The Australian School Innovation in Science, Technology and Mathematics (ASISTM) project aims to bring about real and permanent improvements to the ways in which science, technology and mathematics are taught in our schools.

Many initiatives have been funded as part of this project, and even this website is one part of one such initiative.

Background

The Australian Government is committed to innovation in and the improvement of science, mathematics and technology education in Australian schools. Funding between $20,000 and $120,000 is available from the Australian School Innovation in Science, Technology and Mathematics (ASISTM) Project for school projects that will:

• encourage innovation in Australian schools and extend the innovative capacity of students;
• promote world-class teaching and learning of science, technology and mathematics in Australian schools; and
• assist in attracting to, and retaining in, the teaching profession, sufficient numbers of high quality graduates in the fields of science, technology and mathematics.

A total of $33.7 million is being made available by the Australian Government for ASISTM projects in schools over seven years.

For further general information contact the ASISTM Help Line: telephone (03) 9657 9748, vist the ASISTM website or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Earth & Beyond ASISTM Project

Background

The Earth & Beyond ASISTM project was a proposal put together by Scitech and the Department of Education and Training with a view of consolidating Astronomy and Space Science teaching in Western Australia. It was clear that although a number of local resources were available for teachers, they were underutilised and not seen by teachers as part of a collaborative community.

With that in mind, those involved in Astronomy and Space Science education in Western Australia came together to put forward the ASISTM project proposal.

The project is being managed by Paul Nicholls of Scitech and Fred Deshon from the Department of Education and Training.

Partners

The partners in the Earth & Beyond Astronomy project are:

• Scitech
• Horizon Planetarium
• Department of Education & Training
• The Office of Science & Innovation
• Perth Observatory
• Australian International Gravitational Research Organisation
• Gravity Discovery Centre
• Curriculum Council
• Trinity College
• Merredin SHS
• Shenton College
• Rockingham SHS
• Willeton SHS

Components

The components of the Earth & Beyond Project are:

• Work shadowing by teachers
• Workshops for teachers
• Lectures
• Online interactive resources

If you are a middle school science teacher who has an interest in astronomy and you wish to be involved in this program, please send your details and enquiries to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it