2016 SASTA Annual Conference & Expo

9:30 AM

1 Hour

Groundwater is our planet’s largest and most precious resource, making up 97 per cent of the world’s available fresh water. Total global use is estimated by scientists at around 1,000 cubic kilometres a year, which is more than twelve times the annual flow over the enormous Niagara Falls. On a global level, depletion of groundwater resources and groundwater pollution are massive issues which underpin the sustainability of groundwater resources. This talk will discuss key groundwater challenges and opportunities in areas including policy/management, research, technical practice, education/training and overarching governance/institutional arrangements. It will demonstrate that there has never been a better time and greater opportunity to make a material and urgently needed difference to the long-term management and sustainability of critical groundwater resources in Australia and worldwide. A myriad of current pressing issues in which groundwater is crucial are discussed. The impacts of unconventional gas and hydraulic fracturing on groundwater, the successful implementation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, mining and groundwater, the role of groundwater in water security and the impacts of climate change on groundwater are just a few of the hugely important contemporary issues that demand rigorous groundwater investigation, science, management and policy. Other fascinating areas such as the discovery of groundwater on other planets in our solar system, and the discovery of intriguing animals called stygofauna that live in groundwater are discussed.

Presenter: Professor Craig T. Simmons

11:00 AM

1 Hour

This session is for Primary teachers who want to lift the profile of Science in their school and help their students to become more involved in Science, not just in the classroom. I will be sharing my attempts at doing this and talking about what has and hasn't worked at my site. Some of the topics to be covered are: National Science Week Visiting the local high school School Science blog Lunchtime Science Club Science Mentoring Science Fair

Presenter: Charlene McGrath

Target Audience: Primary school teachers

11:00 AM

1 Hour

In this workshop you will carry out a variety of practical activities that you can use with your class. The activities come from a resource called SPECTRA (Science Program Exciting Children Through Research Activities) which is a national science award program developed by the Australian Science Teachers Association for use between Years 1-10. For a small charge, students receive science topic cards and complete a range of activities related to their chosen topic. These include practical and observational activities, research, experiments and projects. When the required tasks have been completed, students are awarded a certificate and badge. This workshop will enable you to complete some of the practical activities from various SPECTRA cards and provide a forum for discussion on how the cards can be incorporated into your teaching program or extracurricular activities like school Science club. Even if you do not use SPECTRA, this workshop will show you some great practical activities that you can do with your class.

Presenter: Jane Wright

Target Audience: Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers, Primary school teachers

11:00 AM

1 Hour

The path to developing a cure for any medical disease is a long and argues task with many false leads, pit falls and dead ends. Finding the right path can only be achieved through the rigorous application of the scientific principles. Through observation of the basic genetic cause of cystic fibrosis (CF) airway disease we have developed a hypothesis, designed a series of experiments to test the validity of the hypothesis, analysed the data (further observation) and evaluated the initial hypothesis. The scientific principles have allowed us to develop and test a strategy to cure CF airway disease using a cell and gene therapy approach which has delivered some promising results.

Presenter: Dr Nigel Farrow

11:00 AM

1 Hour

In a commercial environment where only one in seven products is successful in the market place and where 30% of products fail at launch, simply having a “good idea” is not enough to guarantee success, without all of the pieces of the innovation “jigsaw-puzzle” in place. Product Innovation is the complete business process of introducing a new or improved product to market and it should span the entire product life cycle from the initial identification of a market/technological opportunity, conception, design and development through to production, market launch, support, enhancement and product retirement. At Flinders we are rethinking the links between science, technology, engineering and business to help our students prepare for an increasingly competitive, environmentally aware and tech savvy market place.

Presenter: Associate Professor Sandy Walker

11:00 AM

1 Hour

The best theory of particle physics that we have only explains approximately 4% of the universe as we know it. I will explain what particle accelerators have told us about what the world is made of, and what astrophysics has told us about new forms of dark matter and energy. I will then explain how the Large Hadron Collider, plus a host of giant astrophysical experiments, will revolutionise our understanding of Nature in the next 15 years. Throughout, I will give detailed information on how to get Australian students involved in this work, and how teachers can get resources for introducing relevant topics into the school curriculum.

