Teacher Professional Development Courses

The field of nuclear medicine has recently seen major advances with the development of new radiopharmaceuticals, called theranostics, which are suited for both diagnostics and therapy. ANSTO is part of this frontier research in Australia.

In this workshop, we will explore hands-on activities you can use with your students which examine some of the fundamental physics concepts and models behind the production of medical radioisotopes at ANSTO, including nuclear stability and fission chain reactions. We will also investigate radioactive decay using authentic science data to determine the half-life of medical radioisotopes. These activities address content from VCE Physics Unit 1 Area of Study 2 as well as ICT skills, critical and creative thinking, and problem-solving.

This PD has been designed specifically with Victorian Physics teachers in mind, but all science teachers are welcome to join.

* Webinar links will be sent closer to the date of the event.
**Please note that the times listed for the sessions are Sydney time. Don't forget to join the webinar at the correct time for your local zone. 

This free course aims to build teacher understanding of the benefits and challenges associated with the production of nuclear medicines. We will also model new ways to teach Year 9 and 10 students about isotopes and radioactivity using ICT, real data and science inquiry skills.

You can choose to join us online during three after-school webinars over three weeks, or a one-day in-person event at ANSTO Lucas Heights.

Part 1: Understanding nuclear medicines 

Teachers will hear from experts and scientists about: 

• Current nuclear medicines: Properties and uses
• Emerging technologies in nuclear medicine
• Managing nuclear waste safely
• Ideas for teaching nuclear medicines in the classroom

Part 2: Tour of ANSTO 

Teachers will participate in a tour of ANSTO's scientific facilities and learn how they are used to make nuclear medicines and manage waste from this process. 

Part 3: Teaching about isotopes and radioactivity 

ANSTO education officers will model teaching activities from the "Investigating Isotopes" data set that help students understand the chemical concepts of isotopes, atomic number, atomic mass, radioactivity and half-life. Participants will collaborate online to discuss and reflect on how they can use or adapt these teaching activities with their students. 

This course is a registered PD with the ACT Teacher Quality Institute (TQI) and represents 5 hours of PD.

Completing Teaching nuclear science in Stage 5: Isotopes, radioactivity and nuclear medicines (in person or live virtual) will contribute 5 hours of NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Accredited PD in the priority area of Delivery and Assessment of NSW Curriculum/EYLF addressing standard descriptors 2.1.2 & 2.6.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW.

Teachers from other states and territories will receive a certificate of completion for their own PD portfolios. This course represents 5 hours of PD.

For enquiries, please call the ANSTO Discovery Centre on (02) 9717 3090 or email [email protected].

* Webinar links will be sent closer to the date of the event.
**Please note that the times listed for the sessions are Sydney time. Don't forget to join the webinar at the correct time for your local zone.