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In2science Engages Future Educators

By News

TFA expo Jan 2017Innovative approaches to teaching STEM was the topic of conversation at Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, in January. In2science was invited to share the benefits of peer mentoring with future secondary science and mathematics teachers at The Innovations in Education Marketplace, organised by Teach For Australia for its 2016 and 2017 Cohorts. The exhibition featured a range of innovative STEM education providers.

At the In2science stall, Program Manager Joanna Oreo and La Trobe University Coordinator Oliver Barrand, spoke with many Associates from Victoria and Interstate. The Associates were interested to hear about the impact of volunteer student mentors in keeping secondary students engaged with their STEM studies. 

“We focus specifically on low socioeconomic schools, so for many of the high school students it might be the first time they’ve had a meaningful encounter with a university student,” Jo told Associates.

A number of Associates were keen to sign up for updates on the program, with several Victorian Associates expressing interest in registering for the program.

The event brought together Teach For Australia Associates from across the country, and was an opportunity for them to get up to date on the latest innovations in STEM education that they could employ in the classroom.

 

Read more about the event on Teach For Australia’s news page.

2016 Reflections

By News
The number of mentor placements in 2016 by region.

The number of mentor placements in 2016 by region.

Welcome to the final post for 2016. The In2science Awards night was a fantastic way to celebrate the end of what has been a very busy, productive and successful year.

  • Specalised mentor training and support: the team has focused on specific mentor training based around growth mindset, mentoring, and enhancing science communication skills.
  • Staff professional development: the In2science team has attended numerous workshops and presented at conferences, all focused around increasing students’ engagement and aspirations in STEM.
  • Mentor manager and placement application: In 2017, coordinators will be able to visually see a mentor’s location in relation to a school and match mentors availability with teachers requests based on times and common interests.
  • Additional funding to launch and accelerate online mentoring for regional schools: Feedback from the 2016 pilot has been overwhelmingly positive.  We look forward to expanding this in 2017.

2016 numbersFeedback and support about the In2science program has been extremely positive.  Preliminary analysis of survey results reveal that, after having an In2science mentor, students:

  • are more confident in science and maths
  • are more likely to know how to find information to help them solve a science problem
  • enjoy finding out answers to science questions
  • identify that the problem solving skills they use in science can be helpful in everyday life; and
  • recognise that studying VCE science/maths subjects at year 12 will give them lots of options

What the students say

“The mentor didn’t give me the answers but helped me work through all the problems”
– Year 8 maths student

“I have learnt a lot from my mentor. Insights of uni life and her future career have been great to think about for my future”
– Year 8 science student

What the teachers say

“The mentor must have instilled something in the students that is very rare and hard to achieve in a secondary college – Intrinsic motivation”
– Kylie Lambert, Maffra Secondary College

What the mentors say

“Students became more engaged with the work when we worked together”
– Selda Ekri, In2science mentor

 

We would like to thank the Chair, The Honourable Professor John Brumby, for his support and leadership and all Advisory Board members for their ongoing commitment to ensuring the program is well governed.

In2science is fortunate to have a team of highly motivated and dedicated staff.  The team is looking forward to working with current and new partner schools and further expanding the program to support digital learning and girls in STEM in 2017.

2016 In2science Awards Recognises Outstanding Achievements

By Awards, Events, News

The Hon. Prof. John Brumby, In2science Chairman, introduces the 2016 In2science Awards

The 2016 In2science Awards recently recognised and celebrated the outstanding achievements and outcomes in STEM engagement through the In2science peer mentoring program.

In2science chairman, The Honourable Professor John Brumby, presented awards to mentors from all four partner universities, and three partner schools at the Melbourne Museum Theatre on Thursday 1st of December.

Professor Brumby opened the proceedings by praising the continuing efforts of the mentors, teachers, and supporters of In2science. He highlighted the need addressed by the program, “We all know that we’ve got a huge continuing challenge in this area. More results have come out on maths achievement in Australia, and the reality is that this is an area where Australia is really challenged. We look at the countries around us in the world, Singapore and South Korea and Malaysia and now China, they are making big investments into STEM.”

Despite this, Professor Brumby was upbeat about the achievements of In2science, “Tonight is about celebrating the success of the last year. Success in a re-invigorated form. 45 schools, 4 universities. Outstanding engagement from all of the participants. I think it’s true to say that the program is now stronger than ever.”

To recognise the efforts of mentors, there were five award categories. To read more detail about the award winners and finalists, click here.

 

In2science Awards winners, staff and university representatives with The Hon. Prof. John Brumby, In2science Chairman.

