Science and maths café style at Flinders

martin-westwellScience and maths teachers have been rubbing shoulders with Flinders University scientists thanks to the internationally renowned Café Scientifique program.

Flinders Centre for Science Education in the 21st Century Director, Professor Martin Westwell (pictured), said “teachers taking part in the Science and Maths Academy at Flinders are sharing the latest scientific ideas not through lectures or through debates but through informal discussions in which everyone can voice their opinions and ideas”.

“The teachers are discussing the latest science and rubbing shoulders with some of the state’s most interesting and leading scientists in this informal setting,” he said.

Professor Westwell said he was delighted to bring Café Scientifique to South Australia, having run the Café Scientific in Oxford, and Leicester Square, London.

“This type of informal learning provides an opportunity particularly for the Year 12 Science and Maths Academy at Flinders teachers to have one-on-one conversations about latest developments in science,” he said.

The Year 12 Science and Maths Academy at Flinders provides innovation in learning science and maths education. The pilot program this year has 84 Year 12 students from seven southern region schools getting to grips with specialist maths, physics or chemistry subjects on the Flinders University campus while also gaining an insight into university life.

The inaugural Café Scientifique session held in the Flinders University Science Innovation Learning Centre (SILC) building featured Dr Olivia Samardzic,  :  Dr Olivia Samardzic   Co-Director Centre for Australian Space Education,   Special Projects Officer Australian Institute of Physics,  Section Head EO Countersurveillance,   Electro-Optic Technology Group,   Electronic Warfare and Radar Division,  Defence Science and Technology Organisation presenting: “What’s a photon between friends?”

The participating schools are Aberfoyle Park, Christies Beach High School, Eastern Fleurieu School, Hamilton High School, Mount Compass Area School, Seaford 6-12 High School and Wirreanda High School.

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