1998 Teacher Winners
Categories:
1998 Teacher Award Winners Robert Sanders, Rob Higgins, Jenny Heringtonand Jerry Ellis, Chairman BHP.
Primary
Rob Higgins
Gormandale and District Primary School, VIC
Rob's innovative space program has enabled his students to experience 'space-age' technologies in a real-life setting.
Being one of only two schools in Australia to speak directly to astronaut Andy Thomas aboard the Russian spacecraft MIR is an astonishing feat for a small rural primary school. But the BHP Science Award judges recognise that this high profile event was the culmination of over four years' hard work by Rob, and was a small part of a truly inspiring and ongoing science program.
Gormandale Primary school has been put on the interstellar map due to Rob's vision and commitment. We applaud Rob's plans to promote his space science program throughout the district and the country, and believe the development of his website is the first milestone in achieving this objective.
We hope the award will give courage to other primary teachers who have fantastically creative ideas to bring the world of science into their school.
Secondary
Rob Sanders
Sunshine Secondary College, VIC
Rob has established an innovative chemistry program which ties real scientific research to a current social and environmental issue. The long term project, started in 1995, continues to develop in an impressive manner.
The ozone monitoring program is unique in Australian education in the way it links students from around the world and experts in the field, from organisations such as the Environment Protection Authority to the Bureau of Meteorology. Visits from international bodies testify to the uniqueness of the program.
Getting students involved in a project which has global relevance is highly motivational and an innovative way to demonstrate the importance of science in our lives. It will also have an impact on students long after they have left school, empowering them to make informed decisions about their lifestyle.
The use of new learning technologies is impressive and the partnership developed between industry, education and the community vital in the development of a greater awareness and understanding of this environmental issue.
Curriculum
Jenny Herington
Caulfield Grammar School, VIC
Jenny has developed an extremely relevant and comprehensive website for teachers and students of senior biology.
By tapping a somewhat under-utilised resource - the tertiary institution - Jenny has been able to produce a unique reservoir of information for teachers and students alike. In particular the judges applauded the section of the site which contains interviews with members of the Latrobe University Biochemistry department.
Details of live research provides VCE Biology students with unique learning materials to investigate an area of applied genetic technology. It is invaluable for students in remote locations who find it very difficult to access information from real scientists, and at the same time promotes advances being made in biotechnology.
The site is easy to navigate and contains simple language and clear diagrams. Extensive glossary links increase the useability of the site and fully exploit the interactivity of the medium.
Jenny has shown her commitment to this ongoing project by updating the site, responding to emails and assisting with student inquiries. The site has scope to expand and potential to be a relevant resource to biology students across Australia. We hope that the BHP Science Award will assist further development of the project.