 

The Mentor Impact Award for the mentor that made the greatest positive impact in engaging students in science or maths went to Selda Ekri from Swinburne University of Technology.

The Role Model Award for the mentor recognised as an outstanding role model for their student mentees was accepted by Andres Alzate of The University of Melbourne.

The Dedication Award for the mentor that showed greatest dedication and commitment to the In2science program was awarded to Tarik Zepcan of La Trobe University.

The Above and Beyond Award for the mentor that showed greatest initiative in engaging students in science or maths went to Shelley Haslett of RMIT University.

The eMentoring Award for the most dedicated university mentor in the online eMentoring program was given to Mitchell Griggs of La Trobe University.

Three awards were given to teachers and schools for their support of In2science mentors.

Teacher Kylie Lambert from Maffra Secondary College traveled nearly three hours to attend the awards and accept the Mentor Support Award for the classroom teacher who provided the most supportive mentoring environment.

The Teacher Program Commitment Award for the classroom teacher that showed the greatest commitment to the In2science program went to Jessica Sartori from Brunswick Secondary College.

The School Program Commitment Award for the school that demonstrated the greatest engagement with the In2science program was awarded to Bundoora Secondary College, and was accepted on the night by link teacher Ross Goddard.

eMentoring Award winner Mitchell Griggs delivered a mentor reflection in which he highlighted the importance of the In2science program in helping to increase levels of achievement in science and maths in Australian schools, which he said have plateaued over the last 20 years according to the 2015 TIMSS report. Mitchell also reflected on the benefits he had gained from multiple placement rounds both in-class and online, “My education, both formal and otherwise was greatly enriched by the experience of being an In2science mentor, and my perspective broadened and informed about the importance of science communication and education.”

Following the official proceedings, the mentors and teachers mixed over drinks and canapes in the foyer with other guests including representatives of the four partner universities, as well as members of government and industry.

 

For full details about the 2016 In2science Award winners and finalists, click here.

To access the 2016 In2science Awards photo gallery, click here.

eMentoring Recognised at Parliament House

By News

The Hon. James Merlino MP, Minister for Education, Tarik Zepcan, La Trobe University eMentor, Genevieve Lazzari, In2science Director, and The Hon. Judith Graley MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Education.

The achievements of the In2science eMentoring program were recognised by Victorian Minister for Education, The Hon. James Merlino MP, and Parliamentary Secretary for Education The Hon. Judith Graley MP at a morning tea held at Parliament House on the 5th of December 2016.

Along with nine other mentoring programs across a range of areas, the eMentoring program was given special mention for connecting secondary science and maths students in regional Victoria with university mentors. In 2016, In2science eMentoring connected 64 students from five regional schools with 19 mentors, and will continue to grow in 2017.

Mr Merlino acknowledged the contribution of mentors in the lives of young people, “We’re so proud to see the success these mentoring programs have had empowering students from across Victoria. Sometimes it takes a mentor to help show us what we are capable of and these  programs have connected great mentors with hundreds of students.”

Mr Merlino presented a certificate of recognition to eMentor Tarik Zepcan and Acting Program Director Genevieve Lazzari on the day.

Team at PH

In2science eMentors Tarik Zepcan and Mitchell Griggs with In2science staff on the steps of Parliament House.

Mitchell Griggs, who mentored students at Cobram Secondary College, reflected on his experience as a eMentor, “The In2science eMentoring program has given me a great opportunity to share my enthusiasm and encourage more regional students to take on a rewarding career in science.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Placement Profile: Bundoora Secondary College

By Profiles
Alex Newsome -edited-2

Mentor Alex Newsome helping Ross Goddard’s students explore the possibilities of new technology.

Every week students of Ross Goddard’s robotics project at Bundoora Secondary College arrive to what looks more like a high-tech workshop strewn with 3D printers, circuit boards, and wires, than a classroom. They have been greeted not only by Mr Goddard, but also In2science mentor, Alex Newsome.

Ross’ first experience with the In2science program was back in 2007. Based on past experiences, he knew what a great resource a mentor could be in the classroom, and having one for his year 8 robotics class was the perfect fit. “Knowing how good they are, the engagement with the kids, the level of knowledge, [and having] the kids see them every week, it’s very important.”

What Ross and the students set out to achieve with the project was ambitious. The students took the lead in designing and building a small army of battle-bots. Ross says, “This is at the cutting edge of what schools are doing with STEM… we’re using Sketchup, 3D printers, Arduino boards, and Autodesk to prototype the electronics without putting a soldering iron to a circuit board. You’ve got to be specific about what you want to achieve, and the In2science mentor has the skills to help lead that group.”

