Science Education Professional Associations

Australian professional associations

Aquatic Environment Education Centre at Wonga Wetlands - The Aquatic Environment Education Centre web site provides information on field work, laboratory work, individual school programs at all levels, specific HSC/VCE courses and lectures and tours for visiting community groups and universities/TAFEs. Program offered through the Strategic Partnerships Program: Broad curriculum provision at Wonga wetlands.

Australian Science Communicators (ASC) - a national association of more than 400 journalists, editors, engineers, educators, and communicators dedicated to the clear communication of science and technology. State and Territory chapters hold regular meetings and organise a range of events.

Australian Science Teachers' Association (ASTA) - the national umbrella organisation for the state and territory science teachers’ associations. ASTA convenes the annual national conference, CONASTA, which is held in July each year on a rotational basis through each State and Territory. Contact details for each jurisdiction’s association are available on this site.

CERES Community Environment Park - The CERES Community Environment Park aims to inspire children of all ages to be proactive caretakers of the environment. The web site includes details of all of their education programs, which focus on issues such as water conservation, energy, waste and sustainability. Programs offered through the Strategic Partnerships Program: Sustainability in Schools program (Metropolitan); Sustainability in Schools program (Regional).

Gould Group - The Gould Group designs innovative environmental education and training in sustainability. The web site details programs for schools, how to get involved, environmental education programs, and provides teaching materials for schools. Programs offered through the Strategic Partnerships Program: Community Cultural Gardening in Schools Consortium; Schoolgrounds for learning; Multicultural School Gardens.

Kyabram Fauna Park - The Kyabram Fauna Park is a 55 hectare wildlife park. The web site provides information on the park's education services, which include tours and talks, as well as information on conservation and the history of the park. Programs offered through the Strategic Partnerships Program: Animal experiences program; Science & technology at Tongala Program (STaT) (An ASISTM Project); Disabilities program; Threatened species day; Wetlands student research project.

Marine Discovery Centre - Queenscliffe Maritime Museum - Department of Primary Industries - The Department of Primary Industries provides education and eco-tourism services through the Marine Discovery Centre in Queenscliff. The web site provides general visitor information and details of their education programs for all ages, in addition to their tertiary and outreach programs.

Museum Victoria - Museum Victoria, Australia's largest public museums organisation, is the State Museum for Victoria. The web site provides web-based education resources and projects based on Museum Victoria's collection databases and research. It also provides details of student activities. Programs offered through the Strategic Partnerships Program: How do we know -problems & processes in the humanities; Technology Challenges, Living Here, Space, Science & Astronomy; The Immigration Experience; Physical Science.

Natural Resources Conservation League of Victoria - The Natural Resources Conservation League advocates sustainable management of forest ecosystems and provides environmental education. The web site includes brochures for teachers, details of educational excursions and interactive activities for students. Program offered through the Strategic Partnerships Program: Arbor Week

Oceanis Foundation-Underwater Zoo (The Melbourne Aquarium) - The Oceanis Foundation-Underwater Zoo is dedicated to educational activities for schools. The web site provides of their education programs, teacher and student resources, interactive activities and current exhibits. Program offered through the Strategic Partnerships Program: Arbor Week

Parks Victoria - The Parks Victoria Education Program successfully integrates current curriculum set by the Department of Education and Training. The web site provides information for primary and secondary students, has a specific section for teachers, and includes information on planning excursions. Programs offered through the Strategic Partnerships Program: Wilsons Promontory; Dandenong Ranges; Grampians.

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne - The Royal Botanic Gardens Education Service utilises the rich natural and cultural resources of the Melbourne and Cranbourne site to enhance the learning of students from kindergarten to tertiary. The web site provides information on student programs, events, professional development and teaching resources, and includes teaching kits to download. Programs offered through the Strategic Partnerships Program: Sustainable Gardens; Biodiversity; People, Plants and Cultures.

Teacher Earth Science Education Program – This program is supported by the Australian Science Teachers Association and CSIRO and provides professional development opportunities in Earth Science.

Victorian Association for Environmental Education - provides leadership and a voice for the environmental and sustainability education sector within Victoria. The web site provides information on events, teaching resources, book lists, and major environmental education projects. Programs offered through the Strategic Partnerships Program: Post compulsory connections; Sustainability Education - Essential learning for Life for All.

Zoos Victoria - Zoos Victoria oversees three zoos in the state. The web site provides online learning resources, special programs for schools, details of how to organise a visit, and professional development information for teachers.

 

International professional associations

The Association for Science Education (ASE) - this UK site includes resources and international science education links, including membership details, books for sale, journals, and conferences.

The National Science Teachers' Association (NSTA) - this US site provides a comprehensive list of online science links, categorised by stage of schooling. Also contains membership information, extensive resources for teachers, and an online community including a discussion board.