Opening the Doors to Science 30 November 2009

Posted on 30 November 2009 by Lynelle Ross

PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT IS AT THE STATE LIBRARY OF QUEENSLAND

A bookend Brisbane Writers Festival event in partnership with BrisScience proudly presents

OPENNING THE DOORS TO SCIENCE Presented by UK Author, Len Fisher

IgNobel Prize winning physicist, Len Fisher, has captured the public imagination with his personal approach to popular science writing. Topics range from the physics of biscuit dunking to the use of the mathematics of co-operation to help resolve resource depletion and global warming. Len Fisher is author of Rock, Paper, Scissors: Game Theory in Everyday Life; How to Dunk a Doughnut: The Science of Everyday Life; Weighing the Soul: The Evolution of Scientific Ideas; and, The Perfect Swarm: The Science of Complexity in Everyday Life.

WHEN: 6.30 pm ‚Äì 7.30 pm (Doors open at 6 pm) WHERE: State Library of Queensland, Auditorium 1 Questions? Contact Lynelle Ross (l.ross@smp.uq.edu.au)

====================================================== UPCOMING BRISSCIENCE TALKS visit www.BrisScience.org for further details.

14 December – Numbers: From -1 to 2 raised to the power of infinity Presented by Dr Daryl Cooper, University of California, Santa Barbara One cornerstone of mathematics is the concept of number. We learn in primary school that when you multiply two negative numbers the answer is positive. A few years back a prominent columnist claimed that this was wrong and that the answer is really negative. We will start by explaining why the answer is indeed positive. This explanation illustrates a key stepping stone for tonight‚Äôs lecture: all numbers are abstractions. From here we will explain exactly what infinity is, how to do basic arithmetic with infinity, why there are different sizes of infinity, and why 2 raised to the power infinity is always bigger than the infinity you first thought of!

Two lessons come from this. First one must have a very precise understanding of a concept before trying to reason about it. Second, and perhaps most importantly: advanced mathematics is full of amazingly beautiful and intriguing ideas, some of which are far crazier than the weirdest science fiction, or the most bizarre hallucinations. However these ideas are as real and certain as that 2+2=4.

* Time: 6:30pm to 7:30pm (Doors open at 6pm) * Venue: Ithaca Auditorium, Brisbane City Hall * Refreshments: There will be complimentary drinks and nibblies following the talk, and Daryl will be available to answer any questions. * Questions? Contact Lynelle (l.ross@smp.uq.edu.au)

====================================================== To join or leave our mailing list please email l.ross@smp.uq.edu.au or visit BrisScience at www.BrisScience.org Become a friend of BrisScience on Facebook! Visit us at www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5211859132 Please forward this email to friends, colleagues and family!

===================================================== From your friendly BrisScience Co-ordinators, Joel, Andrew and Lynelle c/o School of Mathematics and Physics, The University of Queensland, Brisbane Australia, 4072 ======================================================

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“Measuring the effectiveness of specialist science enrichment programs”

Posted on 30 November 2009 by ASC Webmaster

> > Some PhD scholarships with a slightly different theme. Please forward to > anyone you think may be interested… > > > Dear Colleagues > > We are seeking three highly motivated PhD students to work within a project > funded by the Australian Research Council, the Graham (Polly) Farmer > Foundation and the Gravity Discovery Centre. The title of the project is > ³Measuring the Effectiveness of Specialist Science Enrichment Programs². > > Please forward the attachment with details of 3 Three APAI scholarships to > potentially interested people. Brief description below. > Closing date is 15th December. > > ³Candidates > Candidates could be experienced science teachers with appropriate > qualifications, recent Bachelor of Science or Engineering graduates with an > interest in education, or graduates of double degrees that combine science > with arts or social sciences. All should have a serious interest in astronomy > and physics and in working with school students. Candidates will be expected > to develop education programmes, work closely with school classes and then > evaluate student responses. The PhD students will be expected to focus their > research on one of three types of educational programs all delivered through > the Gravity Discovery Centre as follows: > > a) Specialised Enrichment: Innovative high quality programs already > developed by the Gravity Discovery Centre and comparable to many enrichment > programs offered by diverse facilities across Australia. These activities > include both pre-visit and post-visit classroom activities and international > links. > b) Motivating through Research: Students will use the Zadko telescope and > interact with research students. This aspect of the program will enable > students to discover new astronomical objects and to provide improved data for > known objects (asteroids, near Earth objects, gamma ray bursts and > supernovae). > c) Learning through Narrative: Students will use the Cosmology Gallery > facilities. Here we will focus on the story of the universe and compare > cultural creation stories at the Gravity Discovery Centre with the scientific > story. This unique facility is specifically designed for multi-cultural > approaches to learning. > > We particularly welcome applications from people with special interest in > working with Indigenous students, with specialised knowledge of astronomy and > teaching through a narrative approach.² > > > ******************************************* > A/Professor M G Zadnik > Dept of Imaging and Applied Physics > Curtin University > GPO Box U 1987 > Perth, 6845 > Western Australia > > Tel: + 61 8 9266 2326 > Fax +61 8 9266 2377 > Office Building 301.113 > > email m.zadnik@curtin.edu.au > CRICOS Provider Code 00301J > ******************************************* > >

