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.

2023 Chemistry Education Division AGM!

This event will be online only, and we welcome all members interested in the division including (but not limited to) students, casual teaching staff, secondary teachers, industry, and education-interested academics.

 A full agenda will be circulated to registered attendees the day before the AGM, but the three key items will include:

• A wrap-up of 2023 including successes, ongoing projects, and events we have contributed to.
• Election of a new Treasurer for 2024 (and celebrating the contributions of outgoing treasurer, Dr Stephanie Schweiker).
• An opportunity for community contributions to the direction and focus of the division.

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. 
  

2023 Chemistry Education Symposium
Monday 3 July to Tuesday 4 July 2023 - Gold Coast, QLD

Click below to register:
https://raci.org.au/RACI/Web/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=CED1473

Division Awards

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

• Chemistry Education Division Medal
  • Awarded to those who have demonstrated a sustained contribution over time, and who have demonstrated national leadership and impact.
  • Learn more
    
    
• 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

Related National Awards

• 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.
  • Learn more

• Fensham Medal for Outstanding Contribution to Chemical Education

  • Recognising outstanding contributions to the teaching of chemistry and science in general over an extended period, the Fensham Medal is the most senior award for education in the RACI.
    
    Learn more >

 Become Involved

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

  Contact us

The Chemistry Discipline Network

The Primary way in which we communicate with our division is via The Chemistry Discipline Network.  The Network was funded by the Australian Learning and Teaching Council from 2011 - 2013. The network continues as a way to connect people with an interest in tertiary chemistry education:  http://www.chemnet.edu.au.