Pi Day 2014

Pi Day is celebrated on March 14th (3/14) around the world. Pi (Greek letter “π”) is the symbol used in mathematics to represent a constant — the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter — which is approximately 3.14159.

Pi has been calculated to over one trillion digits beyond its decimal point. As an irrational and transcendental number, it will continue infinitely without repetition or pattern. While only a handful of digits are needed for typical calculations, Pi’s infinite nature makes it a fun challenge to memorize, and to computationally calculate more and more digits.

The Powerhouse Museum, The Australian Mathematics Trust and the Australian Museum are pleased to offer a series of session celebrating Pi Day. Join us on the 14 March 2014 to learn more about this amazing constant.

International Pi Day- Primary School

Time: 10:00

Overview: To celebrate what has become known as International Pi Day, the Australian Mathematics Trust is presenting a special video conference event for school children hosted at the Australian Museum

International Pi Day: For Good Measure: Fun with measurement and standards
Time: 10:00

Overview: What do ‘Peter Piper’ and ‘Jack and Jill’ nursery rhymes have to do with maths and measurement? What are gills, bushels, pecks and the smoot? Find out in this special hands-on maths video

International Pi Day: For Good Measure: Fun with measurement and standards
Time: 11:30

Overview: What do ‘Peter Piper’ and ‘Jack and Jill’ nursery rhymes have to do with maths and measurement? What are gills, bushels, pecks and the smoot? Find out in this special hands-on maths video co…

International Pi Day – High School
Time: 13:00

International Pi Day: Babbage and his Difference Engine
Time: 14:00

Overview: Celebrate International Pi Day with an exciting session on the inventor of the computer, Charles Babbage! Powerhouse Museum’s Principal Curator, Matthew Connell, introduces students to one o…

See the Pi Day website for other ways your students can celebrate Pi Day

www.piday.org/2011/things-to-do-for-pi-day/

February 22, 2014March 11, 2014

Sea Week Video Conferencing Festival

_{Sea Week Video Conferencing Festival 2014}

Sea Week is the Marine Education Society of Australasia’s (MESA) annual education campaign to increase understanding and appreciation of the ocean and its living organisms.

The theme for 2014 is Sustainable Seas! Are there really plenty more fish in the Sea?

Human activities are putting pressure of the ocean and marine environments in many ways. Direct impacts like overfishing, chemical pollution and litter lower water quality and threaten wildlife. Less direct activities such as carbon pollution leads to climate change and ocean acidification. It is important to recognise that people have the power to make positive impacts on the ocean in their everyday decisions.

Join the Australian Museum, Manly Environment Centre and the National Maritime Museum in a week long festival highlighting our marine environments

There are a variety of sessions on offer with topics to suit every school.

Sea Week – Meet the Experts

Monday 3 March at 2pm

The Australian Museum is bringing our scientists to you! This is your chance to come face to face with an Australian Museum scientist and ask your questions. Meet Mark McGrouther Collection Manager; Ichthyology (Fish) to talk about the collection and some of the exciting field trips he’s been on.

Sea Week – Catchment Health

Wednesday 5 March at 10am

The Catchment Health video conference explores some of the impacts facing our marine environments. This session looks at the importance of catchments and how everything we do on land has impacts in our marine environments.

Sea Week – Claws, Tentacles and Spines

Wednesday 5 March at 11am

The Claws, Tentacles and Spines session explores the fascinating diversity of marine invertebrates. Join the Australian Museum to discover some of the amazing adaptations of these spineless wonders.

Sea Week – Meet the Experts

Thursday 6 March at 2pm

Australian Museum is bringing our scientists to you! This is your chance to come face to face with an Australian Museum scientist and ask your questions. Amanda Hay will talk about her research into the ecology of larval fishes.

January 20, 2014January 27, 2014

ITEC 2014 Call for Papers

Interactive Technology in Education Conference Call for Paper

ITEC 2014 is fast approaching and an exciting program of international and national keynote speakers and a range of other presentations is currently being developed. The programming committee is currently calling for submissions to present in a number of different strands.