Presenter: Dr Martin White

11:00 AM

1 Hour

Green School is unlike any other school in the world. Based in Bali, it brings together students from more than 20 countries with a mission to help create the green leaders of the future. Students work on an innovative curriculum that focuses on developing and acquiring the skills necessary to grow and thrive within a sustainable world. Students learn by doing, by working with the community and through a curriculum predicated on social innovation. But like many progressive schools with a utopian vision, it has had an interesting developmental trajectory and the path from its foundation to a stable future has often been challenging for both teachers, students and parents. This talk will cover the foundation and evolution of the school through the eyes of a critical friend committed to creating an education system that prepares our kids for creating and living a sustainable future.

Presenter: Professor Drew Dawson

12:05 PM

1 Hour

This workshop will focus on teaching Science in the Primary years, from Reception to Year 7. I am currently teaching at Woodcroft Primary in a specialist Science teaching position, however this is my first year in this role. I have taught as a classroom teacher for the last 40 odd years. The workshop will share ideas on teaching Biology in Primary context focussing on Australian Curriculum using Primary Connections and Social networks such as Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter.

Presenter: Denise Fishlock

Target Audience: Primary school teachers

12:05 PM

1 Hour

Believe the hype and within a couple of years, robots will dominate our workplaces, service our every need and potentially make us subservient to their domination. Things might not be quite as we anticipate however. Affordable electronics combined with a range of factors have seen an evolving range of robotic toys ripe for inclusion with classrooms. In this hands-on session you will get the chance to play with some of these whilst considering how to include them in your science curriculum.

Presenter: John Pearce

Target Audience: Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers, Primary school teachers

12:05 PM

1 Hour

Science communication (and science communication education) is sometimes seen as having a focus on performance-science expressed, for example, through science outreach activities. While this is certainly a valuable function, science communication can have, and needs to have, a much broader impact in which it acts not just as an information channel but also as a tool for driving behavioural change. Policies – formal and informal, corporate and personal – represent schemes of decision making that lead to particular behaviours. If scientists wish to influence the behaviour of governments, businesses, communities and individuals it is necessary to communicate science in ways that influence the policies driving those behaviours. By combining authentic scientific knowledge and knowhow with an understanding of cognitive neuroscience of thinking and learning, the nature and philosophy of science and knowledge, and the range and roles of policies in society, scientists can be better equipped to support STEM-based decision-making in settings such as charities, the public sector, not-for-profits and the private sector. 

Presenter: Professor Martin Westwell

12:05 PM

30 minutes

The interaction of an enzyme with its substrate is defined by the folding of the enzyme’s linear sequence of amino acids into a well-defined and functional 3D structure. A detailed knowledge of the associated molecular interactions then allows the design of small molecule inhibitors of the enzyme that can function as therapeutics to treat important human diseases. This talk will discuss aspects of our work to produce potential treatments for cancer, cataract and bacterial infections; as well as biological probes to study key biochemical processes.

Presenter: Professor Andrew Abell

12:05 PM

1 Hour

Success in the biomedical research sciences has traditionally equated with a laser-like focus on a highly specific problem or outstanding question with the aim to publish these results in high impact factor peer-reviewed journals thus supporting further grant success and successful higher degrees by research completions. In recent years there has been a transition to board collaborative research programs which cross many different disciplines involving academic and commercial partnerships, with a sustained effort to transition fundamental discoveries into practical outcomes with a view to translation into clinical trials and ultimately commercial development. I will talk about how our group has embraced this philosophy which can be perceived by traditionalists as unfocussed, but is what I believe can be highly productive and a lot of fun for everyone involved.

