SASTA Conference 2013 Monday 15 & Tuesday 16 April 2013 Immanuel College, 32 Morphett Road, Novar Gardens
Science: From the Classroom to the Workplace
Contents Conference Program in brief
Page 1
Keynote Speakers
Pages 2 - 3
Cutting Edge Speakers
Pages 4 - 7
Workshops in detail
Pages 9 - 19
Venue Map
Inside Back Cover
The SASTA Annual Conference is proudly supported by:
South Australian Science Teachers Association Inc. Patron: Dr Barbara Hardy AO ABN 22 938 317 192 Member of Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA) Supporting teachers of science | Advancing science education
Welcome This conference showcases best practice in science teaching for teachers and laboratory officers in secondary and primary schools from Catholic, Independent and the public sector. In this book you will find the full program for the two-day event. The conference would not have been possible without the dedication of Peter Donnelly, John Glistak, Kate Dilger and Janine Rowe who, as the conference committee, have been meeting and planning the event for the past 12 months. I would also like to acknowledge the generous support of Immanuel College and our conference sponsors; Credit Union SA, The University of Adelaide, University of South Australia and Flinders University. Mark Divito, President
Programme Monday April 15
Location
8:30am
Registration
Middle School Mall
9:00am
Welcome & Opening
Century Theatre
SASTA Awards and Medal Presentation 9:30am
Keynote Presentation
Century Theatre
10:30am
Morning Tea & Exhibition
Middle School
11:00am
Cutting Edge 1A, 1B, & 1C or Workshop Session 1
12:00pm
Cutting Edge 2A, 2B & 2C or Workshop Session 2
1:00pm
Lunch & Exhibition
2:00pm
Workshop Session 3
3:00pm
Workshop Session 4
4:00pm
Happy Hour
Middle School Mall
7:00pm
Conference Dinner
Morphettville Junction
Tuesday April 16
Middle School
Location
8:45am
Registration
Middle School Mall
9:15am
Welcome & Introduction
Century Theatre
9:30am
Workshop Session 5
10:30am
Morning Tea & Exhibition
Middle School
11:00am
Keynote Presentation
Century Theatre
12:00pm
SASTA Annual General Meeting
Century Theatre
1:00pm
Lunch & Exhibition
Middle School
2:00pm
Workshop Session 6
3:00pm
Workshop Session 7
4:00pm
Happy Hour
5:00pm
Close
Middle School Mall
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Keynote Speakers Keynote 1 (Monday 9:30am – 10:30am) From Old Bones to New Ideas presenting complex science to kids in novel ways Professor John Long, Strategic Professor in Palaeontology, Flinders University As a palaeontologist, a scientist who studies the prehistoric life of the planet, my career has been one characterised by real-life adventures. I’ve led expeditions searching for fossils to every part of Australia and many other contents, charting unexplored mountains in Antarctica, to the jungles of central Vietnam and the savannahs of Southern Africa. my work has focussed on the early evolution of backboned animals (vertebrates) and in particular how the human body plan was slowly assembled through different stages of fish evolution. My discoveries include the oldest known vertebrate embryos (the ‘mother fish’) and the origins of complex sexual reproduction in the oldest vertebrates. The new face of today¹s palaeontology is one of high-tech approaches that ensure students have a broad skill set to seek employment across a range of career options. Palaeontology is also a perfect introduction to science for children - it can teach valuable lessons about geology, age of the Earth, past environments and climates, the diversity of life and how evolutionary processes work. I began communicating science to children through writing books and developing a series of stealth science novels that embed deeper levels of scientific knowledge in a fast-paced story. We palaeontologists also translate our complex research to the public through curating innovative new museums exhibitions where children can become more tactically engaged in learning about the past, or through mini-exhibitions (bone boxes) for teachers to bring fossils into their classrooms. Biography Professor John long is the Strategic Professor in Palaeontology at Flinders University. He found his first fossil aged 7 and was hooked on science ever since. He has named and discovered over 70 prehistoric species of fish, dinosaurs and extinct reptiles, is author of over 200 scientific and popular articles, and author of over 25 books for both children and adult readers. He has been awarded the Eureka Prize for Science Communication (2001), THE Riversleigh Society Medal (2003), the Australasian Science Prize (2008) and the Royal Society of Victoria Research Medal (2011). His primary school books on evolution, climate change and the origins of human civilisation (The Big Picture Book series, Allen & Unwin, 2005-2009) have won several Australian literary awards. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_A._Long
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Keynote 2 (Tuesday 11:00am – 12:00pm) Biomedical Engineering: Making a difference Professor Karen Reynolds, Matthew Flinders Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Flinders University Biomedical engineering, a unique mix of engineering, medicine and science, is arguably the fastest growing branch of engineering. Perhaps the best known biomedical engineering products are the cardiac pacemaker and the artificial hip. The ageing demographic in Australia means that the demand for medical devices will continue to grow steadily. Flinders University was the first University in the country to offer an accredited undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering and has recently celebrated 20 years of teaching in this field. Its 20-week work placement has become an exemplar for other programs across the country. In her seminar, Karen Reynolds will provide an insight into biomedical engineering, and share some of her experiences as an educator and researcher in this fascinating field. Biography Professor Karen Reynolds is Matthew Flinders Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Flinders University. As Director of the University’s Medical Device Research Institute, she is motivated by her passion to make a practical difference, using science and engineering to bridge the gap between patient needs and clinical knowledge. Karen was named as South Australian Scientist of the Year in 2012. She was listed in the ‘Top 100 Most Influential Engineers in Australia’ (2012), elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (2011), and was awarded the title of Australian Professional Engineer of the Year in 2010.
