Development of marine science educational resources for secondary and tertiary learners to improve research skills

Theme: Marine biology and ocean science

Description: The positive impacts of embedding authentic marine field research experiences in teaching includes improved student grades and experiences, greater problem solving and collaboration, generating teaching informed research, and improved student well-being. At its core, authentic research experiences reflect what scientists do, enabling students to better grasp scientific skills, knowledge, and culture. However, it is not always possible for students to visit field locations. As such, we need to bring the ‘field’ into the classroom by developing a skills-based training program that will likely include the development of a virtual field trip video, training materials and data sheets. We anticipate that this project will involve consultation with high school teachers to ensure that science education resources built as part of this Honours project are aligned with biology, marine science and/or geography curricula, as well as a field trip to UQ’s world class marine research station on Heron Island. Here the Honours student will work with marine researchers and UQ undergraduate students in a field setting to record field activities, interview staff and students and develop detailed visual and written training manuals.

Additional Information: You will have two main supervisors for your project: Dr Nicola (Nikki) Browne will support the scientific and administrative aspects of your project; Dr Gurion Ang will support the educational and pedagogical aspects of your project.

Contact: Dr Nicola Browne