Exciting new science for Australian primary schools

The Australian Academy of Science’s science education program for primary schools, PrimaryConnections, released 10 new units last week, fully aligned to the national science curriculum.

Each of these eagerly awaited units has undergone a rigorous process, designed by education professionals and reviewed by at least three Fellows of the academy, and is supported by teacher background information for each lesson to help explain the science to the teacher.

“The academy is proud to have developed, in partnership with the Australian Government, the award-winning PrimaryConnections program,” said Professor Jenny Graves, the academy’s Secretary for Education and Public Awareness.

“The academy recognises that improving the quality of science and maths education is critical for the future prosperity of Australia.

“We have long been concerned about the decline in Australia’s international performance in science education and believe it can be reversed with the right programs.

“We know that PrimaryConnections really works.

“We are keen to support schools and teachers to improve science teaching, and student learning and the enjoyment of science. The new PrimaryConnections units will do just that,” said Professor Graves.

Used in more than half of all Australian primary schools, PrimaryConnections combines teacher training with curriculum resources to engage students in hands-on, inquiry-based learning that links science with literacy.

The new units will provide exciting new material for all years of primary education, including Schoolyard Safari for year 1, Waterworks for year 2, Plants in Action for year 4, Desert Survivors in year 5 and Marvellous Micro-Organisms in year 6.

“These terrific new units will build on the 17 existing PrimaryConnections units to support teachers and help them take children on a fun and interactive learning journey,” Professor Graves said.

“They’ll not only learn about the world they live in, but also improve their critical thinking skills and their ability to write and talk about the things they see.”

PrimaryConnections units are warehoused and distributed by Abacus Educational Suppliers.