Research publications about MyScience

MyScience is a primary school science & technology program, which supports primary teachers and their students to think and work scientifically.

Primary students work in teams (pairs or threes), with mentor support, to answer a scientific question of their choosing – hence the name ‘My’Science.

Science expertise is sourced through local Mentors* & MySTics** who provide in-class, face-to-face support to small groups of students.

Teachers, students and mentors learn because of their participation in a COMMUNITY OF SCIENCE PRACTICE.

* Adults with science expertise
** MySTics = MyScience Trainees in the Classroom = Year 9/10/11 science students

Communities of Practice (CoPs) develop when the following 3 elements are in place:

1) DOMAIN = specific topic/activity/process of interest for members,
2) COMMUNITY = the members who interact around the DOMAIN.
3) PRACTICE = what the COMMUNITY do when they come together around the DOMAIN.

MyScience CoPs have the following elements:
1) DOMAIN = Working Scientifically,
2) COMMUNITY = teachers, students & mentors,
3) PRACTICE = interactions between members when doing MyScience.

SUCCESSFUL CoPs have the following:
• facilitator/champion,
• clearly articulated domain,
• willingness to participate,
• members with different types of expertise,
• collegial sharing of ideas and knowledge,
• appreciation of other members’ roles and efforts.

Research Papers

If you would like a copy of any of these journal publications send an email request.

2010 Research Paper

The 2010 research paper reports on the History and Development of MyScience, the underpinning Educational Model, and some preliminary research findings at that time.

Paper Reference: Forbes, A. & McCloughan, G. (2010). Increasing student participation in science investigations in primary schools: The MyScience initiative. Teaching Science, 56(2), 24–30.

The full article is available by clicking anywhere on this module. The article has been extracted from Teaching Science 56.2 for which full copyright belongs to the Australian Science Teachers Association. For more information or to subscribe please visit www.asta.edu

2013 Research Paper

The 2013 research paper reports on the views of participating PROFESSIONAL SCIENTISTS and ENGINEERS.

Paper Reference: Forbes, A. & Skamp, K. (2013). Knowing and learning about science in primary school ‘Communities of Science Practice’: The views of participating scientists in the MyScience initiative. Research in Science Education, 43(2), 1005-1028. doi: 10.1007/s11165-012-9295-0

The 2013 research paper abstract is available by clicking anywhere on this module. The final publication is available at link.springer.com

2014 Research Paper

The 2014 research paper reports on the views of participating PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS.

Paper Reference: Forbes, A. & Skamp, K. (2014). “Because we weren’t actually teaching them, we thought they weren’t learning”: Primary teacher perspectives from the MyScience initiative. Research in Science Education, 44(1), 1-25. doi: 10.1007/s11165-013-9367-9

The 2014 research paper abstract is available by clicking anywhere on this module. The final publication is available at link.springer.com

2016 Research Paper

The 2016 research paper reports on the views of participating SECONDARY SCHOOL SCIENCE TEACHERS and SECONDARY SCHOOL SCIENCE STUDENTS

Paper Reference: Forbes, A. & Skamp, K. (2016). Secondary science teachers’ and students’ involvement in a primary school community of science practice: How it changed their practices and interest in science. Research in Science Education, 46(1), 91-112. doi: 10.1007/s11165-014-9457-3

The 2016 research paper abstract is available by clicking anywhere on this module. The final publication is available at link.springer.com

2019 Research Paper

The 2019 research paper reports on the views of participating PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS.

Paper Reference: Forbes, A. & Skamp, K. (2019). “You actually feel like you’re actually doing some science”: Primary students’ perspectives of their involvement in the MyScience initiative. Research in Science Education, 49(2), 465-498. doi: 10.1007/s11165-017-9633-3

The 2019 research paper abstract is available by clicking anywhere on this module. The final publication is available at link.springer.com

 

PhD Thesis

Publication details:

Forbes, G.A. (2014). ‘MyScience : communities of practice around the teaching and learning of primary science’, PhD thesis, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW.

The PhD thesis is available by clicking anywhere on this module.