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Cutting Edge Speakers Cutting Edge 1A (Monday 11:00am – 11:50am) Darwin’s Drop – Using evolution to improve the winemaking process Professor Vladimir Jiranek, The University of Adelaide The fermentation of grape juice into wine has been taking place for millennia. But it does not occur without difficulties. With their low pH, high sugar and eventual ethanol contents, grape juice and wine are harsh environments for the growth and metabolic activity of wine yeast and bacteria. The Jiranek group is using the natural tendency of living organisms to evolve in the face of a selective pressure to develop superior strains that complete the fermentation more reliably or with better sensory outcomes. Biography Vladimir Jiranek is a graduate of the University of Adelaide and has spent over two decades working to understand how wine microbes interact with grape juice. Currently Professor of Oenology in the School of Agriculture, Food & Wine, he heads a large group focussed on generating improved wine yeast and bacteria and determining the genetic basis for such enhancements.
Cutting Edge 1B (Monday 11:00am – 11:50am) Conservation Ecology of the Pygmy Bluetongue Lizard Professor Michael Bull, Flinders University The Pygmy Bluetongue lizard was believed to be extinct, but is now known from a few relict native grassland sites in the mid-north of SA. Flinders University researchers have been exploring the ecology and behaviour of this species and developing strategies for its conservation management. Resource requirements, threats and relocation techniques are being integrated with community awareness to help preserve this unique species. The presentation will explain how this specific case can help in the broader arena of biodiversity conservation. Biography Michael Bull is a Professor of Biology at Flinders University who has been conducting research on lizard ecology and behaviour for over 30 years. He has over 240 research articles published in scientific journals, and has supervised over 40 PhD student projects. He has been awarded the Gold Medal of the Ecological Society of Australia, and the Verco Medal of the Royal Society of South Australia for his contribution to ecological science. In 2011 he was a finalist in the South Australian Scientist of the Year.
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Cutting Edge 1C (Monday 11:00am – 11:50am) The changing role of the Pharmacist Dr Michael Ward, Senior Lecturer - University of South Australia The traditional view of a pharmacist is that of a man in a white coat peering down from a raised platform at the rear of a retail pharmacy. However, with the aging population and the strain that this is placing upon the health care system, both now and well into the future, the roles of pharmacists extend far beyond that captured by this traditional image. Within the health workforce pharmacists contribute a unique depth of knowledge in sciences including pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and pharmaceutics. In contemporary roles, pharmacists use their specialist knowledge to contribute collaboratively to the health care team to ensure optimal patient health outcomes. The ever increasing number of new and more complex medications and aging patients with a greater number of medical conditions means that great care must be taken to ensure that these medications do not cause unwanted interactions or side effects. Biography Dr Michael Ward’s overarching philosophy is one of a connection between the foundational sciences and clinical pharmacy practice. Michael’s approach to teaching is shaped by his desire to engage with emerging medicines and therapeutic treatments through research-acquired expertise, to remain contemporary in a complex and dynamic area of professional practice and to accept for responsibility for challenging teaching endeavours which he believes are critical for safe and effective professional practice. As a senior lecturer in the School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Michael promotes learning transfer to enable pharmacy students to transition from fundamental sciences to the applied science of pharmacotherapeutics. Michael role models pivotal thought processes required for this transition and through this motivates students to develop their drug knowledge and professional skills. He promotes self-assessment and extends students perceptions of their capabilities. His commitment to teaching has been recognised by multiple University of South Australia teaching awards and in 2012 he was the recipient of an Office of Learning and Teaching Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning.
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Cutting Edge Speakers Cutting Edge 2 A (Monday 12:00pm – 1:00pm) Electrical & Electronic Engineering - journey to a rewarding career Brian Ng, Associate Dean (International), The University of Adelaide As we confront the economic, social and environmental challenges of the 21st century, the modern world continues to rely on electrical and electronic engineers to design and produce complex devices, systems and equipment. With a global skills shortage and increasing demand for qualified graduates in the growing areas of renewable energy, power systems, telecommunications, mining and robotics, a world of opportunity awaits students interested in science and mathematics. In this talk we will look at the world of electrical and electronic engineering and touch on the wide range of other engineering disciplines. We will discuss how engineering is changing the way we live and work and how inspiring the next generation of engineers begins in the classroom. Biography Joining the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering in 2002, Brian’s research focus includes digital signal processing and applications with contributions to fields such as multirate signal processing, bio-inspired engineering, image processing and understanding and Terahertz spectroscopy and imaging. He has an active interest in education research, particularly in the area of developing and applying research skills in a wide range of situations.
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Cutting Edge 2 B (Monday 12:00pm – 1:00pm) Why STEM Education (primary & secondary) needs the Research Project Dr Martin Westwell, Director of Flinders Centre for Science Education in the 21st Century Despite a number of drawbacks, the Australian Curriculum represents an opportunity for Australian science and mathematics education to be world-leading. New South Wales and Queensland have largely missed the strategic intent of the new curriculum in the way it is being implemented and now it’s time for South Australia to decide. We’re at a fork in the road where we can continue with more-of-the-same or strike out into a future that is evidence-informed and innovative. Part of that future includes our own Research Project, but do we really need it in science? More importantly, why do our science students need research-education? What’s stopping us and where can we turn to for support? Biography Martin is the Director of the Flinders Centre for Science Education in the 21st Century that supports quality teaching and innovation in science and mathematics education. After completing his degree and PhD at Cambridge University, Martin moved to Oxford University as a Research Fellow in biological chemistry. A winding career path returned him to Oxford University in 2005 as the Deputy Director of the Institute for the Future of the Mind. Martin has won a number of awards for engaging nonscientists with science including, in 1999, being named by The Times newspaper as the Scientist of the New Century. Martin is a member of the SACE Board and works closely with the TfEL team and across the education department in South Australia. Internationally he works with UNESCO on a project to give policy direction to the future of education in the AsiaPacific region.
