Testimonials
Scientists in Schools partnerships have produced fantastic outcomes for teachers, scientists and students. Read some comments from participants here.
If you'd like to add your own comments, please contact us.
Comments from teachers | Comments from scientists
Comments from Teachers
"My confidence as a science teacher has increased profoundly and I have renewed passion for teaching and learning science. This enthusiasm is contagious and my students are picking it up too!" (Queensland)
"There is a general air of increased motivation and excitement about science and there has been discussion amongst staff about quite bold possibilities for learning across the whole school K-12." (WA)
"For most of our children this is the first time they have met a scientist and many now say this is what they want to do in the future." (Victoria)
"Being with scientists energised me and made me seek ways to involve students in opportunities to exercise deeper thinking ... I have often used community scientists in my after school science clubs and whole school science days but only as one off speakers - this is so much more involving and real" (Queensland)
"The children were very relaxed in our scientist’s presence and totally absorbed by his knowledge and in depth explanations of their questions. The enthusiasm and expectation that was generated by his visit was stimulating and exciting." (NSW)
"I can't thank you enough for organising our 'match'. It is such a rewarding experience for our school students and teachers. [Our scientist] is a very special person to 480 little people!!" (Queensland)
”Scientist in Schools has provided opportunities for students to develop understandings and skills necessary to function productively as problem-solvers in a scientific and technological world.” (Victoria)
“Not only have the students discovered that science is fun, we have all developed a working relationship with a … very accomplished scientist” (Queensland)
"My [scientist] comes up with really innovative ways of approaching a topic and gives me ideas on how outcomes can be achieved. I have learnt a lot about scientific process and the language of science. In turn, she has learnt a lot about how to impart knowledge to primary school students and she has been encouraged by the enthusiasm they have shown towards her." (Queensland)
“The teachers are excited to have [our scientist] on hand to extend the science curriculum and develop their own knowledge and skills for transfer to the students.” (Queensland)
“The opportunity to visit our partner’s labs was a highlight. It re-energised me as a teacher and re-energised my thinking in relation to what's possible.” (Queensland)
"By working with a Scientist I was able to increase the engagement of my students as they weren't just learning about Scientists and their work. They were able to meet with a real Scientist, talk about their work and interact with them by way of questions and hands on tasks." (Queensland)
Comments from scientists
"I think that [Scientists in Schools allows] the kids to see that science is not just confined to the laboratory - interesting interactions are occurring all the time." (Victoria)
"I learned a lot from students, at least as much they learned from me." (Queensland)
"It was a rewarding and grounding experience to interact with a group of young students." (Victoria)
"I've been telling everyone in my lab about how much fun I had, and quoting all the 'classic' things the kids were asking and saying." (Victoria)
“Children see things from a different perspective - they can help you to look at your work with excitement and awe again, and that has been very valuable to me.” (Victoria)
“The flexibility is great. I am glad that we are able to come up with a structure that works well and is convenient for both parties.” (Victoria)
“A lack of scientists in the future will mean we are not able to innovate and develop. Scientists in Schools is an investment in Australia's long term future. (Tasmania)
“Our problems are often uniquely our own, we need keen young scientists of our own to solve them.” (Victoria)
