Fostering scientific curiosity: Science Communicators
Natalie Pestana
During semester, you would be hard-pressed to find a university student with much spare time, let alone spending it in a primary school. However for Michelle Kovacevic (3rd year BSc Neuroscience/DML Indonesian) and Marija Strmota (4th year BA/BSc Psychology, Pathology and Immunology) that's exactly what they did.
Michelle Kovacevic and Marija Strmota and students of Preston Primary School.
(Photographer: Natalie Pestana)
Michelle and Marija spent several weeks during second semester 2008 at Preston Primary School as part of "Science Communicators", a pilot project by the Faculty of Science.
"The project aims to enhance the teaching of science at primary schools by placing two science students with a teacher to work together on a short project", says Karen Mecoles, the program's coordinator.
"The idea is to give the primary students an experience beyond what they would be getting from their regular teacher. We hope that the regular teacher is then able to enhance their own science teaching in the future by their experience working with the Science Communicators. The science students develop their skills in communication, negotiation and teamwork while sharing their enthusiasm for science."
"The school was looking for a program that would be different and challenging for children who are high achievers. This program suited that need perfectly", says Christine Batterham, teacher at Preston Primary School.
"Marija and Michelle had enthusiasm and energy and were presenting a program that they had chosen. This meant they were able to present a program that they were excited about. As a result the children were excited and enthusiastic."
Students of Preston Primary School take part in the egg drop experiment.
(Photographer: Natalie Pestana)
The program involved Michelle and Marija spending an afternoon a week at Preston Primary school working with their bright year 5 and 6 students.
"We normally start our session with a discussion and try to get the kids thinking about the big picture, and then we'd do a hands-on activity", says Michelle.
The students themselves felt they benefitted from having Michelle and Marija.
"The children enjoyed having someone to talk science with. They asked fabulous questions and Marija and Michelle were able to respond confidently and knowledgably to the questions", says Christine. "The approach taken by Marija and Michelle allowed for the children's curiosity and stimulated an interest that may or may not have been there in the first place."
Both Michele and Marija both agree that the experience has been rewarding and worthwhile.
"Interacting with the kids and creating a bond with them that was less student-to-teacher and more researcher-to-researcher. Watching them learn while having a blast was a very rewarding experience", says Marija. "It has reaffirmed my decision to study science was the right one and has enabled me to gain experience in presenting scientific concepts to a very demanding audience. It just makes you realise that being able to effectively communicate about what you know is crucial."
Adds Michelle "If you are even remotely interested in science communications, or just even something fun to complement your degree, this program is definitely worthwhile, so apply now!"
Science Communicators will extend to several more schools in the local area in 2009. For further enquiries, please contact Karen Mecoles on 8344 7975.