Presenter: Associate Professor John Hayball

12:35 PM

30 minutes

Australia relies heavily on coal-fired power stations for electricity generation, a process that produces significant proportions of our greenhouse gas emissions.  Australia is also developing as an emerging producer of natural gas but some source feedstocks are heavily contaminated with carbon dioxide.  Chemical separations are the crux of these and many other energy and environmental challenges.  This talk will give insights into the chemistry of an emerging class of porous – sponge-like – materials called metal-organic frameworks or MOFs. MOFs are materials constructed by a building block approach where the hole in the middle is as important as the material itself.  MOFs have nanometre-sized channels (‘the holes’) that can enable separations of gas mixtures or trapping of unwanted pollutants.

Presenter: Associate Professor Chris Sumby

2:00 PM

2 Hours

This offsite excursion includes an overview of future plans for Tonsley, an academic presentation on design & innovation at Tonsley, and a tour of Tonsley Labs Inc. Innovation Centre (optional). Location: Room T1_5.29 (5th Floor) Flinders @ Tonsley, 1284 South Road, Clovelly Park. Please see venue map in conference booklet. N.B. (1)Participants must make their own travel arrangements to the venue. (2) For safety reasons participants must wear closed shoes and have long hair tied back.

Presenter: Prof. John Roddick & Assoc. Prof. Sandy Walker

2:00 PM

2 Hours

The Adelaide Desalination Plant offsite excursion includes a guided bus tour of the facility. N.B. For safety reasons flat footwear MUST be worn at all attendees (no thongs). Hats, sunscreen and long pants are recommended, however these are not mandatory. Please also note that there is no smoking allowed on site. Participants must provide their own transport to the Desalination Plant which is located at 16 Chrysler Road, Lonsdale. Please see map in conference booklet or download from website.

2:00 PM

2 Hours

This STEM module is designed to be taught at year 9 level. Participants will: • gain hands-on experience of the equipment pack and data logger • investigate the effectiveness of building materials and high-tech treatments. Topics include • Sustainable house design • Inquiry-based investigations into building materials (insulation, thermal mass, windows, roofing etc.) • Transfer of heat by convection, conduction (particle model) and radiation (wave model)

Presenter: Peter Pentland

Target Audience: Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers, Senior school (yr. 10-12) teachers

2:00 PM

1 Hour

Not so long ago all you needed to teach electricity was some batteries, bulbs and a bit of wire. The real world of electricity is rapidly moving on however. Renewable sources of energy, LED’s and smart technology are some of these. Affordable, modular and flexible components and kits means that it is arguably easier and more exciting to “teach” electricity than ever before. This session will explore some of these opportunities looking in particular Little Bits and similar products.

Presenter: John Pearce

Target Audience: Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers, Primary school teachers

2:00 PM

1 Hour

Would you like to engage and extend your students with digital tools in science classes? Explore a range of free tools, such as wikis, Google Drive, Padlet, Tagxedo and Quizlet, that allow students to connect and collaborate. These resources are collected at http://digitaltoolbox.wikispaces.com.

Presenter: Britt Gow

Target Audience: Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers, Primary school teachers, Senior school (yr. 10-12) teachers

2:00 PM

1 Hour

The operations of the Large Hadron Collider at CERN can be followed on a website as if we are at the facility. We can see the screens which the scientists see to follow the operations of the collider. Nuclear physics, relativity, magnetism and a host of technical and engineering principles are on display at the world's largest ever gadget, in the pursuit of knowledge at the cutting edge.

Presenter: Dennis Gutteridge

Target Audience: Senior school (yr. 10-12) teachers

2:00 PM

1 Hour

Are you are looking for ways to engage your students in challenging real world problem solving? This workshop incorporates a design and testing regimes in an integrated STEM approach. Participants are challenged to design and test a device to reduce the impact of a collision to “safe” limits. The workshop will explore ways of collecting data that gives a basis for decision making in the design and test method.

Presenter: Allan Morrison

Target Audience: Lab officers, Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers, Senior school (yr. 10-12) teachers

This session promotes a commercial product

2:00 PM

1 Hour

Student's misconceptions and their resistance to change can be an ongoing frustration for teachers. We will explore how knowing the possible misconceptions before teaching students plays a critical role in student's science learning and transfer of learning. We will share a tool on the Leading Learning resource that explores ways of working with students misconceptions (alternative conceptions and prior knowledge)of science concepts; and connects with inquiry and Science as a Human Endeavour.

