SASTA Conference 2012

SASTA CONFERENCE 2012 Thursday 12 & Friday 13 April 2012 Immanuel College, 32 Morphett Road, Novar Gardens

Sustainability

SASTA_Conf12-cover_v4.indd 1

13/03/2012 10:27:23 AM

Patron: Dr Barbara Hardy AO ABN 22 938 317 192 Member of Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA)

Supporting teachers of science • Advancing science education

SASTA_Conf12-cover_v4.indd 2

IMMANUEL COLLEGE CAMPUS

Middle School

Main Entrance

The SASTA Annual Conference is proudly supported by:

South Australian Science Teachers Association Inc.

REGISTRATION DESK, WORKSHOPS & TRADE DISPLAY

back inside cover

L6 E7 H5 J4 G5 L10 L7 J5 A9 L2 L5 K6 F6 L5

Venue Map

Administration Reception Auditorium Century Theatre Function Room Immanuel Lutheran Church Reception Middle School Car Park Middle School Office Music Primary School Reception Properties Office Resource Centre Senior School Office Sports Centre Reception Technology Centre

pages 8 to 17

Technology

Workshops in detail

Performing Arts

pages 4 to 7

KEYNOTE PRESENTATIONS

Cutting Edge Speakers

Senior School

page 2 to 3

Function Room

Keynote Speakers

Immanuel Shop

page 1

Property Services

CONTENTS Conference Program in brief

13/03/2012 10:27:25 AM

SASTA CONFERENCE 2012

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, Peter Turnbull, Dominica Thomson, Sharon Davey and Janine Rowe who, as the Conference Committee, have been meeting and planning the event for the past 12 months with the support of Emilia Bekiaris from Immanuel College.

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 Thursday April 12

Location

8:30 am

Registration

Middle School Mall

9:00 am

Welcome & Opening

Century Theatre

SASTA Awards and Medal Presentation

9:30 am

Keynote Presentation

Century Theatre

10:30 am

Morning Tea & Exhibition

Middle School

11:00 am

Cutting Edge 1A, 1B & 1C or Workshop Session 1

12:00 am

Cutting Edge 2A, 2B & 2C or Workshop Session 2

1:00 pm

Lunch & Exhibition

2:00 pm

Workshop Session 3

3:00 pm

Workshop Session 4

4:00 pm

Happy Hour

Middle School

Middle School Mall

7:00 pm Conference Dinner

Morphettville Junction

Friday April 13

Location

8:45 am

Registration

Middle School Mall

9:15 am

Welcome & Introduction

Century Theatre

9:30 am

Workshop Session 5

10:30 am

Morning Tea & Exhibition

Middle School

11:00 am

Keynote Presentation

Century Theatre

12:00 pm

SASTA Annual General Meeting

Century Theatre

1:00 pm

Lunch & Exhibition

Middle School

2:00 pm

Workshop Session 6

3:00 pm

Workshop Session 7

4:00 pm Happy Hour

5:00 pm

Outside Function Room

Close Page 1

SASTA CONFERENCE 2012

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS KEYNOTE 1 (Thursday 9:30 am – 10:30 am) Talking Science 2012: How do we engage Australians with science?

Dr Paul Willis, Director, RiAus We live in challenging times when it comes to talking science in public. There is widespread distrust and multiple misconceptions among the Australian public when it comes to scientific issues and this is at the root of the lack of willingness to engage with science. But there is a crushing need for science engagement here as our society becomes more dependent on technology and becomes a greater burden on the natural systems that support us.

So how do we engage Australians with science? Traditional lectures and other modalities for science communication have not had the desired impact so it’s time to consider new delivery formats and new, high tech ways of delivering them. It’s time to take science engagement into the 21st Century.

Biography: RiAus Director Dr Paul Willis is well-known as a science broadcaster with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, presenting and producing on ABC television science shows including Quantum and Catalyst.

