ICT International Presents at GRASS

ICT International recently presented at the 11th University of New England – GRASS – Growing Regional and Agricultural Students in Science – event. This event attracted over 100 vibrant and innovative secondary science school teachers seeking personal development. The event is highly regarded and being endorsed by NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and NSW Science Teachers Association (STA).

Susan Cull, CEO, ICT International, described the process of developing a profitable, technologically advanced, scientific, export focused business. An outcome that is possible in any location in regional NSW if you are passionate about the application of science to solving real world problems.

Alec Downey, Head of Plant Science Applications & Research for ICT International, presented a session on how Sap Flow Meters bring to life in a practical fashion the core curriculum of plant biology, physics, chemistry and maths. Whilst simultaneously addressing the extended STEM curriculum by practically using Datalogging, Coding, Electronics and IoT Communications. Sap Flow Meters are technology and learning in action!

Alec Downey also instructed the teachers in the installation of a SFM1 sap flow meter in a tree, to enable tree water use to be monitored, in litres in real time. Tree water use data sets accessed from the cloud was explained and how cloud water data sets can be used by students for assignments from year 7 to 12.

The UNE GRASS program is designed to support the content from the secondary science syllabus, provide professional development supporting secondary science education and present smart science, smart living and the science feeding the world and saving the planet.
Presentations included in this event are offered by internationally recognised scientists outlining topical and cutting-edge science, and key leaders in secondary science education.

Some of the feedback comments from the teachers who travelled from as far afield as Broken Hill, Albury, ACT, the North, Mid North, Central and South coast regions and across NSW to attend the GRASS Teacher PD event included the following;

“This is one of the most useful PDs around! Very well organised, extremely relevant and a great chance to have the professional conversations we all need”.

“I always enjoy GRASS and there is every time such a great deal of great ideas to take back to our teaching.”

“This is an outstanding event, which is valuable in developing both our knowledge and a “tool box” of ideas/activities”.

ICT International wishes to thank the Armidale High School for its collaboration in allowing ICT to demonstrate its cutting edge sap flow technology to the participating GRASS teachers within the ground of its agricultural plot.

Michael Lush of ICT International demonstrating correct SFM1 installation.

Alec Downey of ICT International on measuring sapwood area.