Climate Change, the Environment and Evolution – Primary and Secondary teachers workshop
(15-16 June)
It’s the anniversary of Darwin’s birth and of his theory this year.
Explore what evolution means in a changing world. Find out how your students can save the environment. Understand the reality of climate change. Discover new curriculum resources from ASTA, the Academy of Science, Bug Blitz and more.
You’re invited to a two-day workshop for teachers held as part of the national Evolution Festival. It’s on 15 and 16 June at Bio21 at the University of Melbourne.
Speakers include:
- Kim McKay, author of True Green Kids – 100 things you can do to save the planet, and the marketing guru behind Clean Up Australia and National Geographic’s Genographic project. She will reveal practical things students can do to confront climate change;
- Melbourne geneticist Phil Batterham , who will discuss the increasing relevance of Charles Darwin in a warming world;
- Zoologist Michael Kearney, who will try to predict the future and the impact climate change will have on Australia’s animals;
- Governor of Victoria and scientist David de Kretser, who will answer every student’s favourite question: Science – Why Should We Care?
- Delese Brewster from ASTA, Soula Bennett from STAV, John Caldow from Bug Blitz
Plus hands-on activities at the Museum, the Aquarium or with BugsBlitz at the Carlton Gardens, and reserved seating to see Festival of Ideas presentations on climate change by Nobel Laureate Peter Doherty, meteorologist David Karoly and economist Ross Garnaut.
There’s a 50% discount available for student teachers and regional teachers off the full cost of $220 for this two-day event.
For booking details and further information read on.
Do your students bombard you with questions about how they can save the environment, why is it so hot or what is climate change? How well can you really help them to discover the answers?
At the end of this two-day workshop you will be able to help your students answer these and many more questions about Climate Change, the Environment and Evolution
New curriculum resources
Delese Brewster from the Australian Science Teachers Association will present ASTA’s new hands-on resources for evolution and biodiversity. These middle years resources are based on Charles Darwin’s visit to Australia, making them topical this year, the 150-year anniversary of the publication of The Origin of the Species.
Integrating science and literacy provides many opportunities to enrich the learning of students. Primary Connections aims to do this. Julie Smith from the Australian Academy of Science will share the Primary Connections materials on teaching materials on biodiversity and the environment.
Insects are Fun! At least that’s what the people at Bug Blitz think. They have developed integrated arts-based teaching resources using insects to explore the themes of biodiversity, the environment and conservation. John Caldow will help us understand the impact the slightest change can have on an eco-system.
Having trouble creating engaging science activities? The Monash Science Centre will be presenting a range of activities that will enhance students understanding of climate change and habitats.
Soula Bennett, winner of the 2009 BHP Billiton Science Teacher of the Year Award, will be presenting ideas for teaching the concepts of evolution, including using New Scientist’s evolution supplement (copies provided).
All of the presentations are aligned to the VELS as well as the developing national curriculum.
Presentations
During the two days you will also hear from some of Australia’s leading scientists discussing the impact of climate change.
Hands-on activities at the Museum, the Aquarium or with Bugs
Excursions can be a wonderful way of immersing students in a topic, but how do you know if the excursion you plan will be relevant? We will be giving you the opportunity to try one popular excursion destination out before you bring your students. One morning Museum Victoria, the Melbourne Aquarium and Bug Blitz (at Carlton Gardens) will be running curriculum-focused hands-on activities for you to try out. The only problem will be deciding which one you want to attend.
Details
When: June 15th & 16th 2009
Where: Bio21 Molecular Science & Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne
30 Flemington Road, Parkville
Cost: $220 (GST inclusive). 50% discount for student teachers and regional teachers. To obtain the discount please enter either promotion code ST001 (student teacher) or RT001 (regional teachers).Dear Tim,
To register visit www.evolutionaustralia.org.au/teachers
Included in the cost:-
- Conference bag with printed materials
- Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea
- Transport to offsite venues
- Tours of the Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute during session breaks
- Opportunity to reserve a seat at the Festival of Ideas presentations on climate change by Nobel Laureate Peter Doherty and other experts David Karoly and Ross Garnaut.
For all enquiries, please contact teachers@evolutionaustralia.org.au or phone 03 8344 2363