Paul is passionate about informing, educating and amusing people of all ages and backgrounds about science and is keen to seize the opportunity to talk about science in a variety of public forums. He was rewarded for his passion in 2000 when he was joint recipient of the Eureka Prize for Science Communication.

Dr Willis brings a solid research career in vertebrate palaeontology to his work as a science communicator, and has produced many academic reports and papers. He has also authored or co-authored seven books on dinosaurs, rocks and fossils, as well as numerous popular science articles for a variety of publications.

Paul was the resident palaeontologist on seven Antarctic expeditions and brings this enthusiasm and keen sense of adventure to his role as Director of RiAus. He is ready and willing to engage with non-scientists and to stimulate community conversations about science, life, and everything.

Page 2

SASTA CONFERENCE 2012

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS KEYNOTE 2 (Friday 11:00 am – 12:00 noon) The Astronomy of Indigenous Australians Professor Ray Norris, Astrophysicist, CSIRO Australia Telescope National Facility Each of the 400 different indigenous cultures in Australia has a distinct mythology, ceremonies, and art forms, some of which have a strong astronomical component.

Many share common traditions such as the “emu in the sky” constellation of dark clouds, and stories about the Sun, Moon, Orion, and the Pleiades. Several use the rising and setting of particular stars to indicate the time to harvest a food source, and some link the Sun and Moon to tides, and even explain the origin of eclipses as a conjunction of the Sun and Moon. Such traditions reveal a depth and complexity of Aboriginal cultures which are not widely appreciated by outsiders. This talk will explore the wonderful mystical Aboriginal astronomical stories and traditions and the way in which these are used for practical applications such as navigation and harvesting, as well as describing the journey of exploration which is opening Western eyes to this treasury of ancient Aboriginal knowledge.

Biography: Ray Norris is an astrophysicist at the CSIRO Australia Telescope National Facility. He received an Honours Degree in Theoretical Physics at Cambridge University, UK, and then a PhD at Manchester University, UK. He moved to Australia in 1983 to work for CSIRO Australia Telescope National Facility, where he became Head of Astrophysics in 1994, and Deputy Director in 2000. He currently leads a project to image the faintest radio galaxies and star-forming galaxies in the Universe, to understand how they form and evolve. He also studies the astronomy of Aboriginal Australians, and is an Adjunct Professor in the Dept. of Indigenous Studies at Macquarie University.

Page 3

SASTA CONFERENCE 2012

CUTTING EDGE SPEAKERS CUTTING EDGE 1A (Thursday 11:00 am – 11:50 am) Sustainable Engineering – Meeting the planet’s ravenous appetite for energy and economic growth in a carbon-constrained economy Associate Professor Peter Ashman, School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Adelaide In the coming decades mankind faces enormous challenges, including the provision of affordable and convenient energy which does not contribute to local or global pollution.

This challenge is particularly acute in developing countries where the social aspects of energy provision intersect with the needs of local economies that are growing at close to 10% per annum, or higher. These challenges, which differ markedly due to local circumstances, will be met through a combination of different technical and policy solutions. In this complex context, it is increasingly important that society has access to a cohort of talented, articulate and socially-aware engineers - and particularly of chemical engineers, due to their unique positioning at the nexus between technology and the physical and biological sciences and their understanding of complex and sustainable processes. In this talk, we will explore these issues and outline some practical solutions for the production of sustainable biofuels being investigated at the University of Adelaide.

Biography: Associate Professor Peter Ashman is from the University of Adelaide’s School of Chemical Engineering where he is the Deputy Head of School and Director of Learning & Teaching. Peter leads the South Australian Coal Research Laboratory (SACRL), and is Deputy Director of the University’s Centre for Energy Technology (CET) and the School of Chemical Engineering’s Microalgae Engineering Research Group (MERG), which has an extensive research program in algal biofuels.