Breakout quoteFor Ross, one of the most valuable aspects of having Alex mentor his students has been his specialised knowledge, “We have no [advanced] knowledge in the school whatsoever about robotics and electrical engineering. Alex is at the opposite end, he knows everything.”

Alex Newsome is studying a Bachelor of Electronic Engineering (Honours) at La Trobe University, and this was his second placement as an In2science mentor. He knew how important it was to give the students the confidence to take risks. “I try to encourage the kids to have the confidence that you don’t need to know everything, you just need to know how to find everything. I think that’s helped a lot of them to have the confidence in themselves. They’d be much quicker to say, well here’s what I thought, and you go, well that’s half right [let’s build on that].”

Alex Newsome -edited

Ross Goddard says his students see Alex’s confidence and believe what can be achieved.

According to Ross, Alex has been a valuable role model to the class, “having someone that’s so confident in what he’s doing, the kids see that and believe what can be achieved. That’s what In2science and what Alex give me. He gives us confidence that we can go into new areas and new technology.”

Alex has been helping the students to feel more capable in their project, “I’m seeing them get involved, starting to ask questions. I really want to highlight to the kids to have the confidence to pick something up and try it, [to give] it a shot and you will have learned something from it.”

Ross says that what a mentor has brought to the class can’t be replicated with any educational resource, “Alex makes things possible that would otherwise be difficult.  Having a person like Alex sharing a goal with me and then sharing that goal with students – you can’t buy that. He’s a unique young man, a great resource, and I’m really impressed.”

For more about requesting an In2science mentor for your class, click here.

October Reflections

By News

Mildura Outreach 13Oct2016-editedNetworking with regional schools in Mildura

During October, In2science staff travelled to Mildura and supported La Trobe University’s science outreach programs, which were offered to secondary students from five different schools in the Mildura region.  On the day, La Trobe hosted over 300 regional students who had opportunities to see real-world applications of science and participate in Biotechnology, Physics, Psychology and Robotics workshops.    This was a fantastic opportunity for regional and rural students who usually have limited access to educational experiences compared to their metropolitan counterparts.

Regional teachers had the opportunity to talk with In2science staff about the online mentoring program.  After a successful online mentoring pilot this year, In2science will work with more regional schools in 2017, with the aim of connecting interested secondary school students with like-minded volunteer university students who act as mentors, where students are opened up to the possibilities of pursuing their interests in STEM to year 12 and beyond.  Students and mentors are matched on shared science interests to maximise learning opportunities for students.

 

National Mentoring Week 23-29 October

The last week of October not only saw semester two placements come to a close, but also coincided with National Youth Mentoring Week. To celebrate mentoring week, In2science staff have been hosting afternoon teas, handing out certificates and saying thanks to our semester two mentors. 2016 has seen over 200 In2science mentors make an impact in 45 Victorian schools where they have remarkably volunteered over 2200 hours!

 

Upcoming STEM Outreach Events

By Events

Here are some exciting STEM outreach events coming up at our partner universities, as well as other organisations.

Friday 30th of September – Swinburne eMentor in Three Minute Thesis Final

Swinburne University of Technology eMentor, Umamageswari Suparamaniam, will represent her university at the Three Minute Thesis Asia-Pacific final, taking place at the University of Queensland on the 30th of September. Uma, who eMentors students from Maffra Secondary College, and studies at the ARC Training Centre in Biodevices, gained a place in the final with her presentation on Electrical Stimulation for Culturing Muscle Stem Cells. In2science wishes Uma the best of luck!

 

solar challengeSaturday 15th and Sunday 16th of October – Victorian Model Solar Vehicle Challenge State Finals

The Victorian Model Solar Vehicle Challenge State Finals will be held at Scienceworks on Saturday the 15th and Sunday the 16th of October, in which school students from around Victoria will put their solar-powered models to the test. The event is open to the public and is sponsored by Swinburne University of Technology, Scienceworks and Engineers Australia.

Information about the event here. 

 

sqsc-public-exhibitionMonday 17th of October to Saturday 12th of November – Shell Questacon Science Circus Victoria tour

The Shell Questacon Science Circus is bringing its travelling hands-on exhibition, along with a team of fresh young science communicators to Victoria for a month-long tour from Monday 17 October 2016 to Saturday 12 November. The Science Circus, comprised of students studying the Master of Science Communication Outreach at The Australian National University, will be visiting schools and holding public exhibitions in and around the towns of Orbost, Bairnsdale, Traralgon, Warragul, Colac, Warrnambool, Portland, and crossing the SA border to visit Mt Gambier.

