Two of Collie’s primary schools have been chosen for a state government program that plans to convert classrooms into science labs.
Amaroo Primary School and Fairview Primary School were announced recently to have been selected in the 100 schools to undertake the project.
The state government has committed $12 million to turn 200 existing school classrooms into science laboratories while each school will receive $25,000 to kit their new science lab with resources such as 3D models of the solar system and human anatomy, digital microscopes, 3D printers, virtual reality headsets, robotics kits and renewable energy kits.
Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery said it was important for students to be exposed to science in order to best prepare them for the jobs of the future.
“It is vital for today’s students to understand the concepts taught in science, technology, engineering and mathematics for their future job prospects,” Ms Ellery said.
“We want to ignite an interest in science in WA children from a young age so they continue with that study in secondary school and are job-ready when they start to enter the workforce in the late 2020s or early 2030s.
“Even those students who don’t become science practitioners will benefit from the generic skills science subjects teach them - teamwork, problem solving, creativity, independent thinking, critical analysis, initiative and communication.
“Delivering on our $17 million election commitment means students across the State will now be able to learn those skills in modern, well-equipped laboratories.”
Public primary schools around the state were selected based on their plans to improve their science teaching.
A further 100 schools will be selected for the program in 2020.