During 1999-2006, A/Prof Ashman was Key Researcher and Program Co-Leader with the Cooperative Centre for Clean Power from Lignite, leading a large group at the University of Adelaide focussing on the fluidisedbed gasification of Victorian and South Australian low-rank coals for the high-efficiency generation of electricity via Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) and on fundamental research questions related to this technology. This work is continued by the South Australian Coal Research Laboratory (SACRL), based at the University of Adelaide’s Research Park at Thebarton.

Page 4

SASTA CONFERENCE 2012

CUTTING EDGE SPEAKERS CUTTING EDGE 1B (Thursday 11:00 am – 11:50 am) Nanotechnology: What is it and what use is it?

Professor Joe Shapter, School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Flinders University Nanotechnology is a new science which deals with things one billionth the size of our “normal” working world. This means it is possible for us to view individual atoms or molecules. More importantly in this case, we can manipulate or modify these atoms or molecules to make new, useful devices and structures. Therefore we can make perfect gears for use in the world’s smallest motors or make long lines of single atoms to conduct electrical signals leading to the ultimate miniaturisation of electronic circuits such as those in computer chips. In medicine, nanotechnology is involved in making very small microchips which can be implanted in the eyes or ears. It is quite possible that in the near future this will allow the blind to see and the deaf to hear. The talk will focus on some of these exciting aspects of this new science.

Flinders University has been teaching nanotechnology to undergraduates since 2000. This was the first degree of its kind in the world. The talk will also discuss how to bring nanotechnology to the classroom and use it to engage, excite and interest students in a range of sciences.

Biography: Joe Shapter obtained his Ph. D. from the University of Toronto in 1990 working with Prof. J. C. Polanyi on the detection of small molecules and the determination of their energies. From 1990 to 1996, he worked at the University of Western Ontario (London, Ontario) building a scanning tunnelling microscope and lecturing first year chemistry. In 1996 he moved to Flinders and is now Professor of Nanotechnology and Dean of the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences.

Prof. Shapter led the establishment of and is now course coordinator for the Flinders Bachelor of Science Degree in Nanotechnology (2000-2003, 2007-present). This was the first degree of its kind in the world. He was the founding Director of the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) funded Centre of Expertise in Energetic Materials (CEEM) and is currently the Director of the South Australian node of the Australian Microscopy and Microanalysis Facility (AMMRF).

In research, our group is working generally in the area of Nanotechnology using various techniques to examine

material on the micron or nanometer scale. Our group builds phospholipid bilayers on substrates such as mica and uses physical techniques to examine properties and dynamics of these important biological systems. Work with chemical attachment of carbon nanotubes to surfaces with both patterned and unpatterned approaches is also an active area of research in our group. These substrates have been used for applications in areas such as sensing and solar cells.

CUTTING EDGE 1C (Thursday 11:00 am – 11:50 am) Food Additives - the Good the Bad and the Ugly Dr Evangeline Mantzioris, School of Pharmacy & Medical Sciences, University of South Australia Do food additives deserve their notorious reputation in our society? While many additives are naturally occurring, some may cause problems for a small percentage of the population. This is an interactive and engaging workshop with material that is applicable in the classroom setting across a number of learning areas. (Participants to bring their own favourite packaged food item showing list of ingredients) Biography: Evangeline is a Lecturer in Nutritional Sciences, within the Bachelor of Nutrition and Food Sciences Program in the School of Pharmacy & Medical Sciences. Evangeline’s Ph D was on the modification of the n-6: n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio in human tissues and her research interests include research in nutrition and health and nutrition education. Evangeline is also a qualified dietician with experience in clinical and private practice.