Target Audience: Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers, Primary school teachers

2:00 PM

1 Hour

I would like to invite you to engage your students with the future of science education. IntoScience brings the theory of science to life through engaging 3D environments, virtual experiments and deeply contextual activities all shaped around a 'learn by doing' approach.

Presenter: Denise Knight

Target Audience: Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers

2:00 PM

1 Hour

Universe Awareness (UNAWE) is a global project with a vision to educate young children years about astronomy, using a unique combination of scientific and cultural aspects. This hands-on workshop introduces you to a range of freely available UNAWE resources and the ethos behind the project. We will model a range of activities and discuss how they can be implemented in the primary classroom and link to the Australian Curriculum. Activities include a focus on literacy and creativity. We explore a range of ways to engage your students and implement activities. (Suitable for Primary and early Secondary)

Presenter: Robert Hollow

Organisation: CSIRO, Space and Astronomy

Target Audience: Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers, Primary school teachers

3:05 PM

1 Hour

The integration of the Australian Curriculum into SACE Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, and Physics subject outlines is underway. Implementation of the new Stage 1 subjects will take place in 2017 and Stage 2 subjects in 2018. This workshop will outline the anticipated changes in content and assessment. It will enable teachers to begin planning and to be prepared for the SACE Stage 1 implementation workshops scheduled for Term 3, 2016.

Presenter: Lois Ey

Target Audience: Senior school (yr. 10-12) teachers

3:05 PM

1 Hour

Most of you will be familiar with urgings to embrace STEM in your teaching. Others may have heard of IOT or the Internet Of Things, how increasingly the things around us, from simple bar codes through to autonomous vehicles, are being connected to the internet. The capability for ‘things’ to react to and interact with each other and also humans has big implications for how we view and teach science. This session will explore some of the ways we can incorporate IOT within STEAM.

Presenter: John Pearce

Target Audience: Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers, Primary school teachers

3:05 PM

1 Hour

Various social networking tools are available to teachers to connect their classes with experts around the globe. In this session we share ideas about how Twitter, Skype and blogging can be used to communicate with working scientists. We also dip into citizen science and find out how students can contribute to authentic scientific investigations. We explore some of the tools available for classroom use that allow students to explore and classify genuine data from international research.

Presenter: Britt Gow

Target Audience: Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers, Primary school teachers, Senior school (yr. 10-12) teachers

3:05 PM

1 Hour

Knowing how to manage personal finances is one of the most important and challenging features of everyday life. It is a core life skill in today’s world. It affects quality of life, the opportunities individuals and families can pursue their sense of security and the overall economic health of Australian society. Money Smart Teacher Workshop 1 – Introduction to consumer and financial literacy education in Australia, will provide teachers with an opportunity to explore resources that support the teaching and learning of consumer and financial literacy (C&FL) through the Australian Curriculum learning areas. Resources have been developed by teachers for teachers and include a Teacher Guide, a Facilitator Guide and Units of Work supported by digital activities and other resources. C&FL is not another learning area and it certainly is not an ‘add on’ to what you already do. Rather than add to a curriculum with competing priorities, this workshop will provide real life learning experiences that engage students within the subjects you already teach.

Presenter: Kate Dilger

Target Audience: Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers, Primary school teachers, Senior school (yr. 10-12) teachers

3:05 PM

1 Hour

This workshop will provide a brief history of the ‘Foxfire approach’, a constructivist pedagogy that originated in Georgia in the US in the 1980’s. The workshop will focus on a case study of the application of the Foxfire ‘Core Practices’ to teaching Earth & Environmental Science (EES) and Mathematics. Participants will be invited to join a collaborative network of teachers interested in trialing the Foxfire approach in teaching the new SACE EES courses when they are introduced from 2017.

