The Australian Government recognises that Australia’s future capacity for innovation is dependent upon the knowledge and skills developed and attitudes fostered in our young people. The development of strong foundation skills in science, mathematics and technology in primary and junior secondary school, and encouragement of students to continue studies in these important areas, is therefore vital.
This page provides access to information and resources relating to Australian Government initiatives in science, technology and mathematics education in schools. These will be of interest to students, teachers, school principals, teacher educators, parents and others.
Australian Government projects
Primary Connections – Linking Science with Literacy is led by the Australian Academy of Science and links the teaching of science with the teaching of literacy in Australian primary schools. Primary Connections consists of rich curriculum resources integrated with teacher professional learning that develop students’ interest in, and knowledge, skills and understanding of, science.
Scientists in Schools (SiS) aims to stimulate and increase student's interest in science, promote school science education and broaden awareness of the types and variety of science related careers through the establishment of partnerships between schools and working scientists.
The SiS program includes the sub-program, Mathematicians in Schools (MiS), which partners mathematicians and other professionals using maths as an important facet of their work, with maths teachers.
The Science and Technology Education Leveraging Relevance (STELR) project is an initiative of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering. Targeting Years 9 and 10, STELR takes an inquiry-based approach to the teaching of science through the context of renewable energy.
The Improving Mathematics Education in Schools Project (TIMES) is being undertaken by the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI). It aims to lift mathematics achievement in low socio-economic communities, deliver innovative resources to support the national mathematics curriculum and raise awareness of career opportunities in occupations requiring mathematics skills. (Further information will be available soon.)
The Science by Doing project, also being led by the Australian Academy of Science, is developing an inquiry-based approach to the teaching and learning of science in the junior secondary school years.
The Australian School Innovation in Science, Technology and Mathematics (ASISTM) Project concluded in 2009. It aimed to bring about lasting improvements to the ways in which science, technology and mathematics are taught in schools through initiatives that brought schools together with industry, science organisations, universities and others.
Reports and publications
Support for school science, mathematics and technology education
- CSIRO Science Education includes links to Double Helix Science Club, Scientriffic!, Science by email, Science Education Centres, Totally Wild Science
- Science Education Assessment Resources (SEAR) provides a wide range of assessment resources (or 'tasks') suitable for use across the compulsory years of schooling.
- The Learning Federation employs emerging technologies to produce world-class online curriculum content to encourage student learning and support teachers in Australian and New Zealand schools
- The Australian Sustainable Schools Initiative (AuSSI) involves participants in a whole-of-school approach, to explore through real-life learning experiences, improvements in a school’s management of resources and facilities including energy, waste, water, biodiversity, landscape design, products and materials.
- The Australian Science Festival is an exciting, nurturing, growing and diverse environment committed to teaching and highlighting the joys and mysteries that surround the world of science.
School science, technology and mathematics curriculum
Science awards for students and teachers