TWO science teachers were presented with the 2015 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science award last week, for excellence in scientific research, innovation and teaching.
The winners, including Ken Silburn from CasulaHigh School in NSW and Rebecca Johnson from WindarooStateSchool in QLD, were congratulated by the Prime Minister and Minister Christopher Pyne at the Great Hall of Parliament House.
Nominated for actively increasing student science participation, Silburn said he was able to spark student engagement through extension programs and practical, interactive activities.
“I’m very proud of the achievement of our school. Getting so many students to choose to study science shows that what we’re doing in the junior school is working,” he told Science In Public.
Meanwhile teacher Rebecca Johnson took out the prize for her model on teaching science in primary schools.
Fifteen years in the making, her teaching model aims to improve the quality of science subjects and involves the teacher educating students in science classes every week.
“I don’t think I could love a job more than I love teaching science,” she said.
“I encourage my students to use their prior knowledge, and to show me just how much they know.”
Words: Chanel Zagon Image: Assumption College