Long-distance creativity

• Lorraine Specogna, St Joseph's School, Barcaldine, Queensland
• Diana Leemon, Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries

Lorraine and Diana seemed to click as soon as they were partnered by the Scientists in Schools team. Despite their geographic distance (Lorraine is in Barcaldine in central Queensland, and Diana is in Brisbane), they have a range of common interests around which they are creating a successful partnership.

Lorraine’s school of 28 students was already involved in several science projects, such as EngQuest, robotics and a crystal-growing competition. Lorraine says that the teachers have been trying to assist but are limited in experience and expertise. They were very keen to develop a link with a ‘real scientist’, as opportunities to interact with science professionals were limited in their area.

Diana has an education background, as well as working in animal research in Brisbane. Her knowledge of education procedures has helped her collaborate with Lorraine to develop joint science units that fit the curriculum. They have overcome the geographical issues through the use of email (with students and teachers), teleconferencing and phone calls.

The initial discussions in term 4, 2007 helped the members of the partnership get to know each other. Then Lorraine and Diana wrote a trial unit in preparation for the development of another unit with a focus on Diana’s field of expertise - fungi.

Students have already begun researching the fungi they find around the school. They photograph the specimens, investigate as much as they can on their own, and weekly send their combined reports through to Diana, who checks their work and responds, adding additional information and stories for the students, and identifying any fungi that they have been unable to identify.

The partnership is also extending beyond Diana and Lorraine’s involvement. Diana has enlisted the help of fellow scientists who will ensure the validity of information in related fields of study, and Lorraine (who has a science background) is helping two other teachers at the school with advice on scientific processes as they implement the new units.

They have seen the benefits of their Scientists in Schools partnership already – for themselves and their colleagues. We’re looking forward to seeing how far these long-distance collaborators will take this project.