1. An inquiry approach in usingAn inquiry approach in using
Bioastronomy as a context for learningBioastronomy as a context for learning
science in middle schools.science in middle schools.
Craig Brown
Deputy Principal
Sylvania High School
Australian Schools Innovation inAustralian Schools Innovation in
Science, Technology and MathematicsScience, Technology and Mathematics
(ASISTM Project 2007-2009)(ASISTM Project 2007-2009)
2. What is Bioastronomy?What is Bioastronomy?
An integrated discipline of ScienceAn integrated discipline of Science
which aims to answer THREEwhich aims to answer THREE
questions:questions:
Is there life beyond Earth?Is there life beyond Earth?
What is the origin of life on Earth?What is the origin of life on Earth?
What is the fate of life in the universe?What is the fate of life in the universe?
3. Integrated Unit OverviewIntegrated Unit Overview
‘The Search for Life on Mars’‘The Search for Life on Mars’
Science – Learning about bioastronomy
6 weeks
22 hours
Maths –What maths skills are needed to achieve mission goals?
Technology– Using robotics to obtain Martian rock for testing
Primary – COGS style unit based around bioastronomy
Link – Peer mentoring & teacher associate visits
4. Bioastronomy and ContextualBioastronomy and Contextual
Learning in the Middle SchoolLearning in the Middle School
This project aimed to use Bioastronomy as a context toThis project aimed to use Bioastronomy as a context to
develop a fully integrated science, technology anddevelop a fully integrated science, technology and
mathematics unit for both primary and secondary students.mathematics unit for both primary and secondary students.
The context of the two units was the return of a Martian rockThe context of the two units was the return of a Martian rock
sample so it could be examined for past or present life.sample so it could be examined for past or present life.
The units was aimed at developing knowledge,The units was aimed at developing knowledge,
understanding, skills, values and attitudes in the Middleunderstanding, skills, values and attitudes in the Middle
School.School.
Year 8 students from four high schools completedYear 8 students from four high schools completed
approximately 40 hours of integrated course instruction andapproximately 40 hours of integrated course instruction and
acted as peer tutors to engage students from local primaryacted as peer tutors to engage students from local primary
schools in Years 5/6 in a complementary curriculum unitschools in Years 5/6 in a complementary curriculum unit
involving the programming of a model robotic Martian Roverinvolving the programming of a model robotic Martian Rover
and the analysis of Martian soil sample.and the analysis of Martian soil sample.
5. Intended Teacher OutcomesIntended Teacher Outcomes
1. Develop experience in the design of programs using contextual
learning and the NSW QTL framework.
2. Develop skills in robotics and related computer technologies as
well as knowledge and expertise in current scientific research.
3. Collaborate across KLAs, a range of different school types and
various educational and other organisations.
4. Develop skills in dealing with teaching and learning issues related
to middle schooling and aspects of literacy and numeracy within
teaching programs.
5. Integrate cross curricular perspectives and mentor other
colleagues in defined areas of professional learning.
6. Intended Student OutcomesIntended Student Outcomes
1. Develop leadership, team building and peer tutoring
skills.
2. Gain a better understanding of how Science,
Mathematics and Technology work together in the real
world and its significance.
3. Develop deep knowledge and understanding, problem
solving and experience high level engagement.
4. Engage in co-operative learning, research skills and
capitalise on the strengths that individuals bring to
team situations.
7. Intended Teacher Associate &Intended Teacher Associate &
Partner Organisation OutcomesPartner Organisation Outcomes
1. Gain insight and appreciation of how students learn
and are nurtured into fields of scientific endeavour.
2. Experience close partnership development between
educators and other organisations and recognise the
value that organisations bring to such endeavours.
9. School PartnersSchool Partners
Beverly Hills Girls High SchoolBeverly Hills Girls High School
Beverly Hills North Public SchoolBeverly Hills North Public School
Caringbah High SchoolCaringbah High School
Caringbah North Public SchoolCaringbah North Public School
Georges River College Hurstville BoysGeorges River College Hurstville Boys
CampusCampus
Hurstville Public SchoolHurstville Public School
Narwee Public SchoolNarwee Public School
Sylvania Heights Public SchoolSylvania Heights Public School
Sylvania High SchoolSylvania High School
Sylvania Public SchoolSylvania Public School
10. Organisation PartnersOrganisation Partners
Australian Centre for Astrobiology (ACA)Australian Centre for Astrobiology (ACA)
Macquarie ICT Innovagtions CentereMacquarie ICT Innovagtions Centere
Mars Society of Australia (MSA)Mars Society of Australia (MSA)
National Aeronautics & SpaceNational Aeronautics & Space
Administration (NASA)Administration (NASA)
SETI InstituteSETI Institute
University of Western SydneyUniversity of Western Sydney
17. Project Findings ForProject Findings For
Primary StudentsPrimary Students
(University of Western Sydney )(University of Western Sydney )
Students had a high level of overall interest in Science,
Mathematics, and Technology experiences.
Student interest before & after project in order:
Technology
Science
Mathematics
The learning experiences improved student knowledge,
especially in bioastronomy, rocketry, robotics and
conditions for life on early Earth.
18. Primary student interest in the specific areas of the
integrated unit in order were:
1. ICT Robotics (program / playing)
2. IMAX
3. High School visits - microbiology
4. Making rockets
5. Teacher associate activities
6. Making movies eg (Claymation)
Project Findings ForProject Findings For
Primary StudentsPrimary Students
(University of Western Sydney )(University of Western Sydney )
19. Project Findings ForProject Findings For
Primary StudentsPrimary Students
(University of Western Sydney )(University of Western Sydney )
This data suggests the importance of
practical activities to support leaning in the
primary area.
STUDENT
ENGAGEMENT?
20. There were many free responses that made statements
that declared positive changes to student values with
regard to science and mathematics.
“.. it has changed my views in the way that I now know
that there can be many fun projects to do in Science and
maths.”
“…it has made me more interested and curious because
the activities we did was fun and cool.”
“…before the Bioastronomy unit I didn't like Maths and
now l love Maths and Science more.”
Project Findings ForProject Findings For
Primary StudentsPrimary Students
(University of Western Sydney )(University of Western Sydney )
31. For further information or a copyFor further information or a copy
of the “Search For Life on Mars”of the “Search For Life on Mars”
DVDDVD
Craig.Brown@det.nsw.edu.au
