Sydney University, IBM the NSW Department of Education and Training (Western Sydney Region) and the Australian Catholic University (ACU), have provided expertise, funding and resources to implement the MyScience program.
The University of Sydney’s Science Foundation for Physics contributes considerable experience in bridging academic and school science through coordination of the mentor program and aiding teacher professional development. The Science Foundation for Physics promotes the significance of Science and its importance within Australia and internationally. The Foundation has run programs for high school students and teachers for many years, including the International Science School and workshops for science teachers. The majority of the Foundation’s activities focuses on bringing scientists together with students and teachers to support and enhance science in the classroom and wider community.
IBM’s approach to community support is to help people use Information Technology to improve the quality of life for themselves and others. One of the key focus areas is on where technology can make the biggest difference in education – to encourage kids to take up science and technology careers, to bridge the digital divide, improve education standards and engage IBM staff with their local communities.MyScience uses IBM’s TryScience web site to help ignite kids’ interest in science and the IBM MentorPlace web site to allow students, teachers and mentors to communicate beyond the classroom. IBM staff also bring their technical expertise to the program and volunteer as Scientist Mentors.
The NSW Department of Education and Training (Western Sydney Region) brings staff expertise and resources to MyScience and is responsible for identifying schools for participation in the program.
ACU is involved in a number of initiatives in collaboration with other organisations for the enhancement of Technology, Science and Mathematics learning, including projects involving robotics, mathematics for girls, outback mathematics, mentoring maths teachers and the ACU School of Education “Education Seminar Series”.