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Cutting Edge Speakers Cutting Edge 2 C (Monday 12:00pm – 1:00pm) Cyber Safety for Students Dr Elena Sitnikova, School of Information Technology and Mathematical Sciences, University of South Australia, Senior Sergeant Barry Blundell and Sonya Ryan, founder of the Carly Ryan Foundation With the communication technology rapidly developing, online social networking and like activities present a number of issues for school students. It is important to understand not only the benefits the technology brings to students day-to-day lives, but also to recognise potential threats to their security and privacy. There is a need for a greater awareness of the issues of cyber-crime, cyber-bullying and online harassment, and how these social issues and incidents in online environments could impact their real-world experience. The task of safe guarding children continues to grow in its complexity presenting a real challenge for parents and educators. There are several aspects that would influence students’ safe use of online networking. It is important to recognise all factors and their interconnectivity. This presentation will consider a three-dimensional framework comprising people (students, parents and educators), process (polices, rules and recommendations) and technology (computers, smart phones and security tools). The presenters and discussion panellists include: • Dr Elena Sitnikova from the School of Information Technology & Mathematical Sciences has research interests in the areas of critical infrastructure protection and industrial control systems security, she is also Program director of Masters in Science (Cyber Securiity and Forensic computing). • Detective Senior Sergeant Barry Blundell, South Australia Police Electronic Crime Section, who has been involved in the investigation of child exploitation and electronic crime for the past twenty years and is involved in developing prevention materials on Internet safety and awareness. • Sonya Ryan, founder of the Carly Ryan Foundation, which provides detailed online safety seminars, giving participants valuable information on how to navigate the worldwide web safely.
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Workshops in Detail Session 1: Monday 11:00am – 11:50am 1S01 Science Book Readings for Primary Students Brent Banham
1S02 Making Solutions 101 Despina Karlovassitis
“Horton Hears a Who” is a great introduction to the microscopic world and to the limits of our senses. “Sam the Firefly” can be used to illustrate the speed of chemical reactions. It must be no coincidence that National Science Week and National Book Week are next to each on the Calendar! Science activities can provide a great accompaniment to your favourite storybooks. Come to this session for some neat ideas as to how.
This is a basic chemistry preparation module on how to prepare solutions using information on a chemical bottle label. Starting from a safety first perspective, understanding concentration and bench strength, calculations, and using recipe books and other resources. Target Audience: Laboratory Officers
Target Audience: Primary School
Session 2: Monday 12:00pm – 1:00pm 2S01 Using Rubrics to assess students’ work James Young Using Rubrics will allow peer assessment, student assessment and teacher assessment to be completed. From this you will be able to place a student on the A_E scale easier. It will also allow you to assess your teaching style and the student’s learning style. Target Audience: Primary School
2S02 Student RiskAssess: an easy way to meet the safety requirements of the new Australian Curriculum Phillip Crisp, EcoSolve Australia Pty Ltd Students from Years 5-10 are required by the Australian Curriculum to consider safety and identify risks in science experiments. The curriculum for each of the four Science subjects for Years 11-12 states that students should perform risk assessments as part of their science enquiry skills. Student risk assessments can be easily carried out in an interesting and systematic way using web-based software called “ Student RiskAssess”, on computers, iPads and phones. Student RiskAssess provides safety information on chemicals, equipment and living things, follows the Australian ISO Standard on Risk Management and meets DECD requirements. Student RiskAssess is the partner product to “RiskAssess”, which is used to carry out risk assessments by Science Teachers and Laboratory Technicians at more than 700 schools in Australia. Student RiskAssess has all the features of RiskAssess, but has been modified and optimized for student use. Schools currently using RiskAssess will find Student RiskAssess particularly simple to introduce. Commercial Target Audience: Laboratory Officers, Middle, Senior, Tertiary
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Workshops in Detail Session 3: Monday 2:00pm – 2:50pm 3S01 Using magic in science lessons James Young Using magic in science lesson helps the students to think outside the square and questions everyday “things” around them. Learn how to place an egg into a bottle without touching it; Turn three different lengths of ropes into the same length; How to make water disappear; Pierce a plastic bag full of water and have no leaks; Turn a cup of water upside down and have no leaks. You will be taught how to do these tricks and the science behind them. Target Audience: Primary, Middle School 3S02 Imbedding Scientific Literacies into R - 7 planning and assessment Bronwyn Mart Selecting appropriate scientific literacies for different year levels and various content descriptors within the Australian Curriculum is a key factor when planning inquiry based science learning. Examples from Reception to Year 7 will be shared through a continuum of “essential literacies” that has been developed for implementation within a school program. Target Audience: Primary, Middle School
3S03 Keeping Small animals in the classroom. Why would you do it? Rianne Wright, Immanuel College This workshop is aimed at the junior teacher interested in what they need to successfully maintain live displays in the classroom. As a self-confessed animal lover that has kept everything from spiders to a 3 metre carpet python in the classroom, I will help you sort through our current Animal ethics requirements, school policy, permits, SA statistical forms ‘How to Keep’ and ‘feeding’ regimes. Pepper this with a little behaviour observation “detection of stress and pain in animals”... can I convince you that it can be made easy to keep an animal in the classroom... or NOT! Target Audience: Laboratory Officers, Primary, Middle School 3S04 Data Logging Made Simple Stephen Howard See how easy and effective science experimenting with computer equipment can be. Take advantage of Tainlab’s easy setup, rapid data collection and the large instant graph displays to enhance your teaching. Commercial Target Audience: Primary, Middle, Senior School 3S05 What is a good issues investigation in SACE science? Lois Ey and Robyn Pillans, SACE Board of South Australia Workshop will cover: • • • •
Issues – what are they? Formulating a question. How to show critical and logical selection of information. How to divide into smaller sections in different formats
Target Audience: Senior School
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3S06 F-10 Australian Science Curriculum: Implementation Len Altman This workshop will feature a report of the collaborative implementation of Earth and Space sub-strand topics in twelve South Australian schools, using PD provided by the Teacher Earth Science Education Program (TESEP). Our project has been funded by NAB Schools First with additional support from TESEP. Workshop participants will be provided with a DVD of resources, including examples of units, lesson plans, and engaging student learning. Links will be made with the three strands of the Australian Curriculum, the Achievement Standards, Cross-Curriculum Priorities, Overarching Ideas and General Capabilities.