job opportunity – physics undergrad education at ANU

Posted on 30 November 2009 by ASC Webmaster

Posted on behalf of ANU…

Laboratory Development Officer (G476-09TG)

Quantum Science, Research School of Physics and Engineering, ANU College of Physical Sciences

More details: http://jobs.anu.edu.au/PositionDetail.aspx?p=1004

Join the Centre for Learning and Teaching in Physical Sciences in the Research School of Physics and Engineering as a Laboratory Development Officer and be a leader in the undergraduate experimental programs. Location Canberra/ACT Term of Contract Permanent Grade ANU Officer Grade 8 (Technical) Salary Package $74,294 – $79,639 pa plus 17% superannuation Closing Date 10 December 2009 Position Overview: The Learning and Teaching Centre in Physical Sciences (CLTPS) in the Research School of Physics and Engineering has modern, well equipped laboratories serviced by a team of dedicated professionals. This position will be part of the team and will have a major role in developing and maintaining the undergraduate experimental program in Physics. The position will extensively liaise and interact with academic staff and students to support the aim of the area to become a world leader in Physics Education. If you have the experience and qualifications necessary to succeed and are keen to join a leading team in research-led education, we would welcome your application.

Enquiries: Mr Andrew Papworth, T: 02 6125 2808, E: Andrew.Papworth@anu.edu.au

Selection criteria A. Qualifications 1. Progress towards or Postgraduate qualifications in Physics or a related field plus extensive experience; or extensive experience and technical management expertise; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training. Etc… see weblink for more details: http://jobs.anu.edu.au/PositionDetail.aspx?p=1004

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ASC AGM (national) – call for nominations and agenda items

Posted on 27 November 2009 by MegRive

Hi, all

As previously advised, ASC’s national Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 16 December at 6pm, at the Clarendon Hotel, 156 Devonshire St, Surry Hills in New South Wales.

Please take this opportunity to have your say in your ASC, and to help shape the activities and direction of our organisation and catch up with other members.

If you wish to add an item for discussion at the AGM (including a notice of motion) or to nominate yourself or someone else for the role of ASC President, please email me (meg.rive@csiro.au) by COB Thursday 10 December. Please include your ASC member number (if you know it). Note that notices of motion require a proposer and a seconder, and nominations for President need to be agreed by the nominee.

I will circulate the agenda to the ASC-list and call for proxies a week before the AGM.

The AGM will be followed by a rollicking Science Trivia event (details below).

Cheers

Meg

Knowing our oceans, securing our future

________________________________ From: asc-list-bounces@lists.asc.asn.au [mailto:asc-list-bounces@lists.asc.asn.au] On Behalf Of Prismatic Sciences Sent: Thursday, 12 November 2009 9:37 PM To: asc-list@lists.asc.asn.au Subject: [ASC-list] ASC AGM (national) and Science Trivia Night

ASC AGM (national) and Science Trivia Night – or a ‘deep and meaningful discussion followed by laughs and prizes’ 6.00 pm, 16 December 2009 Clarendon Hotel, 156 Devonshire St, Surry Hills NSW 2010 ASC members free, non-members $5 for Science Trivia event

This year economic gloom and then glimmer has strangled the media of most other matters. It is up to us to grasp back the garrotte and grapple with where the truly wild things are – in the thickets and imagination of science communication.

We commence our quest in Sydney by inviting you to attend the national ASC AGM. In this tightly run and quick moving meeting all will be revealed about the past year’s activities at the national level and we divine the portents for the year to come. Of course the AGM itself is a portent – of elections (details to be announced soon).

The national AGM is a very important event in the ASC year. You get a chance to hear and talk about how the year has gone across the country, receive reports from the president and the treasurer, elect the new president and put forward your ideas about what we should be doing in the year ahead …the “big picture” stuff. NSW is the biggest ASC branch, and so it is the right place for all this to be happening. You will also hear about plans for our forthcoming national conference. Be there.

