Science Extension

Science Extension Workshop

Spend a day learning about the HSC science extension course exploring best scientific practice, experimental design, research techniques and reviewing statistical analysis of data.

We will focus on Modules 2 and 3 of the Science Extension course. Half the day will be spent exploring best practice experimental design and identifying potential challenges, with a view to good designs producing good analyses.

The other half of the day will be an exploration of various statistical hypothesis tests as detailed in the syllabus. This is also a chance for you and your students to meet some of our PhD student mentors. PhD candidates from across the faculty have volunteered their expertise to provide advice for your students as they undertake this exciting dive into authentic scientific research.

Event Details

Workshops generally run in the first few weeks of Term 4 every year. Details will appear hear closer to the date.

Science Extension Mentoring Program

Linking high school students with PhD mentors to support their science investigation skills development during the HSC Science Extension course.

The Science Extension Mentoring Program is designed to support the development of science investigation skills in high school students undertaking the Science Extension HSC course by offering them one-to-one advice from a PhD mentor who will follow the progress of their science investigation for the first few months of the HSC year.

Students will be able to ask their mentors for personalised suggestions and tips on how to:

• design their scientific investigation
• carry out data collection
• analyse the data
• approach arising challenges throughout the investigation
• draw meaning from their results

The program endeavours to match students and mentors by disciplines of interest and expertise.

The Science Extension Mentor Program is conducted via online pathways (e.g. email, video conferencing) or by phone and always under the supervision of the student’s teacher. Contacting times throughout the program are flexible, and are as agreed upon between teacher, student and mentor.

Program Details

Applications for: HSC science extension students who are looking for a mentor
Cost: free
Availability: subject to successful applications and PhD mentor availability
Applications: Now closed for 2022-2023.

Successful applicants will be matched with their mentors in the first week of December.

Student Applications

The applications will require:

• Student's school email address
• Sponsor teacher's full name, contact details
• Why the student would like to join the program
• Area of interest for science investigation

Students must complete their own entry forms to apply for the program. Each student must also have a teacher who is willing to supervise all (online) communication between mentor and their mentee for the duration of the program for Work Health and Safety reasons.

Data Analysis Advice

HSC Science Extension students sign-up either as classes or individuals for general and personalised advice on the right data analysis techniques to use for their science extension research project. 

These sessions are online, held during and after school, and run by experience data scientists from the University. The data scientists will talk through some commonly used data analysis techniques using real Science Extension projects as examples, and then be able to offer advice and recommendations to students for their own investigation data.

Dates: multiple sessions available from April to June
Cost: free
Audience: HSC science extension students 
Format: online Zoom sessions

Learning Resources

Texts, presentations, videos and mathematical analysis resources for the Science Extension course can be accessed directly through the Science Extension resources link.

Contact

If you have any questions about Science Teachers' Workshop, Mentoring Program, Data Analysis Advice or learning resources, please contact our team at
science.extension@sydney.edu or 0421 363 219.