Analysis of an Exemplary Scientists in Schools Project in Forensic Science: Collaboration, Communication and Enthusiasm

Scientists in Schools (SiS) is an initiative of the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations that aims to establish and maintain sustained and ongoing partnerships between scientists and school communities as a means of developing more scientifically literate citizens. This paper describes and analyses an exemplar SiS project that was based around a Year 6/7 forensic science program in a small metropolitan school in Perth. Students, the teacher, and the scientist were all found to benefit from this partnership. In particular, the students valued the access to specialist equipment and the wealth of knowledge which the scientist brought into the classroom. Many of the students became more interested in possible careers as scientists because science had been made more interesting for them by being involved in real experiments. This partnership was found to be successful due to the highly collaborative approach taken by the teacher and the scientist. Other characteristics that contributed to this positive partnership included ongoing communication, a shared vision, acknowledgement of each other's expertise, enthusiasm for delivering engaging science to the students, and a willingness to be flexible. This analysis has shown that a highly collaborative approach between scientist and teacher, along with the use of relevant and engaging student learning experiences, should lead to a successful SiS partnership. (Contains 2 tables and 3 figures.)