ARTICLES
Challenges for a Rural Science Teacher (continued)
The price of such outreach services is usually far less than having
to travel distances to make use of what they provide. Another
exceptional outreach program is ‘Skype a palaeontologist’, with
Paul Willis, a leading expert in this field. Paul will run a virtual
lesson for a class. He has greater knowledge on the subject of
fossils than any teacher, rural or metropolitan, simply because
he lives and breathes palaeontology. Finding out ways to access
experts like this who readily make themselves available for
teachers is a genuine way to break down the apparent walls
separating rural areas from the advantages larger populated
areas appear to enjoy.
taken for granted, or are too obvious to consider. In the case of
Wagga Wagga, it’s easy to forget that we have both an Air Force
and Army Base in our city, so by simply making a few phone
calls, we can tap into liaison officers to direct us to the specialist
personnel required. We had a Year-10 Information Day to excite
our students as they considered Science for Stage- 6. We asked
local scientists to talk about what they do. Included amongst the
speakers was a local Air Force officer who worked on helicopters
and provided students with a plethora of real-world interesting
physics applications he used.
Professional Development is an essential criterion for every
worthwhile teacher, including those in rural schools. For whatever
subject a teacher is required to teach, the content must be learned
really well. If a teacher is assigned to teach chemistry within
various Stages, although it is not their strong point, they must
struggle to understand it more, beginning in the vacation before to
develop their skills. There are many excellent knowledge sources
easily available to teachers to start exploring the challenging
topics they may currently shy away from in class. We all have
them! Google is one of numerous such resources. Teachers can
type in the topic areas they find difficult, and start reading and
taking notes. For instance, if a teacher thinks covalent bonding
is challenging, so types ‘covalent bonding interactive’ into their
search engine, they are led to numerous sites that explain the
key concepts visually and virtually.
Highly knowledgeable palaeontologist, Dr Paul Willis, is an
expert who always supports teachers.
One simple example of covalent bonding between atoms is
water (hydrogen oxide), with two hydrogen atoms sharing
electrons with those of one oxygen atom.
Some of the advantages enjoyed by rural schools are copious
space, agricultural land and experts in farming.
Furthermore, experts are almost always pleased to respond to
teachers’ questions. It only requires a phone call or an email
to the appropriate faculty at a university, a brief description of
what is being taught and the problem/s involved, and very soon
there will be a reply from a mentor. This is especially helpful for
those teaching Stage 6. Once a university lecturer who is willing
to assist has been contacted, they will be generous with their
However, it is also worth remembering that rurally-based teachers
have access to resources of which many metropolitan schools
would be envious! Living in rural areas includes copious space
and agricultural land, and access to experts in farming. Every
town has its own special resources to tap into, which are often
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SCIENCE EDUCATIONAL NEWS VOL 67 NO 4