Presenter: Len Altman

Target Audience: Senior school (yr. 10-12) teachers

3:05 PM

1 Hour

This workshop aims to provide practical advice and guidance so that teachers and laboratory staff have the confidence to use, handle, store and dispose of ionizing radiation sources in their school, so that students can do real radioactive practical activities. The rules that must be followed, as will where this fits into the Australian curriculum, will be discussed and a number of radiation practicals suitable for junior classes will be demonstrated.

Presenter: Sheryl Hoffmann

Target Audience: Lab officers, Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers, Senior school (yr. 10-12) teachers, Tertiary educators

9:30 AM

1 Hour

Most of you will have seen in the media the call to embrace STEM in schools. Some may also be familiar with the push to include coding in the curriculum. Both are often mentioned in the same reports. In this session we will explore why, how and where coding might fit within the science curriculum. Participants will explore how we can code with and without the use of technology as well as be directed to resources which can be used both within the classrooms as well as the staffroom.

Presenter: John Pearce

Target Audience: Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers, Primary school teachers

9:30 AM

1 Hour

Students in the middle years are often difficult to engage with science theory and relish the opportunity for hands-on tasks. Integrating science, technology, engineering and mathematics gives students the opportunity to develop their creative skills, improve their ability to work in teams and find strategies for problem solving. This workshop shares some resources for STEM activities suitable for middle years classrooms.

Presenter: Britt Gow

Target Audience: Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers, Primary school teachers

9:30 AM

1 Hour

Are you looking for new ways to engage students with data-driven investigations? Would you like to find out how to collect data in experiments that have been traditionally difficult in the school laboratory? This workshop provides participants with an opportunity to engage in a range of experiments using data collection technology that provides students with rich data for analysis and interpretation as required in experimental investigations. Experiments have been selected from across the subject areas and may include: Forensic investigation of food dyes; Rates of chemical reaction investigations; Rates of photosynthesis and respiration; Water quality analysis; Investigating Lenz’s Law and Crumple zone collision investigations (great for STEM!). Participants will have a choice of workstations so that quality time can be spent on a chosen experiment or two.

Presenter: Allan Morrison

Target Audience: Lab officers, Senior school (yr. 10-12) teachers

9:30 AM

1 Hour

CQUniversity is launching a world-leading Graduate Certificate in Permaculture from March of 2016. The University also hopes establish a nested suite of programs designed to encourage the application of permaculture ethics and principles across all domains of life. This workshop will outline the potential for permaculture education and research to assist in promotion of the ethics of 'earth care', 'people care' and 'fair share' and the design of regenerative and harmonious living systems.

Presenter: Keri Chiveralls

Target Audience: Senior school (yr. 10-12) teachers, Tertiary educators

9:30 AM

1 Hour

Students are increasingly choosing their subject of study based on perceptions of likely career outcomes. Unfortunately, they tend to think very linearly, for instance someone studying chemistry expects to become a chemist. In practice, however, science graduates are employed in a wide variety of both science and non-science based professions – for example one of the largest employers of physics graduates is the banking sector. The reason is that the skills developed during the study of science are those most valued by employers - including the ability to learn new things, critical thinking, and complex problem solving. These skills also prepare students for the jobs of the future, many of which have not yet been invented.

Presenter: Sandy Steacy

Target Audience: Careers advisors, Senior school (yr. 10-12) teachers

9:30 AM

1 Hour

Have you noticed that we are drowning in a sea of data about our students? Wondering what parts to use and what parts to park until later? In this session, you will complete an activity that will help you wade through the myriad of data sources and prioritise which ones you want to focus on at different times of the school year.

Presenter: Glenys Thompson

Target Audience: Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers, Primary school teachers, Senior school (yr. 10-12) teachers, Tertiary educators

9:30 AM

1 Hour

Can you recognise a Shiraz and a Cab Sav and a Merlot? We will do some taste testing! A sequenced program of engaging design investigations: including Taste Testing, Seed Germination and Nappy Testing, leads students to developing their skills in designing Science Investigations. Information will be shared about helping students choose interesting and appropriate Science Investigation topics they can research by themselves.

