Science Education and Resources

Astronomy and Astrophysics is the study of extraterrestrial objects via the electromagnetic radiation they emit. Traditional, optical astronomy uses optical telescopes to concentrate and focus visible light. Radio astronomy uses radiation from a different part of the electromagnetic spectrum, commonly called radio waves.

Observations are made by utilising antennae to tune in to different frequencies corresponding with known astronomical emissions. Antennae are available in a variety of different forms, the most common being a typical parabolic dish. The antennae produce an electronic signal corresponding to the strength and frequency of the radio waves, which is then filtered, amplified and finally analysed using a computer.

Today’s use of digital electronics combined with modern technologies in antennae design allows much more accurate results to be achieved in a shorter observing time than previously possible. As a result, radio telescopes now produce vast quantities of data. Radio Observatories are comprised of the telescopes themselves, supported by a back-end involving electronic hardware, complex software, and high-speed data transport off-site using optic-fibre networks.

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Want to know what’s happening in science in Western Australia (WA)? ScienceNetwork WA (www.sciencewa.net.au/) is an online knowledge portal jointly developed by Scitech and the Department of Industry and Resources.

Recognising it can be hard to stay up to date on the latest advances in the world of science and innovation, ScienceNetwork WA provides articles on the latest scientific breakthroughs, news about upcoming events, stories focusing on science education, and profiles of WA’s leading scientists and scientific organisations.

ScienceNetwork WA is the number one science news source in WA. The site is designed to help the community develop a deeper understanding of the science issues that affect their lives.

Ambassadors for Science

ScienceNetwork WA’s Ambassadors for Science are scientists, educators and communicators from the State’s leading scientific organisations who have agreed to help raise the profile of science in WA.

Launched in 2005, this initiative has already attracted over 120 ambassadors, including Professor Barry Marshall, joint winner of the Nobel Prize for Medicine 2005, Western Australian Chief Scientist, Professor Lyn Beazley and Clinical Professor Fiona Wood, Australian of the Year 2005.

The Ambassadors play an important role in promoting science in the community by taking part in public events, speaking to schools and community groups, and providing expert comment to the media.

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Activate your connections to science today by visiting ScienceNetwork WA (www.sciencewa.net.au/). Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter and receive the latest science updates directly to your inbox.

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Scitech (www.scitech.org.au) is an interactive science museum with exhibitions, programs and services designed for people of all ages.

Scitech's role and target audience
 
Along with many other organisations in Western Australia (WA) such as Perth Zoo and the Museum of WA, Scitech plays an important role in:

• Increasing community interest and awareness of science
• Science communication and promotion
• Provision of science education in the community - targeted at school-aged children, as well as professional development for science teachers

Scitech targets students and teachers with a range of science programs that are designed to promote hands-on, minds-on teaching and learning. Its educational mission is to inspire curiosity, creative thinking and a desire to learn by providing meaningful and engaging scientific experiences.

Partnership programs and activities

Scitech provides a range of science extension activities for teachers and children through the development of partnerships with government organisations and industry.  Some major examples of programs developed through those partnerships include:

• Kids' Science State in partnership with the RioTinto Future Fund – a 5 year program aimed to boost scientific literacy across WA
• CSIRO/BHP Billiton Labs-On-Legs program
• AstronomyWA collaborative – promotes astronomy with a strong focus on WA’s contributions to the subject. The AstronomyWA website provides useful resources for teachers, students, and others, professional or amateur
• CSIRO's Double Helix Club – helps people have fun exploring science
• ScienceNetwork WA web portal in collaboration with the Department of Industry and Resources (DoIR) – a fantastic source of science news with Western Australian angles that encourages young adults into science careers and informs the community of the achievements of local scientists and researchers.

As a major stakeholder in science education in WA, Scitech liaises closely with the Department of Education and Training and other stakeholders in developing its programs.  

Scitech is currently a member of the Premier's Science and Innovation Council (PSIC)’ Science Education Working Group through Scitech Chief Executive Officer, Alan Brien.  The involvement of the CEO of Scitech in the Science Education working group enables close liaison between Scitech, PSIC and DoIR, particularly in relation to Science Education activities.

Horizon - the Planetarium

In 2004 Scitech opened Horizon - the Planetarium, a major new facility showcasing astronomical full-dome screen movies.

In 2003, the State Government provided Scitech with $24.3 million over 5 years to fund capital refurbishment of Scitech's existing facilities at CityWest and the development of Horizon - the Planetarium.

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The Directory of Science Research in the Western Australian Government aims to raise the profile of the State Government science capability as well as create collaborative research opportunities between government, industry and academia.

A copy of the directory can be found on the right hand panel.

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