The Scientists and Mathematicians in Schools (SMiS) program is a national program managed by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) on behalf of the nation. It provides skilled volunteers the opportunity to have a positive impact and make a difference to the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) education in primary and secondary Australian schools.
Who runs the program?
The Scientist In Schools programs, in-residence Scientist is Mr Tom Gordon. Tom is deeply committed to working at Canterbury Boys and is a local to the area. He has worked with students and staff now for a number of years.
A typical day for our Scientist In School
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 In School leading a motivational talk to a junior year group (Years 7-10) followed with planned activities and experimental work.
- our Scientist In School leading experiments in a lab for the HSC chemistry class.
- the Physics HSC class are able to interact with practical equipment in the lab (thanks to the Scientist In School) to develop their understanding of the concepts thoroughly.
- then 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 CBHS?
This program gives our school the opportunity to:
- extend our boys knowledge and application of Science and integrated STEM concepts.
- receive 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 high-level scientific equipment.
- visit the University of Sydney's science and engineering faculties
- receive targeted professional learning to CBHS STEM staff. This includes expert advice as we participate in the STEM Teacher Enrichment Academy with Sydney University.
- be 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
For more information on the program, visit the STEM Professionals in Schools website.
If you would like to find out more information on this initiative, please contact Ms Webster the Relieving Head Teacher of Science on 02 9798 8444.