Maths Matters to Little Penguins

In August 2009 13 year 11 students from four secondary colleges took part in the first Environmental Research & Analysis Mathematics Camp run at Phillip Island Nature Park (PINP). The camp was made possible by collaborative partnerships developed between South Gippsland Bass Coast Local Learning & Employment Network (SGBCLLEN), PINP, Monash University Gippsland, Dept Education & Early Childhood Development, Mary Mackillop, Newhaven, South Gippsland and Korumburra Secondary Colleges.

The camp offered an opportunity for a number of high level students in the area of mathematics to get together and work with research scientists from PINP. The camp was an appealing math’s opportunity for students in year 11 to encourage the selection of specialist math’s in year 12. Students worked with mentors from Monash University and PINP to developed projects working from real data collected from seal and penguin research.

Early in 2010 the SGBCLLEN with assistance from PINP and South Gippsland Secondary College submitted the ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH & ANALYSIS MATHERMATICS CAMP for the Victorian Science and Mathematics Education Excellence Awards, a key initiative of the Victorian Government’s Energising Science and Mathematics Education in Victoria strategy. The awards recognize and support innovation in science and mathematics education to foster improved partnerships between industry and schools. These awards reinforce the value the Victorian Government places on school partnerships with business, tertiary, government and community organisations.

The Environmental Research & Analysis Mathematics Camp took out first prize for the Gippsland region. The prize included $10,000 that will be spent on future mathematics and science partnerships to enhance learning opportunities for students within Bass Coast and South Gippsland.