AMSI recently joined science teachers from across Victoria at the Science Teachers Association of Victoria (STAV) Conference, with Leanne McMahon and Hiep Do representing AMSI throughout the day. With backgrounds in both mathematics and science teaching, they were well placed to connect with teachers working across both subject areas and to share the range of support available through AMSI.
One of the highlights was the chance to speak with a number of teachers currently teaching mathematics out of field. Leanne shared some practical classroom tips and strategies and pointed teachers towards AMSI’s work supporting out-of-field mathematics teachers.
There was also plenty of interest in the new ICE-EM Mathematics textbooks, providing a great opportunity to show teachers the resources and talk through how they can be used in the classroom. Hiep, as AMSI’s Mathematics Camp Coordinator, was also able to spread the word about upcoming Maths Camps and encourage teachers to explore these opportunities for their students.
The AMSI merchandise was a hit too, with drink bottles, posters and postcards proving especially popular.
Throughout the day, Leanne and Hiep also found themselves regularly explaining how AMSI helps to “put the M in STEM” — a simple but effective way of highlighting the central role mathematics plays across science and the broader STEM disciplines.
AMSI shared the space with the University of Melbourne Mathematics and Statistics Outreach team, making the conference a valuable opportunity to connect with colleagues from “across the road” and strengthen links between our outreach and engagement activities.
Building stronger connections with organisations such as STAV is also important for AMSI. While much of our schools work focuses on mathematics, AMSI is the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute, and the mathematical sciences underpin and intersect with many areas of science. Engaging with science teachers provides an important opportunity to strengthen those connections, highlight the role of mathematics across STEM disciplines and ensure our work reaches teachers and students beyond the traditional mathematics classroom.
Overall, it was a very worthwhile day of conversations, connections and opportunities to share AMSI’s work directly with teachers.
