Links to Enrichment Projects Suitable for Gifted Students

(Agencies Outside Schools)

www.csiro.au/crest/

CREativity in Science and Technology (CREST) students undertake science and technology research projects which involve three elements:  creativity, perseverance, and application.  The projects are offered at different levels and provide challenges for all abilities and at both primary and secondary school.  Links are made with industry or community workers and students gain a new understanding of the role of science and engineering in the community.  Teachers are supported in providing this valuable educational experience. 

http://www.csiro.au/services/DoubleHelixClub.html

CSIRO’s Double Helix Science Club is the official science club of CSIRO.  For 18 years, the Double Helix Science Club has inspired hundreds of thousands of young Australians to explore science.  The Double Helix Science Club also offers a selection of programs and resources for schools, teachers and other interested members of the community. 

 http://www.asta.edu.au/resources/spectra

 SPECTRA is a national program organized by the Australian Science Teachers Association.  It is a series of science activities that may include practical and observational activities, visits, research and experimental work.  SPECTRA aims to stimulate and maintain interest in science.  There are two levels, Junior SPECTRA for students in Years 1-4 and SPECTRA for Years 4-9.  Students complete activities related to their chosen topic.  Students work to complete enough activities to be awarded an attractively designed and nationally recognized badge and certificate.  They are able to choose a style of badge to display; button or cloth for Junior SPECTRA and button, cloth or cast metal for SPECTRA.

 www.vsg.educ.au

The VSG (Virtual School for the Gifted) is an online school which specializes in providing enrichment courses to compliment and extend the regular curriculum.  The VSG works with schools and home schools to provide courses to challenge able students. 

http://www.engquest.org.au/WhatsEngQuest.aspx

EngQuest is an engaging, hands-on way for your students to achieve key learning outcomes in science, mathematics and technology.

http://btc.montana.edu/ceres/html/EdActivities.html

NASA researchers have created a series of web-based astronomy and astrobiology lessons for the CERES Project. These classroom-ready activities for K-12 students represent a robust combination of contemporary teaching/learning strategies from the National Science Education Standards.

http://quest.nasa.gov/projects/smart_skies/

Decision-making in air traffic control using proportional reasoning and distance-rate-time relationships.

http://www2.edc.org/makingmath/mathproj.asp

Mathematical Research Projects

http://nrich.maths.org/public/index.php

NRICH, the maths enrichment site supports teachers and learners of mathematics with thousands of free resources which are designed to develop subject content knowledge and problem-solving skills.

http://wordbox.bravehost.com/

Wordbox centrally lists Australian writing competitions and opportunities, literary events, workshops and reading activities as a resource for school-aged Australians.

http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/projects/index.html#wind

A number of science and energy activities for students, K-12. Each of them have a short description on this page and then a link to the actual activity.

http://www.originenergy.com.au/osj/template.php?pageid=2056

Origin Energy runs a competition called The Switch Awards which focus on energy and the environment, and the community. This website allows primary students to work through a series of activities to produce a project to enter into the competition.

http://www.robocupqld.net.au/

RoboCup Junior is a project-oriented educational initiative that sponsors local, regional and international robotic events for young students. It is designed to introduce RoboCup to primary and secondary school children, as well as undergraduates. RoboCup Junior offers several challenges, each emphasising both cooperative and competitive aspects. For young students, RoboCup Junior provides an exciting introduction to the field of robotics, a new way to develop technical abilities through hands-on experience with electronics, hardware and software, and a highly motivating opportunity to learn about teamwork while sharing technology with friends.