Having a designated science class in primary schools could breed more scientists, says the winner of the major education prize.
As the designated science teacher in Windaroo State School in Queensland for 15 years, Rebecca Johnson says students need to become familiar with scientific terms as early as possible to help them once they hit high school.
"I think the big mistake is that kids encounter science seriously for the first time in high school and so then if they have a bad experience or they just have a bit of misunderstanding they panic and think they can't do it," she told AAP.
"If you start it from Prep like we do, every year you are continually repeating and going over concepts, reinforcing ideas and then when they get to high school and they're exposed to chemistry terms and physics, it's like `Oh, we know this, we've had experience with this'."
She teaches science once a week for one hour in a specialised room full of specimens and samples, which the students are encouraged to visit during their breaks.
While her students regularly walk away with prizes from the region's science competitions, this time their teacher is the award winner.
She was one of six scientists awarded at the Prime Minister's Prize for Science on Wednesday, taking home $50,000 for her school and her students.
The $250,000 prize for science was awarded to Australian National University's Graham Farquhar, who has discovered how to grow more water efficient crops.
Professor Graeme Jameson of Newcastle University, whose bubble invention has earned the Australian mineral and energy industry billions to date, also took home $250,000 in the first ever prize for innovation.
THE PRIME MINISTER'S PRIZE FOR SCIENCE WINNERS:
* Professor Graham Farquhar - Prize for Science ($250,000)
* Professor Graeme Jameson - Prize for Innovation ($250,000)
* Dr Jane Elith - Frank Fenner Prize for Life Scientist of the Year ($50,000)
* Associate Professor Cyrille Boyer - Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the year ($50,000)
* Dr Ken Silburn - Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools ($50,000)
* Mrs Rebecca Johnson - Prize for Excellence in Teaching in Primary Schools ($50,000)
