Scientists, teachers and industry deliver free high tech teaching resources

Responding to demand from science teachers, the Primary Industry Centre for Science Education (PICSE) has developed a new 3D online and CD resource for biology and chemistry students.

The Organic Chemistry Teaching Resource and MoleculeVisualiser provide classroom ready activities that will engage students and teachers – and the focus is on Australian science.

“Students will be amazed at the science and technology, and industry are excited we are promoting new, relevant science” said National PICSE Director, Associate Professor David Russell.

“The resources allows users to investigate derivative chemicals in poppies and their implications for human health, alkaloid chemicals in almonds, cheese making, fermentation in beer, and pesticides used in the cotton sector,” said Associate Professor David Russell.

But it’s not just the research topics that make The Organic Chemistry Teaching Resource and MoleculeVisualiser unique. MoleculeVisualiser uses new 3D rotational technology that allows students to see molecules in a whole new light – making chemistry fun!

With this program students simply enter the name of a molecule and hit submit... The program will bring up the molecules physical properties, its 2D and 3D image which is fully rotational plus practical information on how this molecule is relevant and used in the primary industries sector.

PICSE New Resource Coordinator Samantha Greene said “Until now, the technology used in MoleculeVisualiser has only been used by working research scientists and PhD students. We are proud to now have the transformed technology in a suitable format (and free!) for secondary school students and teachers”.

The PICSE team worked with scientists and industry representatives to ensure the resource included the latest research and information. They also worked with teachers to ensure the activities link with the curriculum and provides practical, easy to understand teaching activities.

PICSE is a national program delivered in regional and metropolitan centres and universities throughout Australia. The program is working to attract talented students to study science, an area which is suffering from major skills shortages.

PICSE is supported by: Department of Education Employment and Workplace Relations, Grains Research and Development Corporation, University of Tasmania, University of Western Australia, Flinders University, University of New England, University of the Sunshine Coast, University of Southern Queensland, GrowSmart Training, Horticulture Australia Limited, Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, Dairy Australia, Cotton RDC and the Cotton CRC.

The Primary Industry Centre for Science Education (PICSE) will launch a new online teaching resource at www.picse.net.au at 10:00 am on 12 March 2010.

For further information visit: www.picse.net or contact: Associate Professor David Russell
Phone: (03) 6430 4935 OR 0438304935
David.Russell@utas.edu.au