Tour dates here.

 

LTU wildlifeSunday 23th of October – La Trobe University wildlife sanctuary family fun day

Enjoy all that La Trobe University’s Outdoor Laboratory has to offer. There will be activities for the whole family, including nesting box workshops, children’s activities and guided tours. Wander through the Sanctuary and learn more about this unique oasis in Melbourne’s north.

When: Sunday 23 October

Where: La Trobe Wildlife Sanctuary, La Trobe Avenue, across from car park 8 of La Trobe University, Bundoora

Full details here.

cellsFriday 18th of November – La Trobe University Outreach Microscopy teacher professional development

This full day program is specifically designed for teachers with limited or no formal training in Biology. Participants will explore the topic of cells from basics through to the more complex elements of cell biology. Sessions will include hands on activities that can be taken back into the classroom, a tour of the world-class microscopy facility at the La Trobe Institute of Molecular Sciences (LIMS) and insights into cellular biology research.
When: Friday 18 November
Where: La Trobe University, Bundoora

Places are limited. For details and registration click this link to view the flier.

November and December – The University of Melbourne Science Delivery

The University of Melbourne, Science Delivery program will visit regional high schools in a week-long roadshow during November, followed by a series of one-day sessions in metropolitan high schools in December. It is aimed at increasing the participation of students from low socioeconomic backgrounds in STEM. It features interactive science activities presented by current university students who themselves are from economically disadvantaged or rural backgrounds.

For more information and to make a booking, contact Lauren de Blank [email protected].

Monday 16th to Wednesday 18th of January 2017 – The University of Melbourne ConocoPhillips Science Experience

The program is designed to provide secondary students with an experience of university life with lectures, laboratory experiments and hands on interactive experiences all whilst being able to explore University of Melbourne’s world class facilities. The program is guided by top ranking academics across various schools including BioSciences, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Physics, Engineering and Life Sciences.

Information and registration can be found here.

RMIT science experience GROUP SHOT-018Tuesday 17th to Thursday 19th of January 2017 – RMIT ConocoPhillips Science Experience

RMIT is inviting the next generation of scientists to taste university life, with three fun filled days of science activities. Budding scientists entering year 10 in 2016 will go behind the scenes to undertake hands-on experiments in areas such as forensic chemistry, physics, laboratory medicine, engineering and geospatial science, as well as hear from talks from guest speakers.

Information and registration can be found here.

 

Meet a mentor: Harry Bennett

By Profiles

Harry Bennett

Harry Bennett

In2science mentor Harry Bennett

What are you studying, and what do you like about it? I am in my third year of the Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics and Mechatronics)(Honours)/ Bachelor of Computer Science at Swinburne University of Technology. I love the interdisciplinary nature of my degree and the numerous opportunities it can lead to. The combination of mechanical, electrical, and computer sciences is an exciting crossroads that allows me ask the question ‘How does this work?’.

Why did you become an In2science mentor? STEM education has been a big part of my life, it only seemed natural that I should help communicate my experiences and ideas to younger generations who might be interested in pursuing a future in engineering or science. In addition, the prospect that I can make a positive impact on younger students, who were not as fortunate as I was at their age, fills me with a great deal of satisfaction.

Tell us about your In2science placement: Currently I’m placed in a year 8 science class at St Joseph’s College Ferntree Gully. This is my second placement with this class. My favourite experience has been the Martian science topic they covered last semester.    I was able to arrange a visit from one of my classmates where we demonstrated the cool capabilities of a NAO Humanoid Robot to Karen’s class.

What’s the best thing about In2science? Being able to communicate to students on their level without the barriers of formality is where I believe I have the greatest impact. It’s exciting to have a casual chat with a student and see the spark in their eyes when they cross the conceptual hurdle of understanding.

What’s one of the biggest challenges about In2science? Convincing them I am not a teacher! Quite a few students don’t realize I am not a teacher but a volunteer that enjoys being there on the road of their education.

What inspired you to study what you are studying? Engineering is an exciting field. Reading about Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin and their Apollo 11 mission inspired me to study engineering as it is an opportunity to have an impact on the physical world.

What do you want to do after you finish university and why? Space sciences have always fascinated me so if I could combine space and robotics that would be really interesting.

If you could have an hour to chat with any scientist, mathematician or engineer, who would it be and why? I’d love to meet Pierre Simon-Laplace, a famous mathematician who created the mathematical tools I use in robotic control.