3S07 Edmodo: Social Networking for Science John Pearce We’ve all heard the statistics, and rightly or wrongly Facebook and other sites are playing a major part in the day to day lives of our students. For most schools concerns about safety mean that Facebook and the like is just too great a risk. Enter Edmodo, a social networking site developed by teachers with education in mind. Simple to use, because access is controlled by group codes generated by the teacher, it is very safe. In this hands-on session you will explore how Edmodo is the perfect tool to support students working independently and in collaboration with others. Target Audience: Primary, Middle, Senior, Tertiary
Strategies and methodologies will be recommended to develop curriculum in local contexts through community partnerships and shared professional development across and between sites, systems and jurisdictions. Examples of effective teaching and learning will demonstrate the value of fully funded TESEP workshops to assist teachers to implement the F-10 Australian Science Curriculum and to prepare for the senior secondary Earth and Environmental Science course. Participants will be invited to freely join our collaborative network and website. Target Audience: Primary, Middle, Senior School
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Workshops in Detail Session 3 & 4: Monday 2:00pm – 4:00pm 34DO1 Discovering Animal Classification Karen Palumbo There is a dazzling variety of animals on Earth. How do we make sense of the incredible diversity of species on the planet? And how do scientists make sense of the complex and ever-changing animal kingdom? Come along and discover exciting and engaging ways of teaching animal classification. The workshop undertakes interactive digital curriculum resources and hands-on activities to get everyone out of their seats. Teachers will find out about excursion ideas and tap into resources from educational agencies. The course makes direct links with Australian Curriculum with a focus on primary years. Target Audience: Primary, Middle School
34D02 How to design interventional studies for the SACE Research Project Dr. Helena Ward, Dr. Elizabeth Elliott and Dr. Karma Pearce Are your students planning interventional studies for their research projects? Do they need to know about doubleblind and crossover studies? Do you need to refresh your knowledge of the ethical issues to take into account when planning an interventional research project? This workshop will use an interactive approach with a case study to address these issues. Areas such as limitations to studies will be covered and resources to support project design and implementation will be provided. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss their concerns about student projects and are encouraged to bring examples to the workshop. Target Audience: Senior School
Session 4: Monday 3:00pm – 4:00pm 4S01 Favourite Chromatography demonstrations and activities Brent Banham
4S02 Get into Genes- How Biotechnology contributes to securing world food and fuel Alison Wilson
Want an alternative to the usual felt pens and smarties? Chromatography is as diverse as it is beautiful. During this session we will look at cheap, effective paper, column, and gas chromatography demonstrations and activities suitable for middle and senior secondary students using store bought items such as glowsticks and Kool Aid.
Biotechnology- food and fuel. Some of the latest real-life Australian research examples explained and handouts to take away. Try a couple of experiments that feature in “Get into Genes” (a FREE hands on curriculum-linked workshop for secondary school students).Gain an understanding of plant science biotechnology research for renewable sources of transport fuels, for functional foods to improve human health and for a source of raw materials for industrial processes and techniques.
Target Audience: Lab Officers, Middle, Senior School
Also, wheat and barley are two of Australia’s most important cereal crops. Look at how scientists are improving wheat and barley’s tolerance to environmental stresses such as drought and salinity and researching ways to make plants use nutrients more efficiently. Target Audience: Middle, Senior School
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4S03 Ten Top Tips for Developing Science Inquiry Skills with Early Years Students Bronwyn Mart Are you developing new science units? This workshop provides some simple hints that can be woven into planning science learning for younger students. Specific year level examples for Reception to Year 2 will be linked to the Australian Curriculum. Target Audience: Primary
4S05 What makes science fun in my classroom? Anita Trenwith, Salisbury High School Anita Trenwith, winner of the 2012 Prime Ministers Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools, will share what works in her classroom. This presentation is aimed at early career teachers with ideas for practical demonstrations, managing science class specific behaviours and discussions about modifying work to cater for a variety of abilities within the one class.
4S04 Mixing Science, IT and Alternative Energy Allan Morrison
Target Audience: Middle School
Digital technologies plus the use of scientific language and representations to communicate ideas, data and solutions is called for by ACSIS133.
