Academic Resources

Innovative three-dimensional technology used in motion pictures such as Avatar will be employed by secondary science teachers following the launch of a new 3D online and CD resource for chemistry and biology this month (March).

The Primary Industry Centre for Science Education’s (PICSE) The Organic Chemistry Teaching Resource and MoleculeVisualiser provide classroom-ready activities that engage students and teachers, with the focus on Australian science.

However, it is not just these that make this resource unique; new 3D rotational technology will allow students to see molecules in a whole new light.

PICSE USQ Science Education Officer Kay Lembo said up until recently, the technology used in MoleculeVisualiser had only been used by working research scientists and PhD students.

‘We are proud to now have the transformed technology in a suitable format for secondary school students and teachers,” Ms Lembo said. The resources are free and available from http://mv.picse.net/

With this program, students simply enter the name of a molecule and hit submit. The program will bring up the molecules physical properties, its 2D and 3D image, which is fully rotational, plus practical information on how this molecule is relevant and used in the primary industries sector.

PICSE USQ Education Officer, Lisa Haller, said students would be amazed at the science and technology.

‘Industry are also excited we are promoting new, relevant science,’ Mrs Haller said.

‘The resources allow users to investigate derivative chemicals in poppies and their implications for human health, alkaloid chemicals in almonds, cheese making, fermentation in beer, and pesticides used in the cotton sector.’

The PICSE team worked closely with scientists and industry representatives to ensure the resource included the latest research and information. They also worked with teachers to ensure the activities link with the curriculum and provides practical, easy to understand teaching activities.

PICSE is a national program delivered in regional and metropolitan centres and universities throughout Australia. The program is working to attract talented students to study science, an area which is suffering from major skills shortages.

http://forensicsp.org/ is a forensic psychology web site and useful resource for  that field.
Contact Details:
Madeleine Tiller, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 1163, 0400 025 429