Papers may be submitted in a number of strands:

Strand 1 (Wednesday 9 July)

Industry Professionals, Interactive Technology Experts, and/or Innovators in Content or Program Design and Delivery – this is your chance to share your valuable experience and insight. We particularly encourage papers which deal with innovation, experimentation, new uses for technology and are forward-thinking in their approach; with real case studies and real solutions used as examples.

Strand 2 (Thursday 10 July)
Teachers, Education Providers or Practitioners, Policy Makers, Academics, Research and Training Organisations are encouraged to make submissions for this strand. Papers could focus on: case studies demonstrating of exciting digital educational projects; innovative uses for technology in educational practice; benefits of using technology for education; evaluation and research; policy decisions and developments affecting digital education.

Showcase Sessions (Thursday 10 July)
Schools engaging with interactive, real time education partnerships (i.e cultural/ language exchanges, cross school projects, virtual delivery of lessons) and providers of interactive, real-time educational programs from cultural institutions, museums, science organisations and libraries are encouraged to submit a proposal to be part of a ‘Showcase’ session. Successful submissions will be offered 7-minutes to showcase their programs. Presentations are encouraged to feature live, interactive demonstrations and/or utilise AV to fully demonstrate the programs in a short space of time.

See the 2013 conference video for paper ideas.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
Paper submissions close 7 April 2014 and all papers must be submitted electronically using the Conference’s Online Submission System.

For more information see the full ITEC 2014 site

November 24, 2013March 24, 2020

Marine Day 2013

To recognise Ocean Care Day on Sunday 1 December Virtual Excursions Australia is presenting Marine Day on Friday 6 December. Join us for a range of video conferences promoting healthy waterways and marine environments.

Participate in sessions from OceanWatch, Taronga Zoo and the Marine Stewardship Council and the Australian Museum. There are a range of topics to suit every school.

Photographer: Lyle Vail and Anne Hoggett Rights:© Australian Museum

Marine Day – Catchment Health

Time: 09:30

To recognise Ocean Care Day on Sunday 1 December the Australian Museum is participating in the Marine Day video conferences. The Catchment Health video conference explores some of the impacts facing our marine environments. This session looks at the importance of catchments and how everything we do on land has impacts in our marine environments.

Marine Day – The World Of Commercial Fishing

Time: 11am

Learn all about commercial fishing and the NSW seafood industry from those who know it best. Join Sydney fisherman Paul Bagnato and OceanWatch’s Brad Warren to get an up-close and personal view of an important local industry that puts food on our plates and export dollars in the bank. Paul and Brad will also discuss the marine environment, sustainability and how fishing is managed.

Marine Day – Meet the Experts

Time: 13:00

Meet the Experts brings Australian Museum scientists to you! This is your chance to come face to face with an Australian Museum scientist and ask your questions. Mark McGrouther the Collection Manager; Ichthyology (Fish) will talk about the collection and some of the exciting field trips he’s been on.

Marine Day – Claws, Tentacles and Spines

Time: 14:00

The Claws, Tentacles and Spines session explores the fascinating diversity of marine invertebrates. Join the Australian Museum to discover some of the amazing adaptations of these spineless wonders.

Marine Day – Fish For Good, Schools-TEACHER video conference

Time: 15:30

Taronga Zoo and the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) have teamed up to educate students about healthy marine life, sustainable seafood and how their choices matter. We are holding FREE teacher video conferences to informally introduce the 2014 student based project.

Join us on Friday 6 December

October 26, 2013April 16, 2020

ClickFest 2013 Program Spotlight: Australian Museum

ClickFest 2013 Program Spotlight.

ClickFest is an annual video conferencing festival run in November each year. Clickfest highlights the diversity and scope of video conferences available to schools across Australia.

The Australian Museum has been involved in ClickFest since it started in 2011 and is proud to be part of this exciting event. In 2013 ClickFest will be launched with Dinosaur day on 4 November 2013.

Join Winny the Australian Museum’s Muttaburrasaurs as she opens ClickFest and Dinosaur day.

