Science teaching - the common thread

There are many organisations and institutions committed to the successful and worthwhile delivery of teacher continual professional development and all recognise that collaboration and the sharing of best practise is essential in that delivery. The partnership between the director of the Southern Queensland Science Centre of Innovation & Professional Practice (SCIPP) government organisation and Cardiff University UK at first seems the most unlikely of partnerships – there is no connection other than science education. Universities tend to work at their own speed, and have the reputation of either only interested in research. Teacher interaction is only sought when it comes around to student recruitment. This unlikely working relationship was established at the last NSSE conference in November 2006, and at first glance these two entities seemed only have science education in common. However, the science teacher‘s learning and development is fundamental to both their organisations. SCIPP’s is an initiative funded by the Queensland government as part of its Science Education Strategy 2006-2009, its key focus is to develop and deliver innovative teacher development opportunities by establishing partnerships with the University of Southern Queensland and other organisations. Whilst Cardiff University is committed to deliver a wide range of teacher learning experiences, by linking teaching and research staff and science teachers