[Catalist] Quantum Physicist Professor Michelle Simmons

[Michael McGarry]

Greetings Science Colleagues,

“Professor Michelle Simmons, a professor of quantum physics at the University of NSW, has expressed her horror at the “feminized” nature of the HSC physics curriculum.

Professor Simmons’s Biography URL: http://www.cqc2t.org/biography/98 <http://www.cqc2t.org/biography/98>
“Delivering the 2017 Australia Day address on Tuesday, Professor Simmons said it was a “disaster” to try to make physics more appealing to girls by substituting rigorous mathematical problem-solving with qualitative responses.”

Reference 1 URL: http://www.smh.com.au/technology/sci-tech/australia-day-address-orator-michelle-simmons-horrified-at-feminised-physics-curriculum-20170124-gtxoi2.html <http://www.smh.com.au/technology/sci-tech/australia-day-address-orator-michelle-simmons-horrified-at-feminised-physics-curriculum-20170124-gtxoi2.html>
Here is the evidence for Professor Simmons’s 2017 Australia Day comment.

"Secondary-sourced investigations

● Make a documentary or media report

● Conduct a literature review

● Develop an evidence-based argument

● Write a journal article

● Write an essay–historical or theoretical

● Develop an environmental management plan

● Analyse a work of fiction or film for scientific relevance

● Create a visual presentation

● Investigate emerging technologies."

Reference 2 URL: https://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/syllabuses/curriculum-development/pdf_doc/st6-physics-draft-syl-16-v5.pdf <https://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/syllabuses/curriculum-development/pdf_doc/st6-physics-draft-syl-16-v5.pdf> [Page 25]

Reply from NSW ESA to Professor Simmons’s 2017 Australia Day comment as reported by the SMH:

“A spokesman for the NSW Education Standards Authority (formerly BOSTES) said the new HSC science curriculum would commence in 2018.”

He said: "The new courses address the exact concerns expressed by Professor Simmons.”

"The physics and chemistry courses will have a greater focus on mathematical applications."

Q: NSW Physics Syllabus (2018) has greater focus on mathematical applications?

A: NO. NSW Physics Syllabus (2018) has less focus on mathematical applications.

“He also said there will be a reduction in the sociology-based content and an emphasis on practical investigations.”

Q: NSW Physics Syllabus (2018) has a reduction in sociology-based content?

A: NO. NSW Physics Syllabus (2018) has increased sociology-based content.

The 20-year Decline in Science and Mathematics Achievement in Australia

Evidence of Decline in TIMSS and PISA scores of Australian students (Revisited)

URL 4: https://www.teachermagazine.com.au/geoff-masters <https://www.teachermagazine.com.au/geoff-masters>
URL 5: https://www.acer.edu.au/timss/australian-results-timss-2015-dec-2016 <https://www.acer.edu.au/timss/australian-results-timss-2015-dec-2016>
URL 6: https://www.acer.edu.au/about-us/media/media-releases/latest-pisa-results-australia-at-the-crossroad <https://www.acer.edu.au/about-us/media/media-releases/latest-pisa-results-australia-at-the-crossroad>
Colleagues, we have already witnessed an alarming 20-year Decline in Science and Mathematics Achievement in Australia, measured in TIMSS and PISA scores.

Should the NSW Education and Standards Authority persist in implementing their 2018 upper-secondary Physics syllabus, which evidence in this upload has shown, has less focus on mathematical applications, and more focus on ‘sociology-based’ content, I predict we will see a 30-year decline in School Mathematics and Science achievement in Australia?

Best Wishes,

Michael John McGarry
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