Some “take-home” ideas Summer schools, scholarships exist (from various universities, and Redfern Photonics) to give students a taste of a possible career ahead. Australians must learn to grasp the business / entrepreneurial aspects of science – be prepared to engage with the “real world” as early as possible (historically, we have had a poor track record in this regard compared to our excellent research innovation.) The internet provides linkages and ongoing “involvement” – teachers and students should learn with it, and use it to develop a professional network of contacts!

The Photonics Institute The Photonics Institute has been established in Canberra by the Australian Photonics CRC in collaboration with the ACT government as a national focus for photonics. Larger goals: To promote advances in photonics technology and technical capability To assist in the establishing a viable photonics industry in Australia Why this is important:  Photonics will enhance Australia’s community infrastructure  High bandwidth technologies --> communications revolution  Strong photonics industry will be a vital component of our economy

The Photonics Institute Initial aims of the Photonics Institute:  Course development - Higher Ed. & Vocational sectors Assist universities, TAFE institutions to develop new programs for photonics teaching and training. Will help meet the needs of the growing Australian photonics industry.  Outreach - High Schools, Colleges & community Perform local (ACT) and national outreach activities to schools, colleges and community science promotion events, assisted by Questacon programs. New curricular materials, professional development for teachers, enrich the learning experience of students. Encourage more students to continue study in physical sciences, engineering.  Professional Development - Industry Short courses for companies and organisations whose staff require photonics skills or awareness. Courses will be introductory, technical or advanced

Worth a visit Check out The Light Guide at Also visit Undergraduate scholarship enquiries: Pamela Thompson

Some questions  How can the Photonics Institute be of service to you, in teaching Physics in Victoria?  Would you be interested in a set of resources provided in the form of a laboratory kit or a CD ROM, say? For example: Teachers’ briefings, background information on photonics principles, photonics industry, reading lists, web sites etc Suggested lesson plans, assignments, tests & solutions Suggested laboratory demonstrations, step-by-step building & operating instructions, handouts, software for simulations, demonstrator’s manual Supplementary information, case studies of recent graduates, industry information, technical presentations, MPG files, project activities  How can the Photonics Institute assist in your professional development as physics teachers seeking to update your knowledge?  In what ways would you like to see photonics included in the curriculum in years to come, and by what means, if any, can the Photonics Institute assist in this process?