Earth Ed

Based in an attractive bush setting adjacent to Mount Clear College in Ballarat, Earth Ed (an abbreviation of ‘Earth Education') is a state-of-the-art specialty science and mathematics education centre that delivers engaging and innovative curriculum content to students from all Victorian schools. With programs for students ranging from Grade 3 to Year 12, Professional Development opportunities for teachers in the area of Science Education, and training facilities in the areas of Mining and Geology education available, Earth Ed is the hub for science in western Victoria. The main aims of the centre are to: Encourage more students across Victoria to engage in Science and Mathematics by offering high quality programs that integrate the latest science equipment and pedagogy Encourage more students to continue studies in Science and Mathematics and ultimately to increase the numbers of students continuing on to a career in a field science or mathematics Provide high quality professional development for teachers. Funded as part of the Victorian Government Science and Mathematics Initiative, Earth Ed is one of six Centres throughout the state that offers engaging educational programs both as excursion sites, and through technology driven outreach programs. The areas of focus for Earth Ed include: Geology and Geomorphology Mining and Engineering Sustainable Energy Sources Paleontology Chemistry Natural Disasters Robotics Earth Ed works with a number of professional and educational partners including the University of Ballarat, Acciona Energy, Castlemaine Goldfields, and Minerals Council of Victoria to ensure that its programs are cutting edge and use specialised equipment relevant to current industry practices. These organisations help by providing valuable resources and expertise to Earth Ed to create a learning experience that is in tune with professional sciences globally. The Earth Ed Centre's design is based around the latest in sustainability practice and also provides facilities for teacher professional development and industry conferences.