Curriculum: Learning, Teaching and Assessment > Key Learning Areas > Science > Programs > State Initiatives >

Enterprising Research Education: Supporting Real World Science in Schools

This project provides an authentic and real world learning opportunities for secondary school students in natural resource management (NRM) science by assisting the development of dynamic and future-orientated research skills. These outcomes are achieved through an innovative partnership between Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Water, Education Queensland, a consortium of local schools (Indooroopilly Cluster of Schools - Partnership in Science Project) and NRM regional bodies. The project is exploring a range of frameworks for research skill development in students wishing to pursue research related positions in industry and research organisations and will provide real life science experiences for science teachers engaged in professional development and postgraduate studies in current research practice.

Learn more about Enterprise Education in other areas of the curriculum.

Case Studies of Enterprise Learning in NRM

Building fish stocks
Students at Tagai College on Thursday Island monitor the condition of the seagrass meadows in their area for the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries. In addition they rear juvenile fish such as barramundi and mangrove jack in the school's aquaponic facility to restock the local council dam.

Monitoring local waterways
Corinda and Indooroopilly State High Schools work with scientists and natural resource managers on real environmental projects. As 'consultants' to a local catchment group and the Department of Natural Resources and Water students contribute to local ecosystem monitoring.

Preparing for climate change
In another project, Year 9 students from Corinda High are developing multimedia interactive stories about preparing for climate change for primary students on behalf of the Queensland Climate Change Centre of Excellence.

You can download a copy of a brochure (new window) 169k describing these projects.

Contact

Rhonda Scoullar email: rhonda.scoullar@nrw.qld.gov.au
or Mary Rowland email: mary.rowland@nrw.qld.gov.au

Education Officers
Department of Natural Resources and Water
Tel: 07 3896 9454

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