Eighty-six high school teachers have converged on CQUniversity Rockhampton (July 13) for a 'Science in Action' professional development conference....

The teachers came from local schools, as well as those as far afield as Gladstone, Blackwater and Biloela.

LINK here to some VIDEO comments about the day

Visiting teachers get some tips in the laboratory

This event was arranged by the CATALIST Science Centre of Innovation & Professional Practice (an initiative of the Department of Education, Training and the Arts) in concert with CQUniversity.

There were presentations by CQUniversity staff, postgraduate students and industry representatives as well as senior teachers and Education Queensland's Science & Technology Manager.

Some of the participants took part in industry tours during the day.

Co-organiser Andrew Daley, the North Rockhampton State High School Head of Department, said teachers were able to become more aware about the current scientific findings in particular fields as well identifying industries and organisations that could help support their lessons.

"It's an opportunity for teachers to brush up on skills or to develop skills," he said.

Rockhampton High School Head of Science Steve Ladley said teachers had the chance to network and to see what was going on in various areas of research.

"They can take these ideas and some of that energy and excitement back into the school and classroom so the kids get excited about science as well," he said.

"The challenge for students today is to see a link between what they learn in the classroom, possible career paths and also the applications of science in society.

"It's about drawing in some of those experiences from industry and from university so we can put some real life experiences and applications to some of the theory we teach kids in schools."

The event was hosted by the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering & Health. Details are available from Dr Bob Newby on b.newby@cqu.edu.au

Laboratory sessions during Science in Action 
R-L Rod Collard (Biloela), Aleisha Houghton (Glenmore), Nikki Kinbacher (Glenmore) and Kim Morris (St Ursula's, Yeppoon)