Student Programs Flyer (PDF)
Student Programs Booking Form (PDF)
Teacher Professional Learning Flyer (PDF)
Teacher Professional Learning Booking Form(PDF)
Tall Poppy Speaker Program Flyer(PDF)
Tall Poppy Speaker Program Booking Form (PDF)
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Video ConferencingInformation
VSSEC has developed a range of programs specifically for this mode of delivery. As with all VSSEC’s programs, the video conferencing programs will be based on the latest research-based strategies for effective science teaching and learning. They will expose students to experts; encourage hands-on, minds-on learning; and incorporate teacher professional learning. Bookings will be made “by request” unless otherwise stated. Please contact VSSEC if you would like to book any of these programs. VSSEC uses an IP-based system. Before booking a program, please confirm that you are able to connect to our VC system by contacting us and performing a simple test session. Technical enquiries should be directed to Shaun Clarke shaun.clarke@vssec.vic.edu.au Subsidies: The Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) subsidises the video conference program costs for Government rural and high SFO schools in Victoria. No subsidies are offered for private, catholic, interstate or international schools. Special VSSEC/POLYCOM Video Conference EventsInternational Math Day, Friday 2nd March, 2012Speakers to be advised for 2012. International Women’s Day, Thursday 8th March, 2012Speakers to be advised for 2012. International Environment Day, Tuesday 5th June, 2012Speakers to be advised for 2012.
The Tall Poppies Reaching Students Program provides students with access to positive role models who are high achievers in their scientific field, to encourage students to think about the possibility of a career in science, and to stimulate a renewed interest in science generally. As part of this program the Tall Poppy Campaign has partnered with VSSEC to offer a FREE monthly Video Conference program.
Session 1: This program begins with an introduction to stars by VSSEC staff (20 minutes). Students will then ‘play’ Star Search, an online game developed by VSSEC in conjunction with La Trobe University ACRI Games Technology Lab, which allows students to travel to the stars and collect information about them, including temperature, brightness and mass. There will be obstacles to avoid and dangers to face during their journey. Students will then plot their data on a simplified graph. Session 2: Students discuss their findings with VSSEC staff and are introduced to the classroom activity; building a model of the stars of the Southern Cross (30-40 minutes). Preparation: No class preparation is required before the program. Log-on information for STARS! Search, and material list for hands-on activity, will be sent to the teacher upon receipt of payment.
Mars Rocks! is an interactive session with a geologist, introducing students to geology on Mars and how it relates to Earth. Before the program students collect rocks from their local area. The teacher will select three rocks for discussion during the session. The rocks will be chosen for being found in an interesting environment, have an interesting appearance, or be ‘mysterious’. The video conference will start with an investigation of the geology of Earth and compare it to the geology of Mars. The three students whose rocks were selected will then have an interactive conversation with the geologist to determine what environment their rocks exist in on Earth and what that environment would look like on Mars. The student’s understanding will then be tested with a game. When presented with a 3D image, will they be able to correctly identify Earth and Mars? The session will conclude with student questions. Preparation: Students collect rocks from their local area. The teacher will select 3 rocks for discussion during the session. Rocks should be selected because they are different or mysterious (please eliminate any concrete). 3D glasses will be posted to the school when payment is received. Cost of glasses is included in the program cost. Interstate and international schools will be charged postage and handling.
This videoconference interactively discusses the science and pedagogy behind VSSEC’s Science Boxes for Primary Schools. VSSEC staff demonstrate the equipment used in the experiments; discuss effective classroom presentation and strategies for engaging students; and answer teachers questions. VSSEC has developed seven Science Boxes that have been very successfully used in VSSEC’s Primary Science Outreach program for more than two years. Each box contains enough equipment for one class of 24 students and much of the equipment is reusable. The topics explore scientific method in a way that is appropriate for grades 4 to 6. Topics include: Please note, one box is explored per session. Boxes are ordered from VSSEC and cost between $50 and $120.
Foldables are multi-dimensional graphic organizers that can be used for skills reinforcement, practice and/or information organizing. They also provide a kinaesthetic tool for organizing and analysing learning. The program will demonstrate the use of foldables to create a science project. VSSEC staff will demonstrate how students can use online and school resources to plan a Mission to Mars. The video conference will allow teachers to experiment with different types of foldables and the underlying pedagogy behind them.
Through its university and industry partners, VSSEC has access to inspirational speakers from a wide range of science and engineering disciplines. For a more information about Public Talks at VSSEC please visit the Events section of this website. VSSEC understands that it isn’t always possible to take a class out of school, no matter how good the speaker is! Through video conferencing VSSEC will help connect students with scientists and engineers in their classroom. Details will be posted on this page, sent out via our RSS feed, announced in CAPCOM, posted on Polycom’s VC Content Provider Database and posted on CAPspace. Each year VSSEC hosts an Engineering and Science Careers Expoin association with Engineering Week and Science Weeek. The 2011 Expo will be held on Thursday 18th August. Students can explore interactive displays and listen to presentations from engineers and scientists from a wide range of disciplines. This year the speaker program will be made available to schools via video conference. In addition to the audience in the VSSEC theatre, each speaker will connect with 3 classes. Each school will be limited to one speaker. Speaker program and booking form will be announced in April.
Visit the Polycom website for a full list of their education services and download the Polycom in Education Newsletter for the latest video conferencing programs. |
