Goldfields October 2007 tour

Students in ten remote communities took part in an active, hands-on and energetic science program last October, when Scitech's Outreach team took a specifically tailored Aboriginal Science Program to the far reaches of WA.

A funding grant from the Commonwealth Government contributed to the unique tour that saw the team cross borders and time zones to deliver science. Initially flying to Alice Springs they covered over 3500km by four wheel drive to reach some of the most remote schools in the State, including those in the Ngaanyatjarra Lands.

The program was designed to be compact and portable while delivering big ideas to classrooms with experiments for teachers and students alike.

"The program encouraged direct communication between the teachers, students and the wider community," explains Elisa McGowan, Coordinator of Aboriginal Programs at Scitech. "The students helped us understand how to make our programs more relevant to their learning style."

The Aboriginal Science Education Program gives students in remote locations access to innovative science education like their city counterparts. The programs hope to inspire a keener interest in science and provide incentive to pursue science study and career options.

Federal Education Minister Julie Bishop says "If we can encourage more students to stay at school and engage them in their local workforce, the benefits will flow to the whole community."

Scitech will build on the relationships fostered during the tour and revisit the region to provide a more complete and comprehensive program.