Practising Science with Pre-service Teachers
This project will deliver a learning experience that helps pre-service teachers to understand and teach science in the same way that scientists undertake research.
Dr Alberto Bellocchi – Queensland University of Technology Lead Academic on the project
This collaborative project between scientists and educators aims to improve the scientific inquiry skills of pre-service teachers before they enter the classroom.
A series of videos have been created that focus on different inquiry methods used by practising scientists which highlight:
- the wide range of methodologies used by scientists to design valid scientific research (i.e. not just controlled experimental designs)
- the way in which inquiries are designed in specific STEM areas of research
- how high school teachers might leverage these inquiry principles to design and conduct scientific inquiries that do not require specialised equipment in the classroom.
Meet the Scientists
Watch the Chemistry video now!
Jana Adamovska
Jana graduated as a Chemical Engineer from the Slovak University of Technology. Currently, she is completing her PhD at Queensland University of Technology. Her research interest focuses on optimisation of the thermal liquefaction process for second and third generation feedstocks for the production of bio-crude oil suitable for diesel and ships engines.
Watch the Medical Research video now!
James Davis
James is a science educator with prior experience as a clinical researcher in the stroke unit at the Royal Brisbane Hospital. While at the Royal Brisbane Hospital, James managed randomized controlled drug trials in collaboration with pharmaceutical companies, and multidisciplinary clinical health research in collaboration with local universities. His practice of clinical science inquiry has involved a range of qualitative and quantitative research designs.
Watch the Ecology video now!
Jennifer Firn
Jennifer is a theoretical and applied ecologist who specialises in linking ecological theory to the sustainable management of degraded grasslands and forests. The driving motivation throughout her career has been to find smarter, cheaper and more sustainable ways of restoring degraded plant communities. Jennifer is passionately committed to developing a better understanding of how the loss of native biodiversity impacts on ecosystems and subsequently finding better ways to bring it back.
The Scientifc Inquiry Team
Dr Alberto Bellocchi is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Curriculum at QUT and Coordinator of the Bachelor of Education (Secondary) Program. His research program focuses on STEM Education, teaching and learning science and learning to teach science. Currently his work focuses on the emotional experiences of science learners and pre-service science teachers, and the way in which these emotions mediate literacy in STEM education.
James Davis is a researcher and sessional academic at the Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia. James has a background in qualitative and quantitative research in health and science education. His current research focuses on analogical reasoning in science teaching and learning, the sociology of emotions in high school science classrooms, and research applications of ethnomethodology.
Steven Kickbusch has worked extensively as an educator and educational designer across all levels of the education industry and corporate sector. In his role as a Learning Designer with Queensland University of Technology, he supports the design and implementation of engaging, student-focused education experiences. Steven has been instrumental in establishing relationships, managing development and coordinating the production of these resources.