Happy science from Cape Grim

• Ann Burke, Marist Regional College, Burnie, Tasmania
• Jill Cainey, Bureau of Meteorology

Ann and Jill formed the first ever Scientists in Schools partnership – and they did it without any outside help. They had worked together previously through a regional science fair, and decided that a Scientists in Schools partnership would allow them to develop their collaboration further.

The partnership draws directly upon Jill’s experiences as an atmospheric scientist (working at the Cape Grim baseline air pollution station) and links in nicely with chemistry units at years 9 and 10 at Marist Regional College.

As a teacher of senior chemistry, Ann is always trying to encourage the interests of younger students to pursue chemistry in senior secondary school, as student numbers are dwindling. Jill’s presence at Marist provides students with the opportunity to see and hear first-hand how science works in the real world.

In addition to presentations about atmospheric science to students, Jill has also helped run a ‘Titrate-a-thon’ during National Science Week, which pitched students and teachers/scientists in a head-to-head battle of chemical proportions.

Jill is also mentoring students with a keen interest in science, both in person and via email, with the aim of encouraging them to enter national science competitions in the future.

Jill and Ann have both found that the Scientists in Schools program offers an ideal forum to impress upon high school students the importance and relevance of science to our world.