Presenter: Michael Borgas

Target Audience: Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers

9:30 AM

1 Hour

CAASTRO connects world-class astrophysics researchers with school students via FREE video conferencing sessions and classroom resources. In this dynamic session, you will explore a suit of web-based resources, animations, researcher profiles and classroom activities. This is a great opportunity to try the resources out for yourself and share ideas for classroom activities that explore the ‘Science as a Human Endeavour’ strand of the curriculum.

Presenter: Jenny Lynch

Target Audience: Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers, Senior school (yr. 10-12) teachers

9:30 AM

1 Hour

Science is often the launching pad for a range of sustainability initiatives. How is recycling going in your school? In this session we will share ideas for dealing with typical school waste such as 10c deposit containers, paper, batteries, green waste, polystyrene and more. We are all responsible for ensuring that everything we do is sustainable.

Presenter: Janine Rowe

Target Audience: Lab officers, Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers, Primary school teachers, Senior school (yr. 10-12) teachers

9:30 AM

1 Hour

There is a wealth of real astronomical data freely available for use by students. We explore examples of where to access and how to use data to engage and challenge students. Topics from exoplanets, pulsars and galaxy classification are explored and key databases and citizen science tools identified. The possibilities for open-ended student investigations and citizen science are discussed together with how they match to the curriculum. Exciting upcoming projects are highlighted.

Presenter: Robert Hollow

Organisation: CSIRO, Space and Astronomy

Target Audience: Senior school (yr. 10-12) teachers

11:00 AM

1 Hour

What is Dark Matter? How did the solar system form? Was Einstein right about the nature of gravity? Are we alone in the universe? To tackle these fundamental questions, an international consortium of ten nations is currently designing the 'Square Kilometre Array’ (SKA). Comprising thousands of radio receivers located in Africa and Australia, the SKA will be the world’s most powerful radio telescope. It will revolutionise our understanding of the universe, from the first stars and galaxies formed after the Big Bang to the formation of planet Earth. In preparation for this mega-science project, the CSIRO has built the Australian SKA Pathfinder (ASKAP) telescope which is due to start early science operations next year.  In this talk, CSIRO astronomer Dr. Lisa Harvey-Smith will reveal early scientific results, explain the technology behind the telescope and describe many mysteries it will tackle.

Presenter: Dr Lisa Harvey-Smith

12:05 PM

1 Hour

In science, observation and communication are vital skills. Whether it be through the use of magnifying glasses through to a synchrotron, both skills are enhanced by the use of technology. Whilst the hands-on use of synchrotrons is out of the reach of schools, most students now have potential access to a range of other powerful tools and options to capture and share digitally. In this session we will explore how digital images and video can enhance learning in the science classroom.

Presenter: John Pearce

Target Audience: Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers, Primary school teachers

12:05 PM

1 Hour

This workshop is a reflection on one teacher's experience teaching a fully differentiated Year 8 Science course, including real examples of differentiated practicals, lessons, assignments, readings and other tasks designed to challenge and extend gifted students while supporting others to reach a deeper understanding. Explore how and why to differentiate according to readiness, interest and presentation style, and have a go at differentiating your own tasks/unit.

Presenter: Lara Lang

Organisation: The Australian Science & Mathematics School

Target Audience: Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers

12:05 PM

1 Hour

Want students to use their phones or other mobile devices in ways that will improve their learning and achievement? Come along and see how students can use these to gain deep understanding of physics and maths concepts. No previous experience or knowledge of maths or physics is necessary; during the session you will experience the learning as our students do so that you can take it back and use it with your students straight away. Have a look at www.phonelabs.net if you're not sure if this is for you! Don't forget to bring your phone.....

Presenter: Glenys Thompson

Target Audience: Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers, Senior school (yr. 10-12) teachers

12:05 PM

1 Hour

The integration of the Australian Curriculum into SACE Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, and Physics subject outlines is underway. Implementation of the new Stage 1 subjects will take place in 2017 and Stage 2 subjects in 2018. This workshop will outline the anticipated changes in content and assessment. It will enable teachers to begin planning and to be prepared for the SACE Stage 1 implementation workshops scheduled for Term 3, 2016.

