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conSCIENCE
Are We Ready for the Next Drought?
By Craig Simmons
After two La Niña summers, our level of concern about water security is inversely proportional to the water levels in our dams.
Professor Craig Simmons is Director of the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training at Flinders University.
The full text of this article can be purchased from Informit.
Global Outlook for Nuclear Energy
By Michael Angwin
Despite the Fukushima disaster, Australian uranium miners are confident that the growing demand for electricity in a carbon-constrained world will drive an increase in nuclear power generation.
Michael Angwin is CEO of the Australian Uranium Association.
The full text of this article can be purchased from Informit.
Rise Up, Citizen Scientists

Scientists must play an active part in informing and shaping the debate and in developing technology options. Credit: iStockphoto
By Peter J. Cook
What passes for debate over technological priorities to decarbonise energy production needs to be better informed – and scientists need to lead the discussion.
Professor Peter Cook was the Chief Executive of CO2CRC until August 2011. His book Clean Energy, Climate and Carbon was recently published by CSIRO Press.
The full text of this article can be purchased from Informit.
Lessons from Space Camp
By Jackie Slaviero
Fascination with space travel can launch primary students into a life of maths and science discovery.
Jackie Slaviero is Assistant Principal at Sydney’s Eastwood Public School and a councillor of the NSW Science Teachers’ Association. She and her pupils are currently raising funds to visit Space Camp later this year.
The full text of this article can be purchased from Informit.
Shifting the Watermarks
By Tim Stubbs
The draft Murray-Darling Basin Plan is confused at best and deceptive at worst.
The full text of this article can be purchased from Informit.
Science Is Sinking in the Murray–Darling Basin
By Tom Chesson
Applied research suffers cuts while science loses farmers’ trust.
The full text of this article can be purchased from Informit.
Cargo Cult Communication
By Roger Beckmann
Science communication necessarily focuses on outcomes, but what about the process?
The full text of this article can be purchased from Informit.
Carbon and Forests: The Big Picture
By Jerry Vanclay
Energy generated by burning forestry waste and other biomass sources should be recognised as renewable.
The full text of this article can be purchased from Informit.
Learning by Drawing
By Russell Tytler and Peter Hubber
Teachers need to encourage science students to develop their representational skills.
The full text of this article can be purchased from Informit.
The Progressive Education Fallacy
By Gerard Guthrie
The failure of curriculum reforms in Papua New Guinea prove that formal teaching practices are best for developing nations.
The full text of this article can be purchased from Informit.