RSVP: Meg Rive, meg.rive@csiro.au, 0438 007 301

But wait there is more!

The Science Trivia Night will follow closely on the breeze of the fast moving AGM. This hotly contested, controversial fun event will be compered by quiz master David Ellyard. Prizes – there will be many, Challenges – even more, Laughter – abundant, Beer – on tap, Wine – from bottles!

When: 7.30 pm for Science Trivia event, 16 December 2009 Where: Clarendon Hotel, 156 Devonshire St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Tel: (02) 9699 6001 Who: ASC members for AGM which starts at 6.00pm; everyone invited to Science Trivia event from 7.30pm How much: ASC members free, non-members $5 for Science Trivia event Why: reflection, insight, and to find out who is the science trivia maven of 2009. Also tasty nibbles provided. RSVP: Meg Rive, meg.rive@csiro.au, 0438 007 301

Cheers, Jesse

Jesse Shore, PhD Prismatic Sciences Science communicator P: (02) 9810 2328 M: 0415 841 276 E: jesse@prismaticsciences.com W: www.prismaticsciences.com

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Media skills workshop in Brisbane Monday November 30; discount for accredited ASC members

Posted on 26 November 2009 by Jenni

Reminder re workshop on Monday, 30 November

There are still a few spaces available in the November 30 workshop in Brisbane , and accredited ASC members can register at a discount of $100 per person.

Date: 30th November 2009

Time: 9am – 5pm (please arrive by 8.45am)

Venue: The Recreation Room

Department Of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation

Level 22, 111 George St, Brisbane

http://maps.google.com.au/maps?hl=en&tab=wl http://maps.google.com.au/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

Cost: $650 + GST per person ($715.00) (ASC members – $550+GST per person)

Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided. If you have specific dietary requirements please state this on your email when you register.

To book yourself or members of your organisation into this course, please email Michelle Burton at admin@econnect.com.au

If you need more information please email me or call on (07) 3846 7111 or visit our web page http://www.econnect.com.au/ws_media.htm http://www.econnect.com.au/ws_media.htm

Please feel free to forward this onto any colleagues who you think may be interested.

Cheers

Jenni Metcalfe

Director Econnect Communication

PO Box 734

South Brisbane Q 4101

Australia

www.econnect.com.au

jenni@econnect.com.au

phone: + 61 7 3846 7111, +0408 551 866

skype: jenni.metcalfe

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Three APAI PhD scholarships available

Posted on 25 November 2009 by ASC Webmaster

We are seeking three highly motivated PhD students to work within a project funded by the Australian Research Council, the Graham (Polly) Farmer Foundation and the Gravity Discovery Centre. The title of the project is

Measuring the Effectiveness of Specialist Science Enrichment Programs

Closing date is 15 December. Please forward a current CV, including contact details, academic transcripts and a cover letter explaining your interest in and expertise with any of the three aspects of the project by email to Ruby Chan (rpc@cyllene.uwa.edu.au). Applicants will be notified by 22 December.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION This research links academics interested in promoting and enhancing science education and communication from the University of Western Australia, Curtin University of Technology, the University of Glasgow, the Gravity Discovery Centre (a specialist centre for school science enrichment), and industry partner The Graham (Polly) Farmer Foundation which specializes in providing education enrichment to indigenous disadvantaged students in remote schools.

The project will make use of the extensive facilities of the Eureka Prize-winning Gravity Discovery Centre, UWAs large new robotic telescope The Zadko Telescope and university facilities at UWA and Curtin. The aim of the research is to evaluate the effectiveness of science enrichment programs delivered through the Gravity Discovery Centre in changing students attitudes towards science, student career goals and expectations as well as their science understanding.

The research will provide an exceptional opportunity for research training and collaborative partnerships within the fields of science, science education and science communication. The PhD students will be based in the Faculty of Life and Physical Science at UWA, but will be required to liaise and work with the Gravity Discovery Centre (approximately 80km north of Perth) and schools in Western Australia.

CANDIDATES Candidates could be experienced science teachers with appropriate qualifications, recent Bachelor of Science or Engineering graduates with an interest in science communication and education, or graduates of double degrees that combine science with arts or social sciences. All should have a serious interest in astronomy and physics and in working with school students. Candidates will be expected to develop education programmes, work closely with school classes and then evaluate student responses.