Presenter: Lois Ey

Target Audience: Senior school (yr. 10-12) teachers

12:05 PM

1 Hour

Now more than ever it is vital that we hook students into science. The Science as a Human Endeavour strand offers a wealth of opportunity to bring life and colour into our science classrooms. In this session I will share a range of hooks including solutions to real world problems, walking in the footsteps of scientists, careers in science and stories of science.

Presenter: Kirsty Fox

Target Audience: Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers, Primary school teachers

12:05 PM

1 Hour

This workshop takes you on a journey through the Chemical Sciences curriculum, from Foundation to year 7, so that you come away with an understanding of the concepts and how they develop through the year levels. Participants will learn about experiments that can be done at each level to help students to actively construct their own understandings of the concepts and to encourage students to continue to ask their own questions and develop their own investigations.

Presenter: Charlene McGrath

Target Audience: Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers, Primary school teachers

12:05 PM

1 Hour

"Not all tasks are created equal, and different tasks will provoke different levels and kinds of student thinking" Stein, Smith, Henningsen, Silver, 2000. In this workshop, we will clarify why identifying and increasing the intellectual challenge of tasks is important, and explore effective questioning strategies to design tasks for learning science. We will explore how we can transform our tasks for intellectual stretch using the achievement standards.

Target Audience: Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers, Primary school teachers, Senior school (yr. 10-12) teachers

12:05 PM

1 Hour

Education Perfect has developed a platform which educators can use to set relevant assessment tasks, and apply the data generated in the direction of their students’ learning. This session gives delegates an in-depth look into Education Perfect’s assessment features, and shows how it can be used to complement your learning plans. You will also see a presentation of the data from EP’s NZQA Pilot Assessments and Proficiency Week and its effect on the way educators across Australia and NZ teach!

Presenter: Tania Christie

Target Audience: Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers, Senior school (yr. 10-12) teachers

12:05 PM

1 Hour

This hands on workshop is the introduction of video and image analysis in Physics. Using the free software “Tracker” from the Open Source Physics project, participants obtain measurement data from video recordings for post analysis. Participants will be trained how to use the software on an example projectile video, processing images specifically for the Teltron tube and diffraction practicals, deployment, recording, setting up, issues and error of analysis within student reports.

Presenter: Paul Gavini

Organisation: Modbury High School

Target Audience: Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers, Senior school (yr. 10-12) teachers, Tertiary educators

2:00 PM

1 Hour

Science lives off data, data which continues to grow almost exponentially. At the same time there is an expectation that we analyse data faster and more accurately. Indeed much science these days is done via datasets more commonly referred to as “Big Data”. The Digital Curriculum recognises the need to expose students to strategies to both create and interrogate data. In this session we will explore some ways in which science education can embrace Bid Data.

Presenter: John Pearce

Target Audience: Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers, Primary school teachers

2:00 PM

1 Hour

Science demonstrations are an exciting way to enhance your student’s learning experience. No matter the year level or topic, demonstrations add an extra dimension to the content being taught. There is a huge range of possible demonstrations to perform, so how do you find one suitable for your classroom? In this session some effective science demonstrations will be shown and ways of improving the ‘showmanship’ of a performance will be discussed. The focus will be both primary and secondary as techniques used are often quite similar. Ways of helping translate the excitement generated into learning outcomes will also be covered. Finally, making the most of internet resources and navigating the vast wealth of information available will conclude the session.

Presenter: Andrew Meier

Target Audience: Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers, Primary school teachers, Senior school (yr. 10-12) teachers

2:00 PM

1 Hour

Paper making is a great way to engage students in process writing, with a usable product at the end. Enjoy some hands on science in this session, where you’ll learn the processes involved in quality papermaking, and then have a go at making your own! As well as basic recycled paper, you’ll also get to experience some more advanced techniques, like marbling. Please bring a clipboard so you can keep your recycled paper flat on the way home, as the paper is fragile until it dries.