Page 5

SASTA CONFERENCE 2012

CUTTING EDGE SPEAKERS CUTTING EDGE 2A Thursday 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm Sustainable Science Dr Tara Pukala, Faculty of Sciences, The University of Adelaide Meeting the wants and needs of future generations will require us to address a number of significant challenges including greater production and consumption of goods and services, with more demand for land, water, energy, and materials, while reducing reliance on world resources. In addition, managing factors such as human disease and wellbeing, biodiversity and environmental health is important for maintaining future quality of life. Science is critical to both the origins of the sustainability challenge, and to the prospects for successfully dealing with it. It is therefore imperative that science teaching prepares students to be productive professionals who can make skilled and informed decisions for sustainable environmental, social, political and economic solutions.

This presentation will outline two concepts in the theme of sustainable science. Firstly, the importance of science on the path to a sustainable future. And secondly, teaching science sustainably; that is providing students with a relevant curriculum, placing it in a context that everyone will understand and value, thereby making the study of science more appealing and highly sought after as a pathway to a diverse range of careers.

Biography: Dr Tara Pukala graduated with a PhD in biological chemistry from the University of Adelaide in 2006. She spent two years in a post-doctoral role at the University of Cambridge, before returning to a lectureship position in the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Adelaide in 2008, where she is now a senior lecturer in Chemistry.

Tara has established a research group focused on developing new tools to investigate the structure of biological molecules, in order to understand and provide innovative approaches to treatment of human diseases. As an early career scientist she has published close to 20 research papers and book chapters, and has been recognised with a number of awards including a 2011 SA young tall poppy science award. Tara is also actively involved in numerous science communication and outreach programs.

CUTTING EDGE 2B (Thursday 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm) The use of algae for sustainable waste water treatment and biomass energy production Professor Howard Fallowfield, School of the Environment, Flinders University The 350 ha of lagoons at Bolivar wastewater treatment plant treat sewage from some 800,000 residents of Adelaide, furthermore, 180,000 rural South Australians depend upon Community Waste Management Scheme (CWMS) wastewater lagoon systems for their wastewater treatment. All these lagoon systems depend upon a consortium of algae-bacteria-zooplankton and detritus (ALBAZOD) to effect wastewater treatment. These systems offer sustainable, low energy wastewater treatment at a time when water utilities are addressing the water – energy nexus. Recently much attention has focused on the purposeful growth of microalgae as a Gen 2 source of liquid transport fuel e.g. biodiesel, aviation fuel. This in part addresses concerns raised in the ‘fuel or food’ debate associated with land based crops. Notwithstanding it is becoming apparent that indirect competition between fuel and food crops for resources e.g. fertilizer, remains an issue. This seminar will consider the design and wastewater treatment performance of these systems and the opportunity to exploit wastewater grown ALBAZOD for biomass energy.

Biography: Professor Fallowfield is an aquatic microbial ecologist. He is currently Professor of Environmental Health in the School of the Environment at Flinders University. He graduated with a PhD from University of Dundee on the microbial ecology of cyanobacteria and their interaction with other aquatic microorganisms and continued Postdoctoral research at Queen’s University of Belfast, were he constructed his first high rate algal pond in 1980 for the integrated treatment of piggery wastewater and biomass energy production.

Howard has some 25 year’s research experience in the UK and Australia, designing, constructing, operating and evaluating the performance of HRAP pilot plants for treatment of domestic and agri-food wastewaters.

He has also conducted research on the large waste stabilisation pond system at Bolivar SA. He has been a member of the Scientific Committee’s for two International Water Association’s Specialist group Conferences on Waste Stabilisation Ponds and recently was Chair of the Organising Committee for the 9th Conference held in Adelaide in August 2011.

Page 6

SASTA CONFERENCE 2012

CUTTING EDGE SPEAKERS CUTTING EDGE 2C (Thursday 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm) Advanced Materials for Sustainability and Health Associate Professor, David Beattie, ARC Future Fellow, Ian Wark Research Institute, University of South Australia David undertakes fundamental research and applied industrial research. His work spans a range of areas including nano- and biolubrication, the surface chemistry of mineral processing and waste management, and novel stimulus responsive coatings. The main aim of his research is to link the adsorption and structure of molecules at surfaces with the ability of those molecules to alter material properties (wettability, reactivity, friction). The objective of his research is to gain the ability to control and manipulate surface properties for a range of scientific and industrial outcomes. In terms of teaching, David is a specialization coordinator (Nanomaterials) and course coordinator (Nano and Biomaterials) in the new UniSA BSc undergraduate program in Advanced Materials.