^{Dinosaur Day}

Meet Winny
The Australian Museum launches the 2013 Dinosaur Day with Winny our Muttaburrasaurs. Come along to meet Winny to learn more about Australian Dinosaurs
10am Monday 4 November

Australian Giants
Giant animals from dinosaurs to megafauna have roamed the Australian continent at different times. Find out about some of these Australian giants. Look at fossils and learn what they tell us about these extraordinary animals.
11am & 1pm Monday 4 November

Dynamic Earth
The Video conference will look at the dynamic earth forming processes. There will be experiments highlighting different earth processes. You will also see Australian Museum specimens and there will be opportunities to ask questions, so have some ready.
2pm Monday 4 November

ClickFest

Geology Rocks
The Video conference will look at the dynamic earth forming processes. There will be experiments highlighting different earth processes. You will also see Australian Museum specimens and there will be opportunities to ask questions, so have some ready.
11am 5 & 19 November

Minibeast Magnified
Minibeasts Magnified explores the exciting and diverse world of invertebrates. Students will learn how to identify common groups of invertebrates and why they are important.
10am 5 & 19 November

ClickFest – Life in Freshwater

This event provides a glimpse into life in freshwater. You will find out how to use water quality collecting and testing equipment and we will look how we impact our water ways and what we can do take to improve our catchments.

10am 6 & 14 November

Meet the Experts – FREE
The Australian Museum is bringing our scientists to you! Meet the Experts aims to provide quality science education and research resources. This is your chance to come face to face with an Australian Museum scientist and ask your questions.
10am 15 November

ClickFest – Museum Secrets Revealed

Become a detective and discover how scientists collect, preserve and display the many extraordinary specimens in their collection. Explore the Australian Museum specimens to investigate how they were discovered and why they are important.

10am & 2pm 20 November Bookings can be made through the Dart Connections or See Share Shape

The Australian Museum has been involved in ClickFest since it started in 2011 and is proud to be part of this exciting event.

ClickFest will be launched with Dinosaur day on 4 November 2013.

Join Winny the Australian Museum’s Muttaburrasaurs as she opens ClickFest and Dinosaur day.

Winny

See below for Australian Museum session throughout ClickFest

Dinosaur Day

Meet Winny
The Australian Museum launches the 2013 Dinosaur Day with Winny our Muttaburrasaurs. Come along to meet Winny to learn more about Australian Dinosaurs
10am Monday 4 November

ClickFest

All booking can be made through the Dart Connections website dartconnections.org.au/home

– See more at: http://australianmuseum.net.au/blogpost/Lifelong-Learning/ClickFest-2013#sthash.KMCQwsdr.dpuf

October 23, 2013October 23, 2013

ClickFest 2013 Program Spotlight: Powerhouse Museum

ClickFest is an annual video conferencing festival run in November each year. Clickfest highlights the diversity and scope of video conferences available to schools across Australia. To celebrate ClickFest the PowerhouseMuseum is offering a diverse range of free and reduced cost programs spanning a whole range of topics from sustainability, mathematics, technology and design.

Sustainable Solutions Primary (yrs5&6)

Friday 08/11/13, 11am

This hands-on workshop encourages innovation as we explore alternative design solutions that considers the environment.

Discover the properties of plastics and polystyrene foam, analyse their lifecycles, then explore innovative solutions to create more environmentally-friendly materials. Pull up your sleeves — make your own creation using an eco-friendly, sustainable material to ensure a better future for the planet.

Book: http://dartconnections.org.au/DART-excursions/sustainable-solutions-workshop?ItemID=2913115

Babbage and his Difference Engine Secondary (yrs 10-12)

Friday 15/11/13, 11am

PowerhouseMuseum’s Principal Curator of Physical Sciences and IT, Mr. Matthew Connell, will introduce 19th century British mathematician Charles Babbage and examine his Difference Engine No 1, the first computer. Babbage’s extraordinary machine used the method of finite differences to make the process mechanical accurate and quick. Matthew will explain the maths of the difference engine and how to use it to generate successive values of a polynomial function by simple addition. He will also look at one of Babbage’s favourite polynomials — because everyone should have a favourite polynomial!

