A Central Queensland University lecturer will question the future of science in Queensland at an upcoming education conference to be held in Longreach, Queensland on 23 and 24 September.

Dr Allan Harrison, senior lecturer in science education at CQU, will present the workshop “The Future of Science in the Smart State: Facing the Challenges?” at the Queensland Independent Education Union Conference.

“Science is in danger of becoming an option at the very time when people need to be scientifically literate to participate in important debates,” Dr Harrison said.

“I believe that knowledge liberates, brings contentment and peace, and enables people to make decisions that benefit their lives and the lives of those around them. I believe education and free access to knowledge is a key human right.

Dr Harrison will discuss the knowledge students and adults need to know to discuss science issues that affect their lives. He will also explain how they can increase their interest in science and learn what they feel they need to know.

In April, Dr Harrison received an international Early Career Research Award for 2002. He taught grade 8 to 12 science for 23 years and in the past 10 years has taught and studied science learning at University.

Entitled “Healthy, Wealthy and Wise: Pack Your Swags”, this ‘Year of the Outback’ endorsed conference will be hosted by the Queensland Independent Education Union and is expected to attract up to 150 delegates.

Educators, parents and tertiary students will explore contemporary approaches to educational practice and curriculum and focus on the future health and wealth of school communities during this one-and-a-half-day event.

Dr William Jonas, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commissioner and Acting Race Discrimination Commissioner will provide the lead keynote address, looking at ‘education as a human right’.

Terry Burke QIEU General Secretary said “this conference will challenge educators and parents to acknowledge and respond to a range of education issues including the future for rural and remote education and boarding schools, the learning needs of indigenous students, ways communities can work together to support teachers and the issue of boys’ learning patterns”.

Keynotes and presenters include Dr Bob Lingard, newly-appointed chair of Queensland Studies Authority; Darren Smith, Education Officer, Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC); David McRae, Education consultant; Megan McNicholls, President of the Isolated Childrens’ Parents Association; Richard Stokes, President of the Australian Boarding Schools Association; Louise Burke, Training Coordinator, Creche and Kindergarten Association of Queensland and many more.

In finding a balance, the conference will also explore health and wealth issues including superannuation, how to avoid being a disadvantaged retiree, dealing with stress and the legal welfare of students.

Numerous professional development workshops will focus on bringing emotional intelligence into your classroom, cultural literacy in curriculum, the future for science curriculum in the ‘Smart State’, managing change, and career alternatives for educators.

Delegates will travel from all corners of Queensland and other states to Longreach. The conference is sponsored by QIEC Super, Teachers’ Union Health and the Queensland Teachers’ Credit Union. For bookings contact QIEU General Secretary Terry Burke on (07) 3839 7020.