Science teachers learn about plant pests
In early July, we showcased outputs from our School Education Strategy at the annual conference for science teachers (CONASTA). CONASTA is organised by the Australian Science Teachers Association and provides an opportunity for science teachers Australia wide to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for science.
Throughout the three days of the conference, our Education and Training Program Leader, Dr Kirsty Bayliss; Education Officer, Melanie Hay and Communications Officer, Alana van Meurs engaged with teachers at our exhibition booth and also through a workshop conducted by Melanie and Kirsty.
The exhibition booth allowed teachers the chance to closely inspect our big book, Plant Pest Investigation. Many were impressed by the beautiful illustrations and the book’s ability to breakdown a complex message to create awareness of plant biosecurity to the younger generation. Teachers also showed enthusiasm with the online supporting resources which enable them to teach children about plant biosecurity in the classroom.
CONASTA attendees were very interested in our primary school unit - Plant Pest Investigators. While the final program is just about to roll of the press, the teachers who perused the draft content were very keen to be on the waiting list for a copy of the final product. At the secondary school level, many high school teachers were also interested in the material, and agreed to trial the second phase of the schools program, which will include a series of activities and projects for use in science and agricultural classes.
Both Kirsty and Melanie submitted abstracts to the conference program which were accepted. They conducted a presentation on ’Plant Biosecurity in the Classroom’ which outlined some of the reasons for teaching plant biosecurity to school children and the importance of plant biosecurity in general. Teachers keen to learn more about Plant Pest Investigators, were also able to attend a workshop conducted by Melanie and Kirsty. Kirsty opened the workshop with a presentation explaining plant biosecurity and how it can be incorporated into the classroom. Melanie then went on to deliver plant biosecurity activities, using the attendees as ‘students’. During the workshop, the teachers completed activities designed for a wide range of ages. They built model pests, classified invertebrates, discussed surveillance projects and learnt that plant biosecurity can provide an engaging context for students to learn traditional science content about plants, diseases and invertebrates.
Attending CONASTA was a very positive experience and allowed us the opportunity to highlight our commitment to science education and raising awareness of plant biosecurity. Through Plant Pest Investigators and Plant Pest Investigation we are able to provide comprehensive learning tools to assist teachers in delivering science in a fun and engaging manner. If you would like further information about the school programs we have developed, please contact Melanie Hay.
Teachers mingling while listening for the results of a raffle draw. Photo by Margaret Hosford