Book: http://dartconnections.org.au/DART-excursions/international-pi-day-babbage-and-his-difference-engine?ItemID=2913119

For Good Measure: Fun with measurement and standards Primary (yrs 4-6)

Friday 22/11/13, 11am

JoinPowerhouseMuseum’s Principal Curator of Physical Sciences and IT, Mr. Matthew Connell and venture underground into the Museum’s basement to take an exclusive peek at the measurement collection usually unseen by the public. Matthew will show you unique and interesting scaled instruments used in the past and today and tell you the stories of how they came about and what they were used for. Learn about gills, bushels and pecks. Find out about unusual standard scales including the barley corn and the smoot. Discover why the imperial system of measurement may seem tricky to use but is actually very easy. Matthew will have you doing some fun hands-on activities in your classroom to get you experimenting with measurement and mathematics.

Book: http://dartconnections.org.au/DART-excursions/for-good-measure-fun-with-measurement-and-standards-2?ItemID=2913123

Design Day: Magic of Materials

Friday 29/11/13, 11am

This workshop explores the innovative application of materials, where students learn about how materials are influenced by Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Students view unique materials, investigate their composition and see how they have been utilised in seemingly unlikely applications and diverse design fields. Students also complete a hands-on design activity exploring the material selection process.

Book: http://dartconnections.org.au/DART-excursions/magic-of-materials?ItemID=2914796

October 9, 2013March 24, 2020

Artist Workshops

ClickFest 2013 Program Spotlight.

ClickFest is an annual video conferencing festival run in November each year. Clickfest highlights the diversity and scope of video conferences available to schools across Australia.

The Museum of Contemporary Art have some exciting Artist Workshops available especially for ClickFest.

Tony Albert
Join artist Tony Albert via video conferencing in a hands-on workshop exploring his practice including his culture, family and storytelling. Work alongside Tony in a series of practical activities as he shares elements of his practice and answers your questions. Come with your questions ready!

From the artist:
“I was born in Townsville, North Queensland, about 100 kilometres from my family’s country in the lush rainforest around Cardwell. My childhood, however, was largely spent in the suburbs of Brisbane and at a school where my sister and I were the only Aboriginal children. Most of my family lived far away and, apart from them, I rarely saw Aboriginal people: not at the supermarket; not on the bus; not on television nor anywhere I went. So it was to my great delight, and I am sure my parent’s horror, when I discovered and began collecting from our local second-hand store all the cups, plates, trays, playing cards, statuettes, figurines – anything I could get – that were decorated with images of Aboriginal people. Of all the ‘Aboriginalia’ – a term I have coined for these objects – I was particularly drawn to the paint-by-number kits, perhaps because I had already started showing an interest in drawing and painting. Among the native flowers, kookaburras, kangaroos and koalas, there was one that depicted an old man sitting on a rock, holding a shield and spears, and naked except for a headband and a bone pierced through his nose. Although I recognised his features within my own family, his attire, pose and everything else about his portrait was completely at odds with my knowledge and experience of Aboriginal people. It was the 1980s and my sister, cousins and I were all obsessed with M.C. Hammer’s rap pants, Michael Jackson’s bolero jackets and playing video games.”

Tuesday 26 November, 10am, free for schools outside Metropolitan Sydney, $100 per class for schools within
> BOOK NOW

Benjamin Forster
Join artist Benjamin Forster via video conferencing in a hands-on workshop exploring his practice including drawing and mark-making. Work alongside Ben in a series of practical activities as he shares elements of his practice and answers your questions. Come with your questions ready!

Benjamin Forster’s practice may be positioned within contemporary drawing, bringing together digital and biological technologies, installation and print to trace the boundaries of logic, economy and the role of the artist in art making. He received a Bachelor of Visual Arts with First Class Honours from the Australian National University in 2009.

His Drawing Machine project was exhibited in Hatched 09: The National Graduate Exhibition at PICA, as well as the International Symposium on Computational Aesthetics 09 in Victoria, Canada. In 2012, Forster’s work was included in PRIMAVERA at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney in 2012 and NEW13 at ACCA in 2013.

Benjamin is undertaking a 6 month residency at the MCA during 2013 and will regularly contribute blog posts to the MCA website.

