They share a passion for science and teaching and together, education students Shawtima McLoughlan and Natalie Lund will represent Griffith University at a national science teachers’ conference in July.
Sponsored by the Step Up program, Shawtima and Natalie will join four other winners from the Queensland University of Technology and James Cook University at CONASTA 2015 in Perth.
Shawtima is currently completing a Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) and is also part of the Benowa Teacher Education Centre of Excellence. She hopes to share her experiences and inspire students in her teaching areas of chemistry, biology, junior science and mathematics.
“I have always been enthusiastic about science and learning and I believe teaching is a wonderful opportunity to share that passion for life-long learning,’’ she said.
“I’m really looking forward to meet with experienced teachers and learn about the different pedagogical approaches to science teaching.”
Natalie Lund is in her second year of a Bachelor of Education (Secondary), majoring in chemistry and mathematics.
“I am passionate about science teaching and I want to provide an engaging environment where students can question, learn, understand and discover the many different ways science influences our world,’’ she said.
“I know CONASTA will be a fantastic and eye-opening opportunity to extend my scientific knowledge and understanding as well as developing my approach to teaching.”
Step Up brings together science, maths and education experts from universities across Queensland with schools, government agencies and industry to develop a framework and initiatives that enhance maths and science teacher education across the state.
CONASTA is held each year by the Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA) in a different state. This year’s theme is ‘Science: A Kaleidoscope of Wonder and Opportunity’. The event attracts hundreds of leading science teachers, laboratory technicians, curriculum leaders and representatives non-profit and government organsiations.
Shawtima and Natalie will act as Step Up ambassadors at CONASTA, where they will network with science teachers and scientists and exchange current knowledge and advocate for pre-service science teacher education.