Science learning in rural Australia: not necessarily the poor cousin

There is considerable evidence suggesting that students in rural schools lag behind their city counterparts in measures of science literacy and attitude to science learning. If we are to address this situation we need to build as full a picture as we can of the key features of what is a complex and varied rural schooling context. In this article we will draw on research studies conducted over a decade to present evidence of successful innovations in science education in some rural schools which suggest possible ways ahead.