• Announcements

Scientific Thinking Pilot Program with UC Berkley

  • January 31, 2025

STANSW has partnered with UC Berkley to provide NSW teachers training on practical activities that encourage critical scientific thinking amongst students!

This pilot program, based on the UC Berkley’s Scientific Thinking for All – A Toolkit, is designed to equip students with the skills to think critically when using and evaluating information.

The program is aligned with the new NSW syllabus and will comprise of 4 x 1 hour sessions, with teachers participating in hands-on activities in each session.

By participating in the pilot program, NSW teachers have the opportunity to learn how to arm students with tools for scientific thinking, and how to use these ideas in the context of real issues at the intersection of science and society, ranging from medical treatments to land use.

Delve into:

  • Explicit instruction of critical thinking skills in a context
  • Scientific Inquiry
  • Lateral reading
  • Evaluation skills – Accuracy, Reliability, Validity
  • Scientific communication
  • Facts Vs Value
  • Contemporary contexts

Pilot Program Overview

Session 1 – Evidence and iteration (aligned most with year 7-8): Skipton’s water

Session 2 – Evidence and iteration (aligned most with year 7-8): Water quality challenge

Session 3 – Group Decision making (aligned most with year 9-10): Evaluating energy facts

Session 4 – Group Decision making (aligned most with year 9-10): Building

If you’re interested in participating in the program, please contact [email protected].