Case Study 8

Developing Effective Senior School Partnership Programs

The National Marine Science Centre [NMSC] based in Coffs Harbour has two partner Universities and is equipped with facilities specifically for studying marine environments. They also have experienced academic personnel who have extensive knowledge and understanding of marine studies.  This project aimed to build a sustainable link between the centre and schools in Northern NSW through the development of targeted education programs for senior science students.

Students of Coffs Harbour Senior College are briefed by School Project Coordinator Stephan Soule before conducting water quality measurements for the ‘Human Impact of River Activity’ on the Bellinger River.

The Full Story

The centre had already developed a range of programs for junior to middle school students, but the interface with the senior years was more complex.  The demands of curriculum requirements in senior science and tight timelines for curriculum delivery necessitated the development of specific activities that could link directly into the curriculum at relevant times of the school year.  Facilitated by the NMSC School Project Coordinator, Stephan Soule, the centre worked with cluster school teachers and Teacher Associates to develop relevant marine studies programs.  These were developed for NSW Stage 6 [Years 11 & 12] Science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Marine Studies, Earth and Environmental Sciences and General Science.

Collaborative Program Development

A range of personnel were involved in ensuring that the partnership was a productive one:

• Cluster School Teachers: Subject teachers met with the Centre’s School Project Coordinator and identified the potential linkages into the curriculum, as well as outlining what learning outcomes would need to be satisfied through the activities.
• Teacher Associates: PhD and MSc students studying at the centre were enthusiastic about participating in the program, and identified activities that could address the required learning outcomes.
• NMSC School Project Coordinator: The Project Coordinator facilitated a number of meetings with project partners and was involved in writing the curriculum materials and linking the activities into the NSW Board of Studies syllabus requirements.

A Diverse Range of Programs

The programs included laboratory activities that could be completed on-site at the NMSC or, in some cases, at the cluster schools.  There were opportunities to use complex modelling software and link into the real world of the scientist working in the marine science field.  Utilising the facilities at the NMSC, exploring fixed marine displays and contact with Teacher Associates provided students with engaging learning experiences and teachers with an opportunity for relevant professional learning.

Lab Activities

• Aquaculture – System Requirements
• Biological Research and Sampling Design
• Marine Taxonomy
• Subtropical Reef Analysis using CPCe Software
• Fish Morphology and Physiology
• Sustainable Recreational Fishing

The diverse habitats in the Coffs Harbour environs provided a rich source of field activities, and engaged students in exploring and engaging with their local environment.

Field Activities

• Investigation of Human Impact on a River Ecosystem
• Rocky Shore Ecosystems
• Sandy Shore Ecosystems
• Sea Birds of Our Coast
• Mangrove Ecosystems

Getting the Timing Right

With a crowded school program, the cluster teachers suggested that there be a period of a few weeks during which schools could have the flexibility to book into the programs, and align the visit time closely with the course requirements.  This was an essential component to ensure that the schools received maximum value from the program delivery.  The NMSC was very flexible with their timetabling in response to this requirement.

Evaluation of the Program

Evaluation has been aligned with the range of activities in this project and has been used to inform and review the various components of the project.

Feedback from the students

“[My favourite part of the activity was the] hands on work and using the microscope while learning more about the stages of embryology.”

Student, Coffs Harbour High School, Coffs Harbour

“I enjoyed learning about the variety of science careers you can continue with.  After visiting the NMSC I now know more about how scientists work.”

Student, Bellingen High School, Bellingen

Feedback from the teachers

“Scientific Professional Development for regional science teachers is traditionally lacking and usually only available in capital cities and at large conferences. The cost for attendance means that local teachers normally do not attend. Having this ASISTM project has brought PD to us in a very accessible way. The initiative has been substantial in overcoming regional isolation from tertiary academic and research fields in marine science which is so relevant to our area.”

Sue Siwinski, Head of Science, Bishop Druitt College, Coffs Harbour

Feedback from the Teacher Associate

“It will be today’s students that will need to find the solutions to pollution, climate change and resource management, therefore we need to be engaging our students at this high school level. Working with the ASISTM program you can see these guys really getting interested in the research being done at the National Marine Science Centre.”

Gail Freeman - Teacher Associate, National Marine Science Centre.

Improving Learning Outcomes

 Student learning and engagement

• Enthusiastic teacher associates and researchers have significantly helped to improve student interest in science learning experiences.
• Contact with professional researchers has assisted students with developing deeper knowledge and scientific literacy skills.
• This first-hand experience has allowed students an insight into the scientific sector and develop a better understand of what occurs at a research facility.

Teacher Professional Learning

• Teachers have benefited through using equipment and observing procedures that are not available to them at their school. 
• Teachers have also gained invaluable information from teacher associates and researchers at the NMSC which will benefit them in their own classroom.

Sustainability

The NMSC is committed to developing school program partnerships, and in addition to the range of secondary school programs, the Centre participates in a local Rotary program for gifted students.  These students participate in marine and coastal science workshops over a period of four days, and interact closely with Teacher Associates who are inspirational for these students in terms of career options and directions. The materials developed through this ASISTM project will be made available on the NMSC website for future use, as well as a summary brochure for local schools to utilise in their planning and booking for future years.

“The hands-on approach to field and laboratory activities are always associated with student excitement and enthusiasm when new discoveries or observations are made.  It has also given students insight into the work scientists and researchers do through interactions with teaching associates and scientific staff and has helped dispel students perceptions of the ‘mad scientist’.  Teachers have found the activities very relevant as they are aligned with the syllabus outcomes and delighted to have the opportunity for their students to have access to resource not available to them in their own classrooms. Teachers have also expressed their gratitude toward professional development workshops run through the project. This has helped develop regional partnerships between schools, universities, governmental and non-governmental agencies creating greater opportunities for communication and collaboration.”

Stephan Soule, Schools Project Coordinator, National Marine Science Centre

Further Information

Stephan Soule

National Marine Science Centre,Coffs Harbour School

Project Coordinator

Telephone: (02) 6648 3931

Website: http://www.nmsc.edu.au/about-schoolsdl.php

Top

© Commonwealth of Australia, 2004