Thursday 28 November, 10am, free for schools outside Metropolitan Sydney, $100 per class for schools within
> BOOK NOW

Join the Museum of Contemporary Art for these exciting video conferences.

September 24, 2013September 30, 2013

YES 2013 LIVE Launch 23rd October, 9:30am

YES 2013 LIVE Launch Video Conference

YES 2013 LIVE LAUNCH: Meet The Hon. Robyn Parker MP, NSW Minister for the Environment and Heritage as schools across NSW present innovative and inspirational examples of sustainability in action

9:30am – 10:30am on Wednesday 23rd October, 2013
Book your seat in the front row at the 2013 Youth Eco Summit!!

This is a unique opportunity to meet the NSW Minister for Environment and Heritage and make your live appearance CENTRE STAGE at the 2013 Youth Eco Summit.

Participating schools will engage in a facilitated discussion on contemporary aspects of sustainability before being joined by The Hon. Robyn Parker MP who will hear from selected primary and secondary schools around NSW, reporting on sustainability initiatives, innovations and achievements in their schools and communities.

All sites connected into the video conference will be appearing in real time on the massive Event Screen at the heart of YES – so hundreds of people onsite will be able to see and hear you!!

The session will progress as follows:

9:30am Meet & greet with discussion on sustainability principles and practice

9:50am Welcome to Country

9:55am Welcome to YES 2013

10:00am Minister’s address

10:05am State of Sustainability (6 schools around NSW will report on sustainability initiatives in their local area)

10:20am Wrap-up & YES Launch

We are working to connect some interstate and overseas schools into this session as well – This will be a memorable connection not to be missed so BOOK NOW!!

Don’t forget, the full range of FREE YES video conferences on 23 and 24 October, 2013 can be viewed here http://www.virtualexcursionsaustralia.com.au/youth-eco-summit-live-free/

and booked here: http://dartconnections.org.au/view-provider?ProviderID=1147835

July 20, 2013July 20, 2013

SciFest 2013

SciFest Video Conferencing Festival

SciFest is a video conferencing festival promoting science and technology. SciFest links up with National Science week and in 2013 we aim to be the biggest video conferencing festival in Australia.

National Science Week is an annual celebration of science in Australia. Join in to enjoy and explore the wonders and benefits of science. The 2013 National Science Week theme for schools is A Century of Australian Science. You can find more National Science week events on the website at www.scienceweek.net.au/

There will be a variety of activities for students and teachers across the 5 day video conferencing festival. This means there will be something to interest every student. See below for some of the great sessions available:

SciFest – Meet the Experts
Date: 5 – 9 August 14:00
Australian Museum is bringing our scientists to you! Meet the Experts aims to provide quality science education and research resources. This is your chance to come face to face with an Australian Scientist

SciFest: Creative chemistry workshop for primary students
Date: 5 August 12.00 & 14.00
Designed to cover a broad range of chemical concepts that is accessible to primary students.- kitchen chemistry found at home- physical changes vs. chemical reactions

SciFest: K – 2 Science in Art
Date: 5 August 9:30am & 10.30am
Explore chemistry in colourful art creations you can make in your class! Your class participates in a number of activities as a series of group activities run in class

SciFest: Primary PD Session – Simple science experiments for Staff Development
Date: 5 August 15:30

The presenter will cover simple ways to demonstrate forces, light, sound and chemistry in your primary classroom. A strong focus is on using cheap materials easily obtainable materials

SciFest – Bugwise
Date: 6 & 7 August Time: 10:00, Date: 8 August Time: 13.00

Bugwise explores the exciting and diverse world of invertebrates. Students will learn how to identify common groups of invertebrates and why they are important.
06Aug

SciFest – Explosive Geology
Date: 6 & 7 August Time: 11:30
The Video conference will look at the dynamic earth forming processes. There will be explosive experiments demonstrated.