4S06 Driving Science with Google John Pearce
This workshop will focus on meeting ACSIS133 by collecting and sharing data using Vernier data loggers, Logger Pro software, iPads, iPhones, Apple Apps, web browsers and email. We’ll share how teachers and students have already used Vernier data loggers for some spectacular student inquiries and show how the experiments they created can and have been shared wirelessly by simply using a web browser. Wind Power offers many exciting opportunities for students, of all ages, to conduct inquiry based experiments and so some of the data we collect will focus on variables that affect the amount of work a wind turbine can perform.
Ever wished you could work on a document live in realtime with your colleagues? Want a simple attractive way to survey, collect and collate data? Need to embed live content in a blog, wiki or webspace. Want to show live graphical updates? Need to be able to access and edit content independent of the platform or device you’re working with? If you’ve answered yes to any or all of these questions then Google Drive may be what you’re looking for. In this hands-on session we will explore the advantages of using Google Drive in a science setting, look at the differences between using this suite and traditional software and model ways in which Google Drive can improve your and your student’s productivity. Target Audience: Primary, Middle, Senior, Tertiary
Commercial Target Audience: Laboratory Officers, Middle, Senior School, Tertiary
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Workshops in Detail Session 5: Tuesday 9:30am – 10:30am 5S01 Moderation process in SACE Sciences (Biology, Chemistry & Physics) Dr Paula Mills & Sharon Davey, Prince Alfred College
5S03 RiAus online science: live and archived video to enhance the science curriculum Lisa Bailey, RiAus
This workshop will address:
Are you a middle school teacher looking for STEM activities and career information for students? Do you want to bring topical newsworthy science into your classroom? What do you look for in an online science video? Do you use animations in the classroom? Want to highlight STEM career opportunities for students?
• Sampling • Getting the grade banding right • Inter and intra school moderation • Collaboration with others for task design and crossmarking Participants are encouraged to bring samples of work to discuss in terms of moderation Target Audience: Senior School 5S02 Teaching Emerging Technologies: A New Resource Jason Major, TechNyou Critical thinking skills are vital for anyone, especially in the discussions surrounding emerging technologies. The old Biotechnology Online and Access Nano resources have been merged into one new resource aligned with the Australian Curriculum. It’s still free and online and has the same quality information on emerging technologies, teacher notes, class activities, lab pracs, animations, videos, audio and interactives, but it’s updated with new features and functionality. One new feature is a module dedicated to critical thinking and along with a tour of the new resource teachers will participate in class activities associated with the critical thinking module. Target Audience: Laboratory Officers, Middle, Senior School
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This workshop will: • Cover the use of RiAus online science resources including videos, animations and lesson plans plus resources on new and emerging science and technology areas such as regenerative medicine, clean energy and synthetic biology with outcomes from teachers who have trialled these resources; • Include a live video link through the RiAus website with Dr Paul Willis, RiAus Director. This demonstration will show the potential for teachers and students to interact directly with a wide variety of STEM professionals; • Overview the ‘Science behind the headlines’ project, which brings topical science into the classroom, developing students’ critical literacy skills by investigating how and why science issues are reported in the media; • Provide access to STEM Career pathways resources; • Seek feedback on how and when teachers use online video in preparation and delivery of science in the classroom. Target Audience: Middle, Senior School
5S04 Modelling The Digestive System John Pearce In part, the Australian Science Curriculum promotes the need to develop inquiry in conjunction with creativity and critical thinking. One way this can be accomplished when teaching science is through the use of hands-on modelling and role-play. Such an approach is particularly appropriate to the middle years of schooling. In this session participants will explore how much fun and learning can be had using this approach as they take a hands-on journey through some of the complexities of our digestive system. Some other suggested approaches to using role-play in a more general sense will also be explored in the session. Target Audience: Primary, Middle, Tertiary
5S06 An interactive approach to teaching the scientific method Linda Wright, Britannica Digital Learning Britannica Pathways Science is an interactive approach to teaching the scientific method. This digital classroom resource for Years 6 - 10 promotes collaboration and helps increase science understanding through critical inquiry. Consisting of 10 Modules and 100 lessons, Pathways Science provides a consistent lesson progression, quizzes, interactives, videos and content from Encyclopaedia Britannica, as well as full teacher materials to support teachers at every step. Join this session to see various ways you can integrate Britannica Pathways Science into your classroom and help students overcome common misconceptions. Target Audience: Middle, Senior, Tertiary
5S05 Big Bang Sam Moyle Learners respond positively to educators that are enthusiastic, creative and innovative. Why then should the curriculum content be different? Science is an ideal medium for the delivery of dynamic curriculum and implementing learning by doing approaches. A wow element in the classroom encourages engagement, inspires students to develop intrinsic motivation towards their learning and enhances retention to senior sciences. Exciting opportunities exist for educators to create a ‘cool’ factor in science classrooms. This is achieved by utilizing dynamic experiments that underpin the curriculum. Enhanced by a contemporary focus, such experiments create relevance by linking in with student’s everyday lives.
