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Earth Science in Western Australia

Reference: 06/228

Western Australia is booming on the back of its vast resource wealth. But where will the next generation of Geoscientists to discover and manage our mineral and petroleum wealth come from?

• 10 November 2006

Earth Science Western Australia is playing a key role in increasing participation by WA students in Earth Science through its collaborative projects.

Earth Science Western Australia’s initiatives to support the teaching and learning of Earth Science were launched today by the Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop MP.

“Geoscience is at the centre of the success of the resource industry, because the geoscientists are the passionate professionals whose work leads to the successful exploration for and harnessing of our valuable mineral and petroleum wealth,” Ms Bishop said.

Earth Science Western Australia is a consortium representing the University of Western Australia, Curtin University of Technology, CSIRO, the Geological Survey of WA and the WA Museum.

Their mission is to raise the profile of geoscience in the State’s secondary schools to a level matching the strategic needs of WA, increase awareness of the wide range of career opportunities it provides, and increase the number of students entering tertiary geoscience studies.

“Interest and awareness of geology in high schools in WA - the world’s leading mining and exploration province, is at a low ebb with only five schools currently teaching the TE Geology Course,” said the Chair of ESWA, Dr Jim Ross.

Now, through the generous support of the resource industry, professional organisations, the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA, and the Science Teacher’s Association of WA ESWA has been able to provide the grass roots support to reinvigorate teachers of Science to provide engaging lessons in Earth Science. 

Science teachers now have access to a CD of sequenced learning activities written specifically for the new Earth & Environmental Science Course.

Teachers at a recent seminar day on “Groundwater” were able to learn the science concepts and technical skills associated with understanding and sustainably managing this valuable resource to Western Australia, and now they can share their experiences with their students.

Students from Kent St Senior High School were able to run their first Geology Field trip in July to Kalbarri – with the support of ESWA.

Professor John DeLaeter, Deputy Chair of ESWA said “The downturn in secondary students studying science is being successfully addressed by ESWA with support from the resource industry and all key stakeholders in science education.”

Media are invited to attend the launch at 10.00am Friday, November 10 at the ARRC Building, 26 Dick Perry Ave, Kensington.

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