Building a Community of Science Practice
MyScience is an award-winning primary school science and technology program that builds teacher capacity, uses inquiry learning, involves mentors, and develops communities of science practice.
Primary students work in small teams with mentor support to answer a scientific question of their choosing—hence the name ‘My’Science. Science expertise is sourced through local Mentors (Adults with science expertise) and MySTics (Year 9-11 science students) who provide in-class, face-to-face support.
The Visionary Behind the Magic
Dr Anne Forbes — Founder, Academic Lead, Senior Lecturer in STEM Education, Macquarie University
Since co-developing the MyScience educational model in 2006, Anne has dedicated her career to opening doors to the world of science for young learners and their teachers. Her research-driven approach ensures MyScience is not just a program, but a transformative community of practice.
“Finding effective ways to open doors to the world of science and STEM for young learners and their teachers.”
Communities of Practice
Domain
The specific topic, activity, or process of interest: Working Scientifically.
Community
Teachers, students, and mentors interacting around the domain.
Practice
What the community does together around the domain.
Our Educational Model & Teaching Phases
The MyScience Educational Model has five critical elements, which are incorporated into the MyScience Teaching Phases. These phases then form the Implementation Steps for Teachers, Mentors and MySTics.
MyScience Objectives
- Provide sustained Professional Learning for teachers.
- Enable hands-on scientific investigations for students.
- Move from structured to open-ended learning.
- Allow student choice and group work.
- Provide specialist content knowledge through Mentors and MySTics.
- Strengthen links between primary and secondary schools.
- Expose Year 9–11 students to real scientists.
- Highlight the importance of Science and Technology education.
- Encourage community involvement through local mentors.