Critical mathematical thinking skills create more engaged citizens
Improving children’s understanding of maths helps them develop more balanced decision-making, says a UNSW expert in mathematics education.
Using maths critically allows us to consider complex personal and socio-political issues, such as health, the economy and the environment, says Prof Kim Beswick, director of the Gonski Institute and Head of the School of Education at UNSW.
‘Mathematical practices are fundamental to navigating our everyday lives. Maths helps us make well-founded judgments about all sorts of [day-to-day] things, including food, distance and time, costs, loans and sports, all of which need to be considered in the context of other considerations and priorities,’ she said.
New eSafety resources tackle online abuse in sport
With support from major Australian sporting codes and integrity units, eSafety has launched new sport resources to help stem the tide of online abuse from the grassroots to the elite level. eSafety Sport is a one-stop-shop for administrators, coaches, officials, parents and competitors to learn ways to prevent and manage online abuse in community sport.
A scientific approach to Christmas
Deadly Science, an organisation dedicated to improving science education for Indigenous students, is asking for help to give the gift of Science this Christmas. They are calling on people to hold a Kits-Mas Party.
At your work, among your friends, or with your family you can support DeadlyScience to buy microscopy kits for schools across Australia. For every $600 raised DeadlyScience will send Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learner classrooms: a microscope, microscopy kit, microscopy slides, and a teacher guide.
Deadly Science founder, Corey Tutt says ‘Microscopes inspire and engage learners to find out more. They encourage exploration and reward curiosity.’
Find out more.
Strengthening Life-Giving Work in Timor-Leste and beyond
This World Mission Month has witnessed an exceptional flow of generosity.
At the heart of this World Mission Month appeal was the story of Sr Carolina and the Venilale community in rural Timor-Leste, as they face many health challenges such as tuberculosis and malnutrition.
The funds raised will help keep the Clinic operational and provide vital medication to the people most in need.
It will also help Sr Carolina to expand a recently established nutritional program, as many students lack knowledge in health education, leading to health issues.
In brief:
Two schools with elevated bushfire risk in northern NSW were temporarily closed today (Thursday) due to fire activity in the area. The decision was made to close Jennings Public School and Tabulam Public School with information provided by the NSW Rural Fire Service.
Shocking new figures reveal public housing waitlist blowout in Vic: The Council to Homeless Persons reveals Victorians who have experienced family violence are on average waiting two years for public housing.
What’s On:
Alma Nuns benefit gig: The Alma nuns of East Timor, with virtually no funding, tend to disabled children in Timor Leste, West Papua and Indonesia. At a fundraiser for the Sisters and their work, Anne and Paul, siblings of Tony Stewart, youngest of the Balibo 5, will talk of their association with Timor Leste and its people. They will be joined by some of the Sisters who will discuss their life in the orphanage.
When: Saturday, 18 November, 2-3.30pm (AEST)
Where: St Joseph’s College, 285 Gregory Terrace, Brisbane. Book here.
60th anniversary of Sacrosanctum Concilium: The ACU Centre for Liturgy will host two public lectures in November and December. In a live online lecture on 6 November, Professor Teresa Berger from the Yale University Divinity School will imagine the possible futures of Catholic liturgy beyond Sacrosanctum Concilium, including what liturgy will have to become in the 21st century.
The Centre will also host Professor Fr John Baldovin, SJ in Melbourne for a free public lecture on 3 December, examining the reception of the Constitution and whether the vision of liturgical reform is in peril.
Professor Johnson will deliver a lecture at St Mary’s Cathedral on 29 November as part of a new series in Sydney on the liturgical maturation of Sacrosanctum Concilium during Pope Francis’ pontificate.
Eco-Spiritual Praxis Today Seminar (Online): Margie Abbott RSM will lead those attending in a series of practices, offering insights into the theoretical underpinnings of her work. The sessions will include examples, discussion, and creative interaction. The focus is on ecological spirituality, encompassing practical exercises and thoughtful exploration.
Tuesday, 21 November, 2023, 9.30am (AEDT)
Tuesday, 28 November 28, 2023, 12pm (AEDT)
Find out more.
Science Week grants open: Grants are available to support events in National Science Week 2024. You can apply for between $2000 and $20,000, and the total grant pool is $500,000, provided by the Australian government.
Applications close at 5pm AEDT, Monday, 11 December 2023.
Find out more.