SciFest – Life in Freshwater
Date 6 August Time: 13:00, Date: 8 August Time: 11.30
Overview: Overview: Life in Freshwater provides a glimpse into life in freshwater. You will find out how to use water quality collecting and testing equipment and we will look how we impact our water ways and w…

SciFest: Light & Colour Show
Date: 6 August Time: 09:30, 10:30 &12:00
Students learn about properties of light in this fun interactive science show- Investigate rainbows using the visible light spectrum, plus learn about colour addition and subtraction.

SciFest – Snail, Slugs and Slime
Date: 7 August Time: 13:00, Date: 8 August Time: 10.00
We encounter Slime in our environment everyday. Some animals use slime for movement, others for protection, to catch food and to keep their skin hydrated.

SciFest – The Wonderful World of Fishing
Date: 9 August Time: 11:00
Learn all about professional fishing and the NSW seafood industry from those who know it best. Join 4th generation Sydney fisherman Richie Bagnato and OceanWatch Chairman Brad Warren

SciFest: Science of Sound
Date 9 August Time: 09:30, 10.30
What do sound waves look like? Do soundwaves always travel at the same speed? How does the Doppler effect work? What is resonance? How does a soundwave change with pitch and increasing volume?

SciFest Science Week Slam – narrative writing with Paul Stafford
Date 16 August Time: 09:30 & 11.00
Use science as a springboard for ideas to write fast, ferocious and fun narratives. The Scattered Bones team with author and literacy consultant Paul Stafford will present a one-off workshop

SciFest topics and programs will vary over the 5 day to provide flexibility. Bookings are available at DART connections

SciFest event is proudly supported by Virtual Excursions Australia.

July 12, 2013April 16, 2020

Launch of Virtual Excursions Australia

New national partnership connects teachers and students to virtual excursions

SYDNEY, Australia – 11 July 2013 – A new web portal providing access to online education resources was officially launched today by Senator, the Hon Kate Lundy, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister Assisting for Innovation and Industry, Minister Assisting for the Digital Economy.

Virtual Excursions Australia (VEA) is an initiative developed by a network of video conferencing providers from across the country, including arts, cultural, science and other education organisations.

The launch took place at the Interactive Technology in Education Conference (ITEC 2013) at the Sydney Opera House, where digital education programs and leading-edge technologies are being showcased this week.

Senator Kate Lundy and Virtual Excursions Australia content providers

The aim of VEA is to provide educators across the lifelong learning spectrum with information about high-quality videoconferencing events and other educational content delivered via high speed broadband networks.

Karen Player, Museum Outreach Manager for the Australian Museum and Chair of VEA said, “Virtual Excursions Australia is the result of a grass roots collaborative effort by a group of national organisations who wanted to improve how teachers and learners find out about and access the wide array of innovative digital content available today.”

“A high speed broadband connection enables teachers to access a huge choice of interactive online content to engage students and bring the curriculum to life in meaningful ways, without the traditional barrier of the expense and inconvenience of travel. VEA aims to be a portal where educators around Australia can begin their search for local and international resources and connect with content providers,” she said.

VEA will also be organising videoconferencing events, such as an upcoming Teachers Professional Development Day (15 July 2013), ‘SciFest a’ National Science Week Video Conference Festival (5-9 August 2013), Dinosaur Day (4 November 2013), and Clickfest (4-29 November 2013).

The partnering organisations behind the initiative are: Australian Museum, Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum, Australian National Maritime Museum, Bradman Foundation, Fizzics Education, Literature Live, Opera Australia, Museum of Human Disease, Powerhouse Museum, Questacon: The National Science and Technology Centre, State Library NSW, Sydney Living Museums, Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney Opera House, Australian Institute of Policy and Science (AIPS), Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), CAASTRO All-sky Astrophysics University of Sydney, National Film & Sound Archive, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre, Australia’s Academic and Research Network (AARNet), Cisco, Distance and Rural Technologies – NSW Department of Education and Communities, Electroboard and Polycom.

Nick Cross, Education Outreach Manager for AARNet, a VEA partner, said, “The increased availability of high speed networks has provided a stimulus for content providers to invest in real-time interactive service design and delivery. The VEA initiative plays a vital role by bringing together networks of educators and nationally significant content providers, broadening access and enabling meaningful learning experiences.”