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. Teachers, students and mentors learn together because of their participation in a genuine Community of Science Practice.
Communities of Practice
Domain
The specific topic, activity, or process of interest: Working Scientifically.
Community
The members who interact around the domain: teachers, students, and mentors.
Practice
What the community does when they come together around the domain.
Our Educational Model, Teaching Phases & Implementation
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 a sustained Professional Learning program for classroom teachers who then facilitate student learning with Mentor support.
- Encourage students to undertake hands-on scientific investigations to solve a problem or question linked to real-life issues.
- Move from structured to open-ended learning experiences for teachers, students and schools.
- Allow students to work in groups and to select areas of personal interest for their scientific investigations.
- Provide students and teachers with specialist content knowledge through Mentors and MySTics.
- Strengthen links between primary and secondary schools with Year 9-11 students working in primary classrooms alongside Mentors.
- Expose Year 9-11 students to practicing, enthusiastic scientists, engineers and people who use science in their everyday lives.
- Highlight the importance of Science and Technology education in the school community.
- Encourage school community involvement through the inclusion of local Mentors with science expertise.
A Place for Everyone in the Community
For Teachers
Access sustained professional learning and bring authentic scientific investigation to your classroom.
For Mentors
Share your science expertise from the community or industry and guide the next generation.
For MySTics
Become a science role model, inspire younger students, and connect with real scientists.