Free to access and offered through a closed environment on the OpenLearning platform, courses support professional learning of the Primary Connection approach and its application in primary science.
The courses are:
- Self-paced and can be undertaken as an individual or with colleagues at a time that is practical, and you can dip in and out of the course without losing any progress
- Designed to easily and seamlessly slot into meeting structures, personal or school planning time
- Range between 4 and 6 hours in duration
- Offer a range of readily applicable teaching and learning strategies and useful resources
- Include videos, varied activities and opportunities for reflection and collaboration.
Testimonials from trial participants
"I have really enjoyed completing this course and feel I have a deeper understanding of Primary Connections and how to implement the 5E model into our planning and teaching of Science. I appreciated the time that was dedicated to getting to know the Primary Connections website and Scootle as well...Completing this online course has already changed the way I think about the teaching of science and I am in the process of sharing this with my colleagues." (Victorian participant)
"This course has definitely made me think and reflect upon my current science teaching methods." (WA participant)
"The course was very supportive in my professional development for Science and a reflective tool." (WA participant)
Courses
Unpack the 5E model with Primary Connections
Focus: 5E model of inquiry, pedagogy
Suitable for: beginning and experienced users of Primary Connections
Short Description of course: Develop knowledge and understanding of the 5E model, its impacts and implementation to support teaching and learning that builds scientific literacy.
Estimated time: 6 hours
AITSL Standards: 1.2, 2.2, 3.2, 6.2
Intended learning objectives
On completion of this course, participants will:
- Describe the purpose of each phase of the 5E model of inquiry.
- Explore tools and strategies that align with the purpose of each phase.
- Share ideas and experiences related to classroom practice.
- Apply knowledge to identify core features of each phase in learning activities.
- Collaborate within a community of practice.
Explore assessment with Primary Connections
Focus: assessment, pedagogy
Suitable for: beginning and experienced users of Primary Connections
Short Description of course: This course provides participants an opportunity to deepen knowledge of assessment practices and principles by exploring a range of assessment strategies and tools in the context of primary science.
Estimated time: minimum 4 - 6 hours
AITSL Standards: 3.2.2, 5.1.2, 6.2.2
Intended learning objectives
Using the Primary Connections approach, participants:
- Describe a range of assessment practices and principles.
- Explore assessment strategies and tools embedded across the phases of the 5E model.
- Apply strategies and tools to inform an approach to assessment.
- Collaborate within a community of practice by engaging with other participants.
Participant testimonials:
When asked to describe the best thing about this course, teachers said
- "Getting a clear understanding and observation of the practices in motion, together with resources to keep for future reference"
- "Loved the format and the knowledge I gained"
- "Access and explanation of new resources."
- "Getting some great tools for the classroom."
Would you like to participate?
If you would like to participate in our courses please email us to submit an expression of interest. We'll put your name on the waiting list.
Include the following information in your email.
- Subject: EOI - Explore assessment with Primary Connections
- Your name, school email, State/Territory, School.
- Enrolling with a colleague? Tell us their name and email, so that we ensure you are both placed in the same cohort.
Coming soon
In 2022, two new online courses! One that explores investigating in science, including many useful resources that support student learning and development of science inquiry skills. The other unpacks collaborative learning and how it fosters development of science inquiry skills. Sign up to our newsletter or follow us on Facebook or Instagram and be the first to know when registrations open.
Webinars
Explore maths and science resources with the Australian Academy of Science
Introducing the Academy’s education programs (Primary Connections, reSolve: Maths by Inquiry and Science by Doing) for teacher professional association Digital Teaching and Learning Victoria.
(Length 43:18. Recorded 13 August, 2020)
Creating a Digital Technologies Curriculum Scope and Sequence
Highlighting how Primary Connections supports teaching and learning of the Digital Technologies, and how to incorporate Primary Connections curriculum units into a Digital Technologies scope and sequence, for teacher professional association Australian Computer Society.
(Length 122.20, Recorded 10 June, 2020)