Last issue's editorial mentioned that WISENET had successfully applied to the Science and Technology Unit of the then Department of Industry, Science and Technology, for a grant to produce a special issue of the Journal aimed at school students in years 8–11.
The publication, titled 'Science Futures', comprises a series of profiles of young people working in jobs related to science and technology. The special issue is to be distributed to all secondary schools in Australia, for use during Science Education Week in 1998. WISENET members will also receive a copy.
Jane Brown, a science teacher and Executive Officer of the ACT Department of Education and Training, reviewed the draft profiles. Here is her review.
'The individual profiles are written in language suitable for junior secondary students. The gender balance is reflected in the selection of authors.
'The brief work descriptions by the scientists relate to experiences familiar to students of this age. The writers' enthusiasm is vibrant and captures the imagination. Their jobs sound interesting and fun.
'The job descriptions take the students well beyond the bounds of clinical, cold laboratories and workshops. They also show that science and technology careers provide opportunities for travel in Australia and overseas.
'I note that many of the occupations involve working with and helping people. This presents science and technology in its human framework and should especially appeal to girls.
'The aboriginal perspective presented by two writers address an important issue. As well the environmental issues such as energy conservation and reduction of gas emissions from cars are raised in contexts such as robotics, aircraft design and solar car races which will appeal to all young readers.
'A range of occupations is represented. Individuals' work in fields are described in terms of the National Science Statement and profile strands, Earth and beyond, Energy and change, Life and living, Natural and processed materials, and Working scientifically.
'This is helpful in our organisational context, for example where outcomes from the strand, Working scientifically, can be found in all the job outlines. So too the work of Andrew Macdonald in the mining industry demonstrates outcomes from within the strand organisers, Using science, Conducting investigations, Evaluating findings and Acting responsibly.
'Again, Natalie Camilleri's work as an invertebrate palaeontologist provides examples of outcomes from the strand organiser, Biodiversity, change and continuity within the Life and living strand as well as from the Working scientifically strand.
'Overall I would say that the biographies will help to make the study of science and technology relevant to the students. They will help teachers and students answer the perennial question from many kids, 'Why should I study science (or technology)?' Hopefully, students using this resource will see that careers based on science and technology are interesting and exciting.