The PhD students will be expected to focus their research on one of three types of educational programs all delivered through the Gravity Discovery Centre as follows:

a) Specialised Enrichment: Innovative high quality programs already developed by the Gravity Discovery Centre and comparable to many enrichment programs offered by diverse facilities across Australia. These activities include both pre-visit and post-visit classroom activities and international links.

b) Motivating through Research: Students will use the Zadko telescope and interact with research students. This aspect of the program will enable students to discover new astronomical objects and to provide improved data for known objects (asteroids, near Earth objects, gamma ray bursts and supernovae).

c) Learning through Narrative: Students will use the Cosmology Gallery facilities at the Gravity Discovery Centre. Here we will focus on the story of the universe and compare cultural creation stories at the Gravity Discovery Centre with the scientific story. This unique facility is specifically designed for multi-cultural approaches to learning.

We particularly welcome applications from people with special interest in working with indigenous students, with specialised knowledge of astronomy and teaching through a narrative approach.

Coinvestigators: Prof David Blair, Prof Grady Venville, A/Prof Nancy Longnecker, A/Prof Mario Zadnik, A/Prof David Coward.

For more information, contact:

Assoc Prof Nancy Longnecker

Coordinator, Science Communication Program Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences, M011 The University of Western Australia 35 Stirling Highway Crawley, WA 6009

ph: 61 8 6488 3926 email: nancy.longnecker@uwa.edu.au

There is no point explaining everything in the universe if no one is listening to you. UWA Sci Comm student, 2009

CRICOS Provider No. 00126G

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Temporary communications position with the Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist

Posted on 25 November 2009 by ASC Webmaster

The position I alerted you to yesterday is only being advertised internally in the Qld Govt, so those with an external IP address will not be able to access the online information. External people are welcome to apply. Here’s everything you need to know about the job and applying for it:

Temporary (maternity leave backfill) communications position with the Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist.

* Senior Communications Project Officer * A07 – $84793 – $90921 per year * Temporary full-time for up to 12 months * Starting late January * Applications close 15 December 2009 * Applications need to quote job ad reference – QLD/PR1017E/09

For more information, contact me (as per my signature block) or my manger Melanie Gray on 3225 1083, melanie.gray@premiers.qld.gov.au.

Email applications to melanie.gray@premiers.qld.gov.au or directly to the HR fairies at jobvac.dpc@ssa.qld.gov.au, quoting the job ad reference.

About the Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist The Office supports the Queensland Chief Scientist in providing high level strategic advice on improving the contribution of science, research and innovation to Queensland’s economic, social and environmental performance. The Queensland Chief Scientist chairs various high level boards and committees including the Smart State Council Standing Committee and R&D Queensland.

Your opportunity You will develop, implement and coordinate communications and marketing strategies and activities to support the Queensland Chief Scientist in raising the profile of Queensland’s science, research and innovation to a range of audiences.

Your key accountabilities *

Coordinate the communication activities of the Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist * Manage the media liaison for the Queensland Chief Scientist * Project manage events, such as Science in Parliament * Conduct and coordinate research, analysis and review of complex science related issues which may be required to support communication activities. * Copy edit major reports in preparation for publication, printed and web format. * Manage and participate in communication project teams across the department and government. * Develop and maintain effective networks and liaison between the Office and its range of stakeholders, both inside and outside government.

Are you the right person for this job? 1.

Use or deploy expert writing skills in a variety of settings and styles, sensitive to the context and the impact of the message (written communication) 2. Manage people and projects well to meet deadlines through effective goal-setting, resource allocation, contingency planning and performance evaluation (planning) 3. Establish priorities and organise work flow to meet strict deadlines and produce quality outcomes (organising) 4. Analyse, interpret and solve difficult problems, engaging team and management input to produce accurate and timely solutions (problem solving) 5. Demonstrate confidence, initiative and the capacity to work autonomously where required (standing alone)

Further info If you are interested in applying for this job you should:

* complete the attached Advertised Position Application Form * submit a short (no more than) two (2) page statement focusing on the competencies* (knowledge, skills and attributes) outlined in “Are you the right person for this job?” * attach a current resume, including the names and contact details of two (2) referees with a thorough knowledge of your competencies for this role. One of your referees should be your current or immediate past supervisor * email your application to melanie.gray@premiers.qld.gov.au or directly to the HR fairies at jobvac.dpc@ssa.qld.gov.au, quoting the job ad reference.

pdf icon advertised position application.pdf

Australian Science Communicators

The national forum for science communicators and science journalists

Monthly Archives: November 2009

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