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Primary Industry Centre for Science Education USC
Primary Industry Centre for Science Education (PICSE) is a national collaboration between the federal government, universities, regional primary industries, national research and development corporations, national agribusiness, regional research institutes, local community organisations, schools and state government departments. Its major funding body is the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) through the Diversity and Structural Reform Fund.
USC collaborates extensively with PICSE to tailor a PICSE USC delivery model suited to the wider Sunshine Coast region. The local PICSE USC strategy involves five integrated steps in each annual cycle. These are:
- Science-based class presentations by Science Education Officers where students are exposed to cutting edge scientific research and the exciting opportunities for science graduates in their region, with examples of the application of science in local primary industries.
- A two-day program of teacher professional development to illustrate the connection between the science taught in class and the science used locally in primary industries and Research and Development organisations.
- Student scholarships to five-day industry science induction camps for selected Year 11-12 students, involving in-depth consideration of career and research opportunities for science graduates.
- A five day student industry placement for scholarship students in January with a team of scientists in specific local industries. At the end of the placement, students provide a report to other scholarship students, the industry mentors, the University hierarchy and to parents.
- Production of science teaching resources that integrate into pre-tertiary science curricula and use practical, primary industry examples. Each year different themes are chosen, relating to different science subjects and linked to industry applications.
- PICSE Science Education Officers will facilitate a Science Investigation Awards program in primary and high schools culminating with an Awards Session.
Objectives
PICSE focuses on connecting secondary science teachers and secondary students, with science-based primary industries and career paths.
The objectives of the national PICSE program are to:
- improve understanding amongst school students and science teachers of the career opportunities available in science-based primary industries
- increase the number of students enrolling in tertiary science courses who are planning a career in primary industries and related research
- enhance the quality and quantity of highly skilled science professionals available to the primary industry sector
- promote science professionals to return to rural and regional Australia following completion of their studies
The PICSE USC model fulfils the Higher Education Participation and Partnership Program (HEPPP) Objective to increase the participation and access of prospective students from low SES backgrounds in geographical areas.
PICSE USC promotes participation for equity groups by including activities such as academic preparation, mentoring, peer support, parent engagement, a transition program, ongoing evidence-based evaluation and monitoring, and development and implementation of partnership activities.
Enquiries
- For general information about PICSE USC, please visit: www.picse.net/HUB/index.htm
- For enquiries about PICSE USC, please contact:
David McKay
Senior Lecturer
School of Science & Education
University of the Sunshine Coast
Email: dmckay@usc.edu.au
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