Improving science learning

This article reflects on the recent ACER conference 'Boosting science learning: what will it take' and summarises the thoughts of the panel members of the final session who discussed a three-point proposal of science education. These points are: science education needs to be re- imagined; to achieve this requires a new metaphor for science education that will capture its nature and rigorous assessment processes appropriate to this re-imagined science education; and there needs to be a national teacher education agenda which focuses on the re- imagining of the role of the science teacher. The article also summarises a number of other papers delivered at the conference that address the following issues: the crisis of interest in science needs humanistic approach; science curriculum must focus on ideas, evidence and argument; science curriculum requires greater focus on community; boosting science learning through curriculum materials; and highly accomplished science teachers deserve higher pay.