Presenter: Tracy King

Target Audience: Lab officers, Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers, OSHC, Primary school teachers, Senior school (yr. 10-12) teachers, Tertiary educators

2:00 PM

1 Hour

Extended projects run over a term engage students while developing a deep understanding of topic. The structure of these projects allows students to immediately link learning to the project and to real world applications. This session looks at using a balloon powered vehicle as a demonstration of motion and energy. Session participants will have the opportunity to explore ways in which the task and task structure can be modified to suit year levels, abilities, contexts and topics.

Presenter: Alexandra Fowler

Organisation: Woomera Area School

Target Audience: Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers, Senior school (yr. 10-12) teachers

2:00 PM

1 Hour

CSIRO is Australia’s national science agency and one of Australia’s largest informal science education providers offering a range of education resources to assist teachers to engage students in STEM! In this interactive session you will hear more about our three most popular national programs for schools; Scientists in Schools, Sustainable Futures and CREST. Explore the ways in which these programs align with the Australian Curriculum, while engaging your students in STEM education.

Presenter: Julie McClements & Carol Rance

Target Audience: Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers, Primary school teachers

2:00 PM

1 Hour

Innovation and Entrepreneurship are the buzzwords of the moment, but how can we incorporate them into our science classrooms? Come along and get some practical tips and resources which will support you to support your students to learn skills they will need in the future.

Presenter: Glenys Thompson

Target Audience: Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers, Primary school teachers, Senior school (yr. 10-12) teachers

2:00 PM

1 Hour

Need support in the delivery of stimulating, inquiry-­‐based science activities that promote student investigation? Want a portal that directs you to only high-­‐quality teaching and learning resources directly linked to the Australian Curriculum: Science? Need your science teaching questions answered by an expert group of science teachers? Then come to this workshop and find out about Science ASSIST -­‐ a website that offers all of this! Science ASSIST is a new and innovative national online advisory service for school science educators and technicians. Using the Science ASSIST resource as the core stimulus, this workshop will focus on giving science teachers the tools they need to increase student engagement, strengthen critical thinking skills and promote self-­‐directed student exploration. Through this resource, teachers will have access to an extensive range of educationally sound and safety-­‐ compliant practical activities for a hands-­‐on, inquiry based study of science in school science laboratories and classrooms.

Presenter: Kate Dilger and Marianne Nicholas

Target Audience: Lab officers, Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers, Primary school teachers, Senior school (yr. 10-12) teachers

2:00 PM

1 Hour

What would the ideal textbook be? FREE and complete courses for year 8 and 9 Science as PowerPoint Textbooks will be shared with all participants including beautiful layout, excellent graphics, numerous embedded videos, quizzes, practicals and extensive question sets. The PowerPoints textbooks are completely editable.

Presenter: Michael Borgas

Target Audience: Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers

2:00 PM

1 Hour

Applying the precautionary principle to genetically modified crops and food Plant breeding is an important science-based activity which is essential for the viability of our food production systems. Unlike conventional plant breeding, genetic engineering has the capacity to introduce genes from widely different organisms such as bacteria, viruses, animals or even human beings, into plants. This process overcomes the natural barriers to gene flow between species and requires careful consideration because plants can be created with potentially harmful impacts on natural and agricultural ecosystems and on human health. The ability of technologists to create genetically engineered plants has developed at a rate much faster than science can rigorously evaluate. This talk will outline the methods for creating genetically modified crops, discuss the potential hazards and suggest a precautionary approach to their development.

Presenter: Phil Davies

Target Audience: Lab officers, Middle school (yr. 6-9) teachers, Primary school teachers, Senior school (yr. 10-12) teachers, Tertiary educators

2:00 PM

1 Hour

This workshop will focus on teaching Science in the Primary years, from Reception to Year 7. I am currently teaching at Woodcroft Primary in a specialist Science teaching position, however this is my first year in this role. I have taught as a classroom teacher for the last 40 odd years. The workshop will share ideas on teaching Biology in Primary context focussing on Australian Curriculum using Primary Connections and Social networks such as Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter.

Presenter: Denise Fishlock

Target Audience: Primary school teachers