Explore how citizen science can increase engagement and motivation in the classroom with this free, curriculum-aligned workshop: Space, Synthesis and Spiders: Citizen Science and Authentic Inquiry in Schools.
Designed for primary and high school teachers alike, this one-day workshop will give teachers the tools to involve their students in meaningful, hands-on science activities with a real-world impact. Together, teacher will explore how real-world science can enrich student learning and build a more participatory, connected curriculum in Australia.
When: 9.30am, 16 October, 2025
Where: University of Sydney, Camperdown Campus
How: The event is free. Register here
Aligned with the NSW curriculum, this workshop is designed for primary and high school teachers across all science subjects.
Presented by the STEM Teacher Enrichment Academy and Learning by Doing, the program will include:
- A presentation from renowned astrophysicist Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell on the importance of observation, persistence and curiosity in scientific research and practice.
- An interactive panel discussion on Enriching Student Learning Through School & University Partnerships. The panel will feature teachers and academics involved in collaborative research-based projects between schools and universities. Together participants will explore opportunities for their students to collaborate with university researchers and enhance learning outcomes in their classroom.
- Focused, collaborative workshops designed to support teachers to successfully integrate existing citizen science projects into their classroom. Participants will have the chance to explore curriculum mapping, outcomes from existing case-studies and strategies for overcoming challenges that may arise.
- A BioBlitz – where educators will work with fellow attendees and experts from iNaturalist to find and document as many living organisms as possible in the area. During this BioBlitz, participants will get to make a direct contribution to scientific knowledge and learn how to run their own BioBlitz with their students and get them ready to join Learning by Doing’s upcoming BioBlitz – The Great Southern Bioblitz 2025!
Tickets are free, but registration is essential. Educators are welcome to attend the whole day or just the morning or afternoon sessions. Be sure to register for the afternoon sessions to take part in the BioBlitz.
