• Charles Sturt lecturer to provide online workshop to assist primary school science teachers to improve student outcomes

Charles Sturt University is furthering its commitment to provide the best possible science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education to primary school children.

Charles Sturt Lecturer in biology and environmental sciences with the School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences Ms Celia Connor partnered with the Country Women’s Association Uranquinty Evening Branch to obtain a microscope, through a grant from Wagga Wagga City Council.

The microscope allowed Ms Connor to lead workshops with University teaching and research staff to more than 80 students from Kindergarten to Year 6.

An exhibition as part of the Riverina Science Festival called Microscopia was comprised of images captured by students using the microscope’s camera.

The Riverina Science Festival is supported by the Australian government as part of National Science Week and made possible by an Inspiring Australia grant.

Ms Connor is furthering that commitment by hosting an online session, ‘Teach the Teacher – Bringing science to life in your classroom’, on Thursday 19 August during National Science Week.

The workshop is being held in partnership with Wagga Wagga City Library and will address some of the challenges for primary science education and suggest ways to improve student outcomes in primary science.

“I will also be using the recent microscopy project as a case study to illustrate how a simple digital microscope can be used to open up a world of wonder for children,” Ms Connor said.

“The microscope can be a platform to engage students in hands-on activities and increase confidence and capacity in STEM.”

Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, the event will be held online, with more than 20 participants already registered.

Team Leader of Programs at Wagga Wagga City Library Ms Christine Bolton said she was delighted the event could be held online, allowing more interested primary educators to participate.

Riverina teachers can register on the Eventbrite website for the event, which is to be held from 5pm on Thursday 19 August.