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SCIENCE EDUCATION PROGRAM WINS PUBLISHING AWARD
28 July 2006

The education program Primary Connections: linking science with literacy has won the Primary School (Teaching and Learning) category of the Australian Awards for Excellence in Educational Publishing for 2006.

The winners were announced yesterday by the Australian Publishers Association.

Primary Connections is a partnership between the Australian Academy of Science and the Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST).

It is an innovative program, linking the teaching of science and literacy in Australian primary schools.

Academy President, Professor Kurt Lambeck said, 'Quality primary school science education is essential if we are to harness our children's natural curiosity and develop their passion for exploring the way in which the world works. This philosophy is the foundation of Primary Connections.

'School science education lays the foundation for a scientifically literate society where people can make informed decisions about things that affect their lives.'

Primary Connections is fully funded by DEST until the end of 2008 and has been developed in consultation with representatives from all states and territories. The program has been trialled in primary schools throughout Australia.

'Primary Connections is not just about books, it's a whole approach to teaching. At its heart is a professional learning program with facilitators in each state and territory providing support to teachers and schools taking up the program,' said Professor Lambeck.

The professional learning program is supported by curriculum resources which include the units, resource sheets, background CD and a website with supplementary resources.

The Australian Awards for Excellence in Educational Publishing were established in 1994 and are sponsored by inLigare Book Printers.

The Awards build on the concept of improving the quality of Australian educational materials. The Awards are judged for clarity of writing, pedagogical implications, illustrations, special features and characteristics, quality of subject matter, innovation and flair.

Visit the Primary Connections website at www.science.org.au/primaryconnections.