Character and Enterprise
Barker College Science Extension – Annual Public Lectures
Please see Lecture 1PowerPoint HERE.
Lecture 1: Storytelling in Science Extension: Learning and teaching Science Extension through great stories in the history of science
13 October 2021 - Dr. Alison Gates
A narrative account of some marvelous scientific discoveries, this lecture explores the history of science through the lens of scientific narratives. For new senior students, we hope to inspire you, to peak your curiosity and to whet your palate for what lies ahead in Science Extension.
Please see Lecture 2PowerPoint HERE.
Lecture 2: Philosophy of Science: Epistemology, Empiricism and Experimentation
20 October 2021 - Dr. Matthew Hill
What does it mean to know something scientifically? Do all scientists follow the same scientific method? Come along to our second lecture to learn about how Philosophers talk about the field of science. Relevant syllabus terms from Module 1 of the course such as epistemology, empiricism, induction, deduction, falsification and parsimony will be demystified, explained and contextualised.
Please see Lecture 3Powerpoint HERE.
Workshop & Panel: Beginning the Scientific Research Project
27 October 2021 - Dr. Alison Gates, Dr. Matthew Hill & Dr. Terena Holdaway-Clarke
How do you rise to the challenge of doing a novel research project, culminating in a genuine scientific report, while still at high school? This workshop builds on Lectures 1 and 2 by exploring the design of a suitable research project touching on issues like choosing a research question, conducting a literature search, problematising the situation, building relationships with supervisors and experts, and managing expectations.
Dr Matthew Hill
Dr Matthew Hill is the Director of The Barker Institute with a focus on professional learning, research, and innovation in the school. He teaches Physics and the new Science Extension course at the School which introduces students to scientific academic research. Matthew's doctorate reflects his passion for science education focussing on Representational Fluency amongst physics students at school and university. He has published in leadership, education, and science journals and been involved in course development and teaching at The University of Sydney and The University of Western Sydney. He has also completed a Graduate Diploma in Divinity at Ridley College in Melbourne.
