A geoscientist who has pioneered taking science out of the classroom into a hands-on, in-the-field experience – particularly for remote area schools – was recognized this week by the Australian Geoscience Council.
This, after Suzy Urbaniak became the nominee for Western Australia for the “Australian of the Year” awards.
Considered a local hero, Urbaniak was recognized for her work in establishing, in the Pilbara region, the Centre of Resources Excellence, known as CoRE.
“Experience enables a student to get a real sense of inquiry, investigation and solution outcomes” – Suzy Urbaniak
CoRE encourages students to be equipped with the right skills and knowledge to take on a variety of career pathways in science and engineering so that the classroom is treated more like a workplace where youth can focus on evolving as scientists.
According to the Australian Geoscience Council, CoRE brought relevance, excitement and aspiration into science classrooms across the country through its hands-on approach to geoscience.
“Taking science learning into a more enriched, hands-on and self-responsible environment will attract more students to these exciting professions and help ensure Australia has the skillsets to play a major if not leading role in what will be increasingly seamless global industries, careers and professions,” Bill Shaw, the Council’s past-president, said in a media statement. “Ms Urbaniak is to be applauded for her vision in establishing the CoRE program concept as a firm foundation on which those very objectives can be met.”