5S07 Forces for Muggles! Catherine Stone Concepts in Physics can often seem like Hocus Pocus. The ASMS Primary Inquiry Team wants to make the confusion disappear! Join us for an exploration of Forces (Year 7 AC: Science) through a range of magic tricks which can serve as a tool for engaging students, eliciting student knowledge and unleashing a range of inquiry questions. Please note: Enclosed shoes and top hats recommended. Target Audience: Primary, Middle School
This workshop is an extension of ‘Dynamicity’ and will focus on demonstrating engaging science experiments with a topical approach. Target Audience: Laboratory Officers, Primary, Middle, Senior School
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Workshops in Detail Session 6: Tuesday 2:00pm – 2:50pm 6S01 Oh Crap! (Lab safety exercise) Linda McCallum
6S03 Science Investigation Awards Trevor Noble, GrowSmart Careers in Science
An opportunity for lab staff to set up, participate in and discuss, realistic hazardous lab situations as practical problem solving exercises.
The Primary Industry Centre for Science Education(PICSE) runs an experiment based Science competiition. Students design and carry out an investigation of their own choosing, either on their own or in a group of up to 4. Their projects are presented in poster format for judging, with a ‘finals’ event to be held at the Adelaide Showgrounds during the Royal Adelaide Show. Students can also enter their projects in other competitions and programs such as the Oliphant Awards and CREST. This session will show teachers how they can involve students in the awards. Information sheets and a CD on planning an investigation will be available, as well as examples of projects from previous years. There will also be an information sheet showing the connections between the PICSE Science Investigation Awards, The Oliphant Awards, CREST and the BHP Billiton Awards.
Participants need to be prepared to take an active role in the exercises. This is designed to both be a way of presenting practical lab safety and an opportunity to test those skills in a positive environment. Target Audience: Laboratory Officers, Middle, Senior 6S02 Science: There’s An App For That John Pearce The rapid embracement of mobile technologies has bought forth a veritable flood of apps across a range of topics. App developers have found a particularly rich vein in the science area developing some very creative ways to share science understandings as well as ways to interact with science content. From digital capture through social networking and tools to explain concepts there are increasingly “apps for that”. This session will explore some of the best of the science apps out there. Participants are encouraged to bring their device and be prepared to share their best apps during this session. Target Audience: Primary, Middle, Senior, Tertiary
Target Audience: Laboratory Officers, Primary, Middle, Senior School 6S04 Stelr - Sustainable living through science and technology Roderick Dunstan, Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering In this hands-on workshop you will discover how our experiments on generating electricity with solar panels and wind turbines will not only make science meaningful to Year 9-10 students but also help inspire interest in major issues such as renewable energy and global warming and how we can solve them. STELR practical investigations are simple and safe and model sustainable practice, and our programs exemplify the teaching and learning approach of the Australian Curriculum: Science. Already more than 85 000 students across Australia have completed the STELR program. Participants in this workshop will receive an electronic copy of all our STELR program materials as well as a copy of the full-colour student workbook for our core program. Target Audience: Laboratory Officers, Middle, Senior School
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6S05 ASTA Online Professional Learning Nigel Mitchell, Australian Science Teachers Association The ASTA Online Professional Learning Portal was established in 2011 to be a site for teachers of science to locate and share courses and resources. As well as a range of materials provided by partner organisations there is a growing bank of presentations, teaching modules, worksheets and practical ideas which have been shared by teachers for the benefit of their colleagues. In this workshop Nigel Mitchell, ASTA manager of Online Professional Learning, will provide an overview of the educational challenges and opportunities presented by Information Technologies in schools, and participants will be encouraged to share their own views and experiences. The main activity of the workshop will be an opportunity to explore the ASTA portal, and a discussion of how teachers can use and contribute to the site. Participants will also be encouraged to provide feedback on how the site may be improved to better meet the needs of teachers. This workshop will be conducted in a computer lab, but participants are encouraged to bring their own laptops and other web-enabled devices. It would also be an advantage if participants could visit moodle.asta.edu.au and setup a free login to the site before the workshop Target Audience: Primary, Middle School 6S06 - Pearson Science 7-10 - Digital Solution for the Australian Curriculum, including Assessment Mandy Ross, Pearson Australia It no longer matters what device or technology your school uses, as the Pearson Science 7-10 series is available on every device in any school. This session will introduce you to the Pearson Science series through a number of digital offerings including eBook 3.0, Pearson Reader web book and the jewel in the crown Pearson Assess – a teacher focused autocorrecting assessment product, written specifically for the Australian Curriculum. Commercial Target Audience: Middle School
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Workshops in Detail Session 6 & 7: Tuesday 2:00pm – 4:00pm 67D01 Space Science activities for Year 7 Mike Roach
67D02 It is Rocket Science! Chris Heddles
With Australian Curriculum in place the teaching of Our Place in Space now resides with Primary teachers. Participants in this workshop will engage in a number of activities and demonstrations that can be used in the classroom to assist in the teaching and learning required for understanding the concepts involved.
Ignite your students’ interest in Physics using Rocket Science without a NASA budget. This fun two hour workshop takes teachers through hands-on low cost practical activities to make rockets (air, water and chemical powered) and parachutes. Classroom activities include using a free online graphing game to aid students’ understanding of motion graphs, velocity and acceleration. This course is a context-based unit with a focus on experimental skills that explores motion and forces (kinematics and dynamics) through rockets. This unit fits well into a Year 10 Science program or Year 11 Physics course. Some activities are adaptable for Middle School students and the activities do not require a lab. Resources provided include task sheets and rubrics.
