In the past 20 years, Australian students have become troublingly disinterested in science and science-related careers. The Banksia Gardens Community Centre aims to address this issue with an in-school science education program. Utilizing the best practices in informal education, we implemented a pilot science program in three schools in Hume City, and left Banksia with a suite of activities and supporting materials for use in future programs. From our analysis of the pilot program, we concluded that hands-on activities are effective for engaging students, and that the pilot program was successful at cultivating their science interest. We recommend that educators develop these inquiry-based methods, and utilize similar outreach programs to encourage an interest in science.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Fitzpatrick-Schmidt, Kyle Leigh
• Rhodes, Brittany Elizabeth
• Strickland, Michael Lawrence
• Shelton, Ned Mincy

Subject

• Learning

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-121613-032922

Keyword

• Inquiry-based learning
• Science--Study and teaching

Advisor

• Golding, Dominic
• Bunting, Andrea

Year

• 2013

Center

• Melbourne, Australia Project Center - IQP

Sponsor

• Ricón, Jaime de Loma-Osorio
• Banksia Gardens Community Centre

Date created

• 2013-12-16

Location

• Melbourne

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Rights statement

• In Copyright