The Scientists and Mathematicians in Schools (SMiS) program is a national program managed by CSIRO on behalf of the nation. It provides skilled volunteers the opportunity to have a positive impact and make a difference to science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education in primary and secondary Australian schools.
What program are we involved in?
We are involved in the Scientist In Schools program and our in-residence Scientist is Mr Tom Gordon. Tom is deeply committed to working at Canterbury Boys and is a local to the area. He was worked with students and staff now for a number of years. We consider having a Scientist in School partnership another example of an enrichment program Canterbury Boys High School offers.
More information on the Scientist In Schools program can be found at: http://www.scientistsinschools.edu.au/index.htm
Describe a typical day
There are typically four lessons a day for students. A typical day for our Scientist In School is collaboratively developed with CBHS Science staff to enable maximum benefit to our students. A typical day might include:
- Our Scientist leads a motivational talk to a junior year group (years 7-10) followed with planned activities and experimental work.
- Our Scientist leads experiments in a lab for the HSC Chemistry class
- Next, the Physics HSC class are able to interact with practical equipment in the lab to develop their understanding of the concepts thoroughly. Practicals include physics of light and sound.
- Lastly, discussion with CBHS Science staff evaluating the day and planning for future initiatives. Often, our Scientist In School can be seen programming and lesson planning with CBHS Science staff after-school on innovative approaches to teaching and learning; with a structured focus on inquiry-based learning
What are the benefits of this partnership for Canterbury Boys High School?
- - extending our boys knowledge and application of Science and integrated STEM concepts.
- - practical experiment assistance to a number of classes, including our HSC Science classes. Mr Gordon specialises in supporting our Physics and Chemistry classes but is also available to support our Biology and Senior Science classes
- - access to high-level scientific equipment
- - university visits to the University of Sydney Science and Engineering faculties for students and teachers
- - providing targeted professional learning to CBHS STEM staff. This includes expert advice as we participate in the STEM Teacher Enrichment Academy with Sydney University
- being a host school for practical workshop led by Sydney University as part of the Advancing Science and Engineering through Laboratory Learning Schools program (ASELL). Many local High Schools attend this event
If you would like to find out more information on this initiative, please contact Ms Webster (Rel Head Teacher Science) on 9798-8444.