What advice would you give other students looking to get involved in the In2science program?

 Do it. It takes time to travel to the school and back but I never leave my placement sessions with any regrets. It will take time to learn how to act and behave in a classroom environment but the reward that you have made an impact on a young person’s perceptions about STEM is fulfilling beyond words.

 

Want to become an In2science mentor? Click here!

August Reflections

By News

August has been another busy month, with mentor placements finalised and underway, including the first full-scale group of eMentors connecting with regional schools. With a multitude of activities for National Science Week, the In2science team was also out and about at various events:

Teacher Felicity Wilmot from Alexandra Secondary College trying out the eMentoring technology at the STEM Careers Expo in Wangaratta

eMentoring at Wangaratta STEM careers expo

eMentoring Coordinator, Ana Garcia-Melgar, hopped on a train to attended the STEM Careers EXPO at Galen Catholic College in Wangaratta. There, she gave teachers and students a live demonstration of eMentoring in action. They were able to connect online via Zoom to talk to In2science staff, see how eMentoring works in practice and to learn about the benefits of online mentoring for regional students.

Conversation with Dr Alan Finkel

Australia’s Chief Scientist, and In2science Patron, Dr Alan Finkel met in conversation with ABC’s Natasha Mitchell at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. There, he shared his insights and reflections on Australia’s place in the ever-changing science, technology and research landscapes. Three In2science Coordinators were in attendance, as well as one new La Trobe University mentor, Marianne Haines, who posed an excellent question that was addressed by Dr Finkel.

YSA lends a hand to train mentors

This semester, In2science partnered with Young Scientists of Australia (YSA) to help new mentors build their science communication skills. Four YSA volunteers (including one former In2science mentor) joined mentor training sessions at three partner universities to lead activities on relating science to real life and communicating a passion for science. The YSA members also invited mentors to join their national network of budding science enthusiasts.

Rewire Luncheon

Several In2science team members and mentors attended The Australian Newspaper’s Rewire luncheon. This event hosted a panel of experts, who examined some of the big questions around STEM education in Australia. They addressed questions such as why existing programs have not resulted in a national approach to STEM, the obstacles of student participation in STEM, and how Australia can increase its STEM teaching workforce.

Quantum Victoria STEM workshop

University of Melbourne Coordinator, Madeleine Yewers, attended a STEM best practice workshop at Quantum Victoria. The workshop was designed for teachers to build capacity in STEM Education and further engage students.  The workshop combined hands-on activities in programming, applying mathematics to the real world, and confronting well-known misconceptions in science as real-life examples (e.g. there are more than 5 human senses including pain, balance and body temperature). Maddy picked up some great ideas to inspire our mentors in the classroom!

 

Meet a Mentor: Khaleel Mohammed

By Profiles

Khaleel Mohammed Khaleel Mohammed

What are you studying, and why do you like it? I am currently studying Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne, and find it very appealing as science had always been my favourite subject at school. I especially like the biological aspects in which I can study the structure, systems and functions of the different parts of the human body.

Why did you become an In2science mentor? The actual idea of visiting schools to assist and encourage students studying science is what drew me towards becoming a mentor. Although I aspire to be doctor, I always enjoy teaching and tutoring roles and In2science just opened that option for me.

Tell us about your In2science placement. I am mentoring at the school from which I graduated,  John Fawkner College. I really enjoy working with the students. It is a fairly small class and I like it that way, since I get to spend a lot of time with every student and it’s much easier to handle when asked to work in a group.

What is it like returning to your old school? I really enjoy meeting all my old teachers and talking about the changes that have occurred in life. It’s also a great feeling to be sitting inside the staff room and drinking coffee when back in the days I had to stay outside the door!

What message do you hope to pass onto the students in your In2science class? I want the students to know that they are all capable of pursuing a career in science and I see it in them.

What’s the best thing about In2science? The fact that it exists is the best thing. Another great thing for me is the time frame. Once a week for ten week really works for me.

What do you want to do after you finish university and why? After I complete my bachelors, I intend to enter Medicine and continue further onto becoming a cardiac surgeon. It’s been my dream since I was 9 and now, I just can’t think of doing anything else with my life.

If you could have an hour to chat with any scientist or mathematician, who would it be and why?

John Craig Venter. He is working on creating synthetic cells after completing the human genome. I want to know whether it would have occurred to him that this would be possible while he was studying the human genome and while at college. I would also like to know his ethical viewpoints on synthetic life.

Want to become an In2science mentor? Click here!