Target Audience: Primary, Middle School
Target Audience: Middle, Senior School
Session 7: Tuesday 3:00pm – 4:00pm 7S01 Curation: The Latest Big C John Pearce
7S02 PLOTS Spectroscopy Stuart Williams
Over the last few years in education we’ve been urged to take on board a range of C’s, Creativity, Communication, Collaboration etc. Now with the realization that another C, Content is overwhelming us, one more C has entered the educational lexicon. This C is Curation, the capability to seek and identify the best resources around a topic and make these available to others in an accessible framework. Curation is subtely but importantly different from simply collecting or aggregating. This workshop will explore how and why curation especially as it relates to science is something we all need to know about. We’ll look at some of the tools and spaces that are being used to curate content with a particular emphasis on how otherwise social spaces can be used in sharing scientific content.
A digital spectroscope for under $10 ? put me down for half a dozen ! The PLOTS team have published online details for the construction and use of a webcam (or iphone) spectrometer that can be built for under $10. Boasting close to 3nm resolution the spectroscope uses DVD plastic to act as a diffraction grating and is calibrated using the mercury lines from CFL bulbs. Free software currently allows absorption spectroscopy and the detection of lines in the emission spectra of salts.
Target Audience: Primary, Middle, Senior, Tertiary
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This workshop will demonstrate the home made spectroscope in some interesting activities suitable for middle and senior school classes. Along the way we will discuss the principles of its operation, improvements and limitations. Target Audience: Lab Officers, Middle, Senior, Tertiary
7S03 Supporting Student Entries in the Oliphant Science Awards Peter Turnbull
7S05 Student RiskAssess: an easy way to meet the safety requirements of the new Australian Curriculum Philip Crisp, EcoSolve Australia Pty Ltd
The SASTA Oliphant Science Awards are the premier student science competitions in SA, with two thousand entrants competing in 9 categories across all year levels. This year the Awards align more closely with the new Australian Curriculum Science, so that teachers can readily engage their students either with a whole class focus or as extension opportunities. The workshop is for school OSA Coordinators and teachers interested in engaging their students in OSA, and will explore the categories, the changes for 2013, and the links to Australian Curriculum.
Students from Years 5-10 are required by the Australian Curriculum to consider safety and identify risks in science experiments. The curriculum for each of the four Science subjects for Years 11-12 states that students should perform risk assessments as part of their science enquiry skills. Student risk assessments can be easily carried out in an interesting and systematic way using web-based software called “ Student RiskAssess”, on computers, iPads and phones. Student RiskAssess provides safety information on chemicals, equipment and living things, follows the Australian ISO Standard on Risk Management and meets DECD requirements. Student RiskAssess is the partner product to “RiskAssess”, which is used to carry out risk assessments by Science Teachers and Laboratory Technicians at more than 700 schools in Australia. Student RiskAssess has all the features of RiskAssess, but has been modified and optimized for student use. Schools currently using RiskAssess will find Student RiskAssess particularly simple to introduce.
Target Audience: Primary, Middle, Senior School 7S04 Ooze, Flubber and Quicksand Sheryl Hoffmann This workshop investigates some of the properties of non-Newtonian fluids. We will make ooze, flubber and a superball and look at a variety of recipes. We will discuss the properties of quicksand, and why earthquakes cause liquification and we will discuss what non-Newtonian actually means. The focus is on having some fun while learning about a group of very disparate fluids, with activities suitable for middle school science classes. Target Audience: Laboratory Officers, Primary, Middle, Senior School
Commercial Target Audience: Laboratory Officers, Middle, Senior, Tertiary 7S06 - Issues Investigations: The development of research and writing skills in Middle School Science students Annette Lamont, Kildare College Issues Investigations have become an important form of assessment in Stage 1 and 2 Sciences. Many students have trouble, however, selecting and evaluating evidence to support their arguments. Middle School Science teachers can play a vital role in helping students locate and document “good evidence”. Appropriate student documentation allows teachers to easily ascertain the ability of the student to identify “good evidence”. Students may also be taught how to evaluate information for credibility, bias and relevance in a fun, creative way, thus providing them with essential skills for SACE. Target Audience: Middle, Senior School
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Awards Outstanding Teacher Awards Recognise teachers’ contribution to the education of students in science. These teachers are actively involved in professional development to ensure their effectiveness as science educators. They promote student interest in science by providing an environment that stimulates students’ curiosity and use innovative materials or technologies in teaching science. They are also a positive role model for other science teachers within their school. 2012
2005
Primary
Prue Mosman
Primary
Jacqui McMahon
Upper Secondary
Clark Ross, Zsahni Karagiannis
Middle
Phil Coles
Upper Secondary
Lynton Hall
2011 Primary
Sue Cox
2004
Middle
David Andrewartha
Primary
Phil Ogden
Upper Secondary
Sharon Davey
Middle
Julie Suhanek
Sandra Reynolds
Upper Secondary
Cynthia Pyle
2010
2003
Primary
Dagmar Preusker, Mark Dorman
Junior Primary
Sue Ogden
Upper Secondary
Kate Cutts, Dr Jane Wright
Primary
Jill Varga
Middle School
David LeCornu
Upper Secondary
Susan Cockshell
2009 Junior Primary
Sue Burdett
Middle School
Vicki Stewart Kelly
2008 Primary
Sonia Cooke
Upper Secondary
Peter Donnelly, Chris Jordison
2007 Primary
Bronwyn Mart, RogerBurford
Middle School
Richard Drogemuller
Upper Secondary
Lyn Jefferies
2006 Primary
Peter Hoskin
Middle School
Bob Haskard
Upper Secondary
John Salamon, Judy Sara
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2002 Primary
Kathy Zed
Upper Secondary
Peter Haine
2001 Junior Primary
Marianne Nicholas
Primary
Neil Piggott
Middle School
Robyn White
Upper Secondary
Alan Pepper
Helen Castle Memorial Scholarship This scholarship is in memory of Helen Castle, a dedicated and enthusiastic science teacher who tragically died during the Eyre Peninsula bushfires in 2005. Helen was a positive role model for other science teachers in her school and country district, actively promoting innovative science teaching gained through her attendance at SASTA conferences. SASTA accepted donations to set up a trust fund to make this scholarship perpetually available to country teachers in honour of Helen Castle. The scholarship is designed to assist country science teachers to attend the SASTA annual conference and gain professional development to assist themselves and other country teachers in maintaining a high standard of science teaching within country areas.
