Chemical Education Division


Founded in the late 1960s, the Chemical Education Division supports RACI state branch chemical education groups through facilitating activities with secondary school teachers and students (including titration competition heats, crystal growing and lecture tours). In this way we can help advance the teaching of chemistry at both the secondary and tertiary levels, and promote interest in, and understanding of, chemistry.


 

Our purpose

 

We created the Chemical Education Division to:

  • provide a networking platform for those with a common interest across multiple education sectors
  • disseminate the latest research in, and applications of, chemistry education and practice
  • provide for the professional development of secondary and tertiary educators
  • encourage students to embark on a career in chemical sciences and teaching.

 

Regular Events 

 

Our Chemical Education Division is very active in holding regular events. Highlights include:

  • A Symposium scheduled in between RACI Congress events which aims to bring together the diverse community representing chemistry educators (engaged in research and practice) who teach in tertiary and secondary contexts in Australia
  • events on Discipline Day at the Australian Conference for Science and Mathematics Education
  • utilising the Chemistry Discipline Network (ChemNet) to share news and resources to subscribers in order to build strong communication for the Division and reach the wider community of chemistry educators.

 

 

 

Divisional Awards

 

We present a range of awards to recognise the contribution of our members to chemical education. Highlights include:

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  • Medal for Outstanding Contribution to Chemical Education

    • Recognises outstanding contributions to the teaching of chemistry and science in general over an extended period.

    • Learn more
  • Centenary of Federation Teaching Awards

    • Rewards outstanding excellence in the teaching of chemistry in Australia for primary and secondary educators.

    • Learn more
  • Chemistry Educator of the Year Award
    • Designed to encourage early career teachers, and is open to tutors, lecturers and senior lecturers (academic levels A, B and C) teaching in undergraduate or postgraduate university courses. The recipient is invited to author a perspective article in the RACI journal Chemistry in Australia, describing their contribution to chemistry teaching.
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  • Chemistry Education Division Medal
    • Awarded to those who have demonstrated a sustained contribution over time, and who have demonstrated national leadership and impact.
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  • Chemistry Education Division Citation
    • Awarded to those who have made significant contribution to chemistry education through teaching, generating on learning materials, interactions with the community, curriculum development, catering to diverse groups or groups with special needs, and general service to the Division.
    • Learn more

 

Divisional committee

Position Name
Chair Elect - Dr Reyne Pullen
Treasurer - Dr Stephanie S. Schweiker
Chair - Dr Erica Smith
Secretary - Dr Sara Kyne
Past Chair - Gwen Lawrie
ECR Representative - Dr Stephen George-Williams

 

Become involved

 

If you would like more information on our Chemical Education Division, or how to become involved, please contact us

 Contact us

Chemistry in Australia Magazine

You will have online access to 4 quarterly issues of Chemistry in Australia, the RACI’s member magazine, per year.

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