David will talk about some of the recent research from his institute (The Wark) in the area of advanced materials. Advanced Materials are those that have been processed, designed, or altered to have specific and novel properties that make them more useful. An example would be the coatings placed on soft contact lenses to allow a wearer to leave them in their eye for 30 days without needing to wash/sterilise them. Advanced Materials is a multidisciplinary area of science that combines chemistry, physics, maths, and biology to address the needs of society and industry.

He will highlight some of his own research on issues around sustainability in mineral processing, as well as some of his new research on biolubrication. In addition, he will discuss some novel developments in pharmaceutical drug delivery from the research of his colleagues.

Biography: David was educated in his home country of Scotland, obtaining his BSc (Hons) degree in Chemical Physics and PhD in Chemistry from the University of Edinburgh. After completing his studies, he undertook postdoctoral research at the University of Oxford, during which time he was awarded a British Ramsay Research Fellowship and spent two years tutoring at Wadham College. He took up the position of Research Fellow at the Ian Wark Research Institute (The Wark), in November 2000. He was promoted to the level of Senior Research Fellow in January 2007, and to Associate Research Professor in January 2011.

Page 7

SASTA CONFERENCE 2012

WORKSHOPS IN DETAIL

SESSION 1

Thursday 11:00am - 11:50am

Commercial

8:30am - 9:00am 9:00am - 9:30am 9:30am - 10:30am 10:30am – 11:00am

Registration - Middle School Mall Welcome & Opening and SASTA Medal Presentation - Century Theatre Keynote Presentation - Century Theatre Morning Tea and Exhibition - Middle School

1S01 LEGO WeDo Robotics for Early Years Elizabeth Moore, Moore Educational Pty Ltd WeDo is a robotic concept for early years. Simple, fun models are plugged into the computer and programmed using motors and sensors. The software is easy drag and drop icon based and integrates with the teacher’s activity pack to provide ICT, science, technology and literacy activities that will engage students from 7 years old and up. No experience needed. Build acrocbot, a funny monkey or a super soccer star and have some serious fun!

TARGET AUDIENCE: PRIMARY SCHOOL

1S02 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: PRIMARY SCHOOL

SESSION 1& 2 Thursday 11:00am – 1:00pm

Commercial

SESSION 2

Thursday 12:00noon – 1:00pm

12D01 Risk assessment made easy!

Dr Phillip Crisp, Ecosolve Australia The logic of risk assessment is explained.

Learn about paper and - much faster - web-based methods for performing risk assessments of laboratory experiments. RiskAssess software is presented as a simple way to comply with legal requirements, as well as providing an ordering and laboratory scheduling system. RiskAssess complies with the Australian Standard on Risk Management, and includes separate sections for laboratory technicians and teachers, plus recording of inherent risk levels and control measures.

Try out RiskAssess during the workshop and carry out risk assessments easily and quickly, using chemical, equipment and biological databases to save you time.

TARGET AUDIENCE: LAB OFFICERS, PRIMARY, MIDDLE, SENIOR SCHOOL, TERTIARY

2S01 Inquiring into Year 7 Science Cat Stone, Australian Science & Mathematics School What are the benefits of Inquiry in Science? Both students and teachers at the Australian Science and Maths School are keen to share their experiences and views. This session explores the benefits of Inquiry to students through the construction of knowledge and the opportunity for discussion and reflection. The context for exploration will be the Year 7 Australian Science curriculum.

