try it out’. Students participate in a range of activities to get a feel for the program before making a commitment.

Video Conference

Students participated in our first video conference last term. Both centres used equipment to link-up, present their EngQuestprojects and share their experiences.

Evaluation

Attendance rates

Continual improvement in

testing programs

Waiting list

Engagement of parents,

local community, school

principals and industry

Students being accepted

into secondary aspirant

programs

Attitudinal survey results

Keys to Success

Strong partnerships

Use of engaging

learning material

Tracking student

progress

Diversity and scope of

the aligned activities

Dedicated Project

Manager

Funding and industry support

Video