UQ project to transform maths and science teaching in the middle years

Australian teachers will be guided in new ways of engaging students within mathematics and science curricula through a project being undertaken by a team of academics at The University of Queensland.

The University of Queensland Ipswich Campus will work with a number of state and private schools in South-East Queensland to examine mathematics and science in the middle years of schooling.

The project, funded by a recent Australian Research Council Linkage Grant, will connect mathematics and science to provide Australian teachers with new ways of engaging students from years six to nine within this curriculum.

The four-year study will see the Campus work with state and private schools including Redeemer Lutheran College, Bundamba State Secondary College, Bremer State High School, All Hallows School, Faith Lutheran College Redlands, St Peter’s Catholic Primary School and Kenmore State High School.

In awarding the $130,000 project, the Australian Research Council said Australia’s scientific and technical competitiveness was under threat and a new focus was needed on mathematics and science teachers and curriculum.

Project Leader Dr Shelley Dole, Senior Lecturer in Middle Years of Schooling at the Ipswich Campus, said the project will involve teachers working with researchers to develop innovative teaching approaches that integrate mathematics and science content for students in the middle years of schooling.

She said new assessment tasks and strategies would also be developed and trialled.

“This exciting research project will contribute to the development of a curriculum framework that connects key concepts between mathematics and science,” Dr Dole said.

Dr Tony Wright from The University of Queensland and Professor Doug Clarke from Australian Catholic University are co-researchers in this project.

Media: For more information, contact Dr Shelley Dole on 3381 1509 or s.dole@uq.edu.au.