TARGET AUDIENCE: PRIMARY, MIDDLE SCHOOL

SESSION 3

Thursday 2:00pm – 2:50pm

1pm – 2pm

Lunch and Exhibition

3S01 Philosophy and Issues in Science.

Dr Andy Stone, Australian Science & Mathematics School Learning in life is not confined to boundaries of a single discipline, and neither are the solutions to complex problems. The connections between disciplines often allow students to see relevance and application. One useful combination of disciplines is philosophy and science. Within the science learning area of the Australian Curriculum there is significant focus on issues and ethical aspects in science. Many of the general capabilities also have an ethical decision-making component, such as Ethical Behaviour and Critical and Creative Thinking. In this session we will explore philosophical frameworks that support students in working with issues in science.

TARGET AUDIENCE: PRIMARY, MIDDLE SCHOOL Page 8

SASTA CONFERENCE 2012

WORKSHOPS IN DETAIL 3S02 Re-Imagining the Science Classroom: Inquiry-Based Learning Made Easy Kerry Thomas, Oxford University Press The Australian Science Curriculum offers us an opportunity to re-imagine the science classroom by integrating supported inquiry, collaborative inquiry and full student-directed inquiry into our teaching. Experience firsthand an inquiry-based approach to science education, incorporating an experiment suitable for Year 8. Kerry Thomas, an experienced classroom teacher and science communicator, combines the latest pedagogical research with the requirements of the Australian Science Curriculum, culminating in practical suggestions to help you support students to develop deeper understandings. Each participant will receive free resources to take back to the classroom.

Commercial

TARGET AUDIENCE: MIDDLE SCHOOL

3S03 GHS for Teachers Sheryl Hoffmann, Concordia College When South Australia passes the new nationally harmonised Work, Health and Safety laws (WHS), we will have a new way of classifying and labelling chemicals called the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). GHS is a United Nations initiative already in use in many countries. It is significantly different from our current system of hazardous substances and dangerous goods. The session will focus on understanding the changes and becoming familiar with the new terminology, new pictograms, new safety data sheets and new labels.

TARGET AUDIENCE: LAB OFFICERS, MIDDLE, SENIOR SCHOOL, TERTIARY

3S04 Integrating Interactive Technologies in Science Teaching and Learning* Alexandra Potter, Electroboard This workshop will explore a range of innovative ways to integrate interactive technologies into your Science classroom. Learn how to make the most of your IWB with a look at some great interactive lesson ideas and software. Explore the miniature and microscopic using visualisers. Find out how to expand your interactive resource collection with a look at where to find new ACARA aligned resources.

Commercial

TARGET AUDIENCE: PRIMARY, MIDDLE, SENIOR SCHOOL, TERTIARY

3S05 Supporting Student Entries in the Oliphant Science Awards Peter Turnbull, DECD Teaching & Learning Services 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 2012, and the links to Australian Curriculum.

TARGET AUDIENCE: PRIMARY, MIDDLE, SENIOR SCHOOL

3S06 Oscilloscope and Analytical Weighing Balance Training Gerry McCuish, Gerard Scientific Servicing Pty Ltd The first half of the workshop is on the setup and use of Analogue and Digital Oscilloscopes. This will teach how to ‘zero’ the trace and locate a waveform on the screen by the explaining the use of all the daunting knobs and buttons. The second half is on the proper use and maintenance of Analytical weighing balances with typical resolutions of 1mg. It explains the benefits of Forced Compensation balances vs Load Cells, some reasons for balance failures, calibration procedures, and most importantly some physics on weight, density, gravity & mass and their effects on weighing accuracy.

TARGET AUDIENCE: LAB OFFICERS, MIDDLE, SENIOR SCHOOL

Page 9

SASTA CONFERENCE 2012

SESSION 3 & 4 Thursday 2:00pm – 4:00pm

WORKSHOPS IN DETAIL 34DO1 CONNECTED CLASSROOMS. Complying with Australian Curriculum

ACSIS133: COMMUNICATE ideas, FINDINGS and SOLUTIONS to problems using scientific language and REPRESENTATIONS using DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES as appropriate.

