Opening real science: Authentic mathematics and science education for Australia

Opening Real Science (ORS) is a unique collaboration between Australia’s leading teacher educators, scientists, mathematicians and ICT experts. ORS is part of the Australian Government’s initiative: Enhancing the Training of Mathematics and Science Teachers program (ETMST). It has developed innovative pre-service programs to equip teachers to inspire and motivate students through authentic, inquiry based learning. The ORS project was designed to reconceptualise how mathematics and science pre-service teachers are prepared. Complementary learning resources were developed to support pre-service teachers, both in their teacher education programs and during their professional experience.
The ORS project successfully provided new and effective support for engaging and empowering pre-service teachers to embrace mathematics and science through (1) development of a new specialist professional experience model, (2) delivery of a ‘real science’ learning program and (3) establishment of collaborative networks of scientists, statisticians, mathematicians, technology experts and teacher education professionals working to enhance the mathematics and science capabilities of pre-service teachers.
The ongoing implementation and research evaluation phase of the project is continuing through 2018, including enhancement of the ORS website, found at http://www.educ.mq.edu.au/education_research/opening_real_science/
The final report is available at http://olt.gov.au/resource-Opening-real-science-%3A-Authentic-mathematics-and-science-education-for-Australia%20