The SASTA Medal This is the highest honour awarded by SASTA to one of its members The SASTA Medal is awarded in recognition of a member’s significant long term commitment to SASTA and contribution to science education and is the highest annual award. Previous Medal Winners 1983 Lester Russell
1993 Cees van Putten
2004 Sharon Russo
1984 Bob Morton
1994 Iris Mullins
2005 Grahame Ferguson
1985 John Smith
1995 Peter Russo
2006 Bronwyn Mart
1986 Peter Schodde
1996 Phil Alan
2007 Peter Turnbull
1987 Terry Woolley
1997 Yvonne Zeegers
2008 David LeCornu
1988 Ron Page
1998 Jane Wright
2009 Anne Langsford
1989 D’Arcy Walsh
2000 Mike Roach
2010 Cliff Rothenberg
1990 Thelma Pike
2001 Rick Daley
2011 David Lloyd
1991 Maris Silis
2002 Jan Brooks
2012 Marianne Nicholas
1992 Tony Diercks
2003 Simon Langsford
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Awards Oliphant Science Awards South Australia’s Largest Student Science Competition Great Opportunities For Learning Through Science Thursday 20 June
Registration Forms due
Friday 21 June
Judges Registration Form due
Monday 22 - Friday 26 July
Deliver Science Writing, Scientific Inquiry, Games & Multimedia entries
Saturday 17 August
Computer Programming and Robotics judging
Friday 30 August
Deliver Crystal Investigation, Models & Inventions, Photography and Poster entries
Saturday 31 August
Judging Day
Sunday 1 September
Open Day
Monday 2 September
Collection of non-winning entries
Friday 20 September
Presentation Ceremony
2013 Category Titles
BHP Billiton Awards
Photography
Congratulations to Brian Schiller South Australia’s teacher finalist in the BHP Billiton Teacher Awards.
• • • • • • •
Aerodynamics Levels in Ecosystems Energy in Many Forms Melting Moments Separating Mixtures Science in my Daily Life Patterns on the Landscape
Posters • • • • • • •
Australian Scientists in History Australia’s Greatest Scientific Inventions Beneath our Feet Conserving natural ecosystems It’s in the Genes Radiation in my home Light & Sound – Producing & Sensing
Science Writing • • • • • • • 22
Australia – Leading Science Endeavour Solar Cells, are they worth the cost? Does the Science add up? Bacteria – Friend or Foe? Biotechnology, does it help? How I use science every day Cycles of Life S A S TA C o n f e r e n c e 2 0 13
Remember winning entries from the 2013 Scientific Inquiry category will be forwarded to the BHP Billiton national competition. If you are planning a scientific inquiry have a look at the BHP Billiton judging criteria. There are great prizes for Primary and Secondary entries, including cash, a science camp and a trip to the USA to attend a science fair.
Check the list of sponsors’ prizes Valuable prizes are awarded for entries that meet both the category requirements and the criteria described by our sponsors.
Ideas for starting your entry Scientists solve problems Look around you – have you got a problem that needs fixing? Many discoveries and inventions have been made by scientists trying to solve a problem.
Dr Barbara Hardy AO with Oliphant Science Award prize winners
Invent a solution Here is a good web site to help solve your problem. The ‘Inventive Thinking Lesson Plan’ gives you easy to follow steps to help spark your inventive abilities. Look up http://inventors.about.com/library/lessons/bl_activity_2.htm Experiment and find out why it is happening Scientists experiment to understand how things work and what causes the effects seen. The scientific method is fundamental to designing good experiments. Check out the CSIRO CREST Awards http://www.csiro.au/crest Scientists communicate their knowledge Science Writing, Multimedia, Computer Programming and Robotics, Posters and Photography are great ways to inform people. Games can teach and be fun at the same time. National Science Week The chemistry theme could be used in Computer Programming and Robotics, Crystal Investigation, Scientific Inquiry, Games, Models and Inventions, Multimedia, and there are topics with a chemistry focus in Science Writing, Posters and Photography.
Get involved! Find the Oliphant Science Award information at: www.sasta.asn.au
Will Russell, St John’s Grammar School, was awarded the Oliphant Science Trophy for 2012
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InspIre the scIentIsts and engIneers Of tOmOrrOw the University of adelaide offers a range of activities for secondary school students including: •
Campus tours
•
presentations and workshops
•
study and careers pathway talks
•
school visits
CRICOS Provider Number 00123M
contact us today to find out how you can get involved in our schools program and explore opportunities in science and engineering. Office for Future students ph: (08) 8313 6447 www.adelaide.edu.au/schools
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Credit Union SA Ltd • ABN 36 087 651 232 • AFSL/Australian Credit Licence Number 241066 • 400 King William Street Adelaide 5000
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South Australian Science Teachers Association Inc. Patron: Dr Barbara Hardy AO ABN 22 938 317 192 Member of Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA) Supporting teachers of science | Advancing science education