John Cadogan, Scientrific

You can easily comply with ACSIS133 using the VERNIER CONNECTED SCIENCE SYSTEM™ featuring the upgraded Vernier LabQuest, Logger Pro software and Apple Apps. Collecting, analysing, sharing and publishing data has never been easier whether the platform be Windows, Mac, Android or iPad. We’ll collect data (FINDINGS) using the enhanced range of internal sensors on the new LabQuest and demonstrate wirelessly sharing the information in the lab or classroom (COMMUNICATE). We’ll analyse LabQuest, iPad and laptop data for SOLUTIONS and display graphs (REPRESENTATIONS). ACSIS133 compliance is easy using Vernier’s LabQuest, LabQuest Mini and your choice of computer or similar DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES. Commercial

TARGET AUDIENCE: LAB OFFICERS, PRIMARY, MIDDLE, SENIOR SCHOOL, TERTIARY

34D02 Sustainability Challenge Lyn Jefferies, SA Water Take the sustainability challenge and explore the issues of water supply and demand. In this hands-on workshop teachers will explore on of the free SA Water Brainwave learning programs and investigate how these resources might be used to engage a middle school science class with the Australian Curriculum Science.

TARGET AUDIENCE: MIDDLE SCHOOL

34D03 Exploring the science, application and ethics of emerging technologies: a new education resource Jason Major, TechNyou Have you used Biotechnology Online or Access Nano? Did you enjoy the experience? Well now the two resources have been merged into one brand new resource. It still has the same quality information on emerging technologies, teacher notes, class activities, lab pracs, animations,videos, audio and interactives, but it’s all updated, refined with new features and functionality, and aligned with the Australian Curriculum. Teachers will get a tour of the resource, have time to explore it themselves and participate in some of the interactive class activities the resource has to offer.

TARGET AUDIENCE: MIDDLE, SENIOR SCHOOL

SESSION 4

Thursday 3:00pm - 4:00pm

4S01 Aviation Studies at the ASMS David Trembath, Australian Science & Mathematics School The Australian Science and Mathematics School offers Aviation Studies as a Year 12 subject. The history of the school’s association with Aviation is interesting and with a Trade Training Centre grant we have been able to develop a 20 credit SACE Stage 2 subject that also attracts an ATAR. This program is delivered from within the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE). Electrical and electronic components associated with Airborne Communications Systems have also been integrated into our Central Studies (Year 10 and 11) learning programs. In this session you will find out more about how the Programs have evolved, their content, delivery, assessment and where the acquired skills can take students. The Stage 2 program is focussed on flight operations and is a powerful mix of mathematics, physics, physiology, meteorology, geography, psychology, literacy and law. The Aviation Industry uses predominantly imperial and US units of measurement and is not interested in zone times or daylight saving adjustments.

In Aviation, beginning of daylight is NOT sunrise! In this session you will also have an opportunity to work with some of these peculiarities and the wonderful circular slide ruler .. a must for all flight crew.

TARGET AUDIENCE: SENIOR SCHOOL

4S02 ‘Get into Genes’ Hands on Research Fun – Curriculum linked for years 9-12 Dr Monica Ogierman & Alison Wilson, Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics This hands-on workshop will enable teachers to experience molecular biology techniques used in the educational program ‘Get into Genes’ (www.getintogenes.com.au) Get into Genes highlights the applications of biotechnology in agriculture, is curriculum linked (years 9-12) and is run at no cost to schools.

In this session, cutting edge research examples of Agri-Biotechnology will also be discussed in the context of Global Food Security. Get into Genes aims to increase the scientific literacy of students and teachers, so that decisions affecting the adoption of future biotechnologies are informed and evidence-based.

TARGET AUDIENCE: LAB OFFICERS, MIDDLE, SENIