RCT
Measured learning gains
A 2016 randomised controlled trial conducted by Australian Catholic University reported measurable gains in teachers’ science teaching practices and students’ science learning outcomes.
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Impact · Research · Evaluation
Measured. Tracked. Published.
MyScience is a researched model of scientific communities of practice. Its evidence base examines what changes for primary teachers, primary students, secondary teacher-mentors, Year 9/10 MySTics and STEM mentors—and evaluation continues as the Hub model grows.
Six papers
Multiple participant perspectives
Research from 2010–2019 examines primary teachers, primary students, scientist mentors and secondary teacher-mentors across the MyScience model.
2025–26
Evidence that keeps developing
Teacher pre- and post-surveys are being used to evaluate outcomes across the founding Goulburn and Seven Hills Hubs as the program moves into its next phase.
What the evidence indicates
Five participant groups. A connected pattern of change.
The published research looks beyond one outcome or one audience. It considers how the model affects the people learning, teaching and mentoring together.
Primary teachers
Greater confidence and changed practice
Teachers reported greater confidence in science and shifts toward classrooms where students could question, investigate and think more like scientists.
Primary students
A stronger identity as science learners
Students developed greater enjoyment of doing real science and a stronger sense that scientific thinking was something they could participate in.
STEM mentors
A deeper view of how science is learned
Scientist mentors described a stronger appreciation of science learning and teaching, alongside renewed commitment to making science accessible.
Secondary teacher-mentors
More student-centred teaching
Secondary teacher-mentors moved toward more student-centred practice, with some reporting influence on colleagues beyond the MyScience program.
Year 9/10 MySTics
Confidence, enjoyment and independence
MySTics reported gains in confidence, enjoyment and independence in their own secondary science, which they connected to the experience of mentoring younger students.
Evaluation at two levels
Established evidence—and current program monitoring
The historical evidence tests whether the model can create change. Current evaluation tracks how the Hub model performs as delivery expands.
2016
Randomised controlled trial
A stronger test of program outcomes
The Australian Catholic University trial reported measurable gains in teachers’ science teaching practices and students’ science learning outcomes.
2025–26
Ongoing Hub evaluation
Monitoring delivery in the founding Hubs
Teacher pre- and post-surveys are being used across Goulburn and Seven Hills to assess outcomes as MyScience moves from its established educational model into the current Hub structure.
Research library
Explore the published evidence
The studies examine the model from different perspectives, building a more complete picture of how a community of science practice works.
2010
Program model
Increasing student participation in science investigations in primary schools: the MyScience initiative
Read the article — reproduced with permission from Teaching Science2013
2014
2016
2016
Independent evaluation
Great Teaching and Inspired Learning in Science: A Randomised Controlled Trial of the Impact of the MyScience Program
Read the final research report2019
Impact in participants’ words
Evidence becomes visible in the classroom
“I’ve seen a real change in my students when they are empowered to think like scientists—asking thoughtful questions, problem-solving collaboratively, and showing persistence when things don’t go as planned.”Primary Teacher · Crookwell
“This rich learning experience significantly enhanced students’ critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and data analysis skills.”Primary Teacher · Seven Hills West
“Participating in MyScience has been beneficial to our students’ confidence in their understanding of the process of planning, conducting, and reporting on experiments.”Secondary Teacher · Seven Hills
“I learned how to communicate the knowledge I had into a way that younger students would understand.”MySTic · Seven Hills
“I felt proud when I finished testing and could move on to data because I knew I would get the project done.”Primary Student · Braidwood
From evidence to participation
Put evidence-backed science learning into practice
Bring MyScience to a school, contribute as a mentor or help fund a Hub that connects the whole community around real investigations.