Course Summary
Carl Sagan, the renowned astronomer, once said, “Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.” While we teach science, it is crucial to emphasize the processes and thinking behind it. Formulating and developing researchable questions are fundamental to guiding scientific research. This professional learning session highlights the importance of developing questions and how they guide both research and student inquiry. We explore how this applies to marine science, focusing on the intriguing yet notoriously challenging study of cetaceans – whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
Video transcript
Carl Sagan, the renowned astronomer, once said, “Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.” While we teach science, it is crucial to emphasize the processes and thinking behind it. Formulating and developing researchable questions are fundamental to guiding scientific research. This professional learning session highlights the importance of developing questions and how they guide both research and student inquiry. We explore how this applies to marine science, focusing on the intriguing yet notoriously challenging study of cetaceans - whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
You will learn:
- how to support your students towards a career in marine science
- how research scientists build their research projects (and how to help students do the same!)
- how to access and use marine science research data in the classroom.
Course time:
This course is expected to take between 30 to 45 minutes. Perfect for after work or during a spare period. You will have ongoing access via your user dashboard.
Accreditation:
All of our courses are mapped to the Australian Professional Teacher Standards (AITSL), and your completion can be logged as relevant, teacher-identified professional development activity with all Australian state teaching regulatory authorities. To do this, grab your certificate of completion from your personal dashboard once the course is complete.
- Participate in learning to update knowledge and practice, targeted to professional needs and school and/or system priorities.
- Participate in professional and community networks and forums to broaden knowledge and improve practice.
- Contribute to collegial discussions and apply constructive feedback from colleagues to improve professional knowledge and practice.
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Course Content
Questions with Porpoise... Science and Cetaceans
Course Instructor
Sue Mason is a marine scientist with a passion for connecting people to the unique marine life on their doorstep. Originally a primary school teacher, Sue’s journey into marine science began unexpectedly while volunteering on a humpback whale research project in Hawaii. Captivated by these incredible creatures, she returned for multiple seasons before completing a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and a PhD focused on Port Phillip’s common dolphins. Now, she runs 'Cetacean Sisters' workshops on Phillip Island and the Mornington Peninsula, inspiring the next generation of female scientists and advocating for evidence-based conservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I log this PD with my states teaching authority?
Yes! Our courses are mapped to the Australian Professional Teacher Standards (AITSL), and your completion can be logged as elective PD hours with your state's teaching regulatory authority. To do this, grab your certificate of completion from your personal dashboard once the course is complete.
How long will this take to complete?
This course is expected to take between 30 to 45 minutes. Perfect for after work or during a spare period. You will have ongoing access via your user dashboard.
Will I get proof of completion?
You will get a Cool.org certificate when you finish to prove that you have completed this course. You can access this certificate (and your course progress!) anytime via your personal dashboard.
Is this course accredited?
All of our courses are mapped to the Australian Professional Teacher Standards (AITSL), and your completion can be logged as relevant, teacher-identified professional development activity with all Australian state teaching regulatory authorities. To do this, grab your certificate of completion from your personal dashboard once the course is complete.
- Participate in learning to update knowledge and practice, targeted to professional needs and school and/or system priorities.
- Participate in professional and community networks and forums to broaden knowledge and improve practice.
- Contribute to collegial discussions and apply constructive feedback from colleagues to improve professional knowledge and practice.
Who are the instructors?
This course is designed in consultation with teachers, principals, psychologists, counsellors, scientists, and all manner of experts in the education field.
Cool.org's curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum and best educational practice, so you can be sure your learning is at the cutting edge of education theory.
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