How tiny bubbles reveal a huge problem – recording available in members area

How tiny bubbles revealed a huge problem: Analysing real ice core data

Data analysis is an important part of scientific investigations! This workshop investigates how teachers can build student confidence and capabilities in data analysis by exploring one of our data set resources. ANSTO scientists use naturally occurring radioisotopes to monitor changes in the environment over long time scales. As one example of this research, Dr Andrew Smith uses ice cores from the Antarctic to determine changes in temperature and atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations. In this workshop, teachers will investigate this ANSTO resource, which enables students to examine authentic scientific data showing 800,000 years of greenhouse gas concentrations. We will explore ways students can analyse the data to arrive at the same conclusions as the scientists. This resource addresses Science Inquiry Skills such as processing and analysing data, problem solving and communicating, as well as ICT skills and critical and creative thinking. Teachers can also use this resource to cover Science Understanding content in Chemistry, Biology and Earth and Environmental Science.=

Presenters: Julie Mulholland and Dr Bridget Murphy

Julie Mulholland is an Education Officer from Australia’s Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO). She is a highly experienced science educator, having over 30 years of experience teaching science, senior chemistry and senior physics in both TAFE and high schools, as well as 14 years as a Head Teacher Science. In 2013, she achieved a Minister’s award for excellence in teaching. Julie is instrumental in developing ANSTO’s data set resources for high school students.

Bridget Murphy has a background in biological science research and science education at secondary and tertiary levels. Bridget is the Education Manager at the ANSTO Discovery Centre and is responsible for developing and delivering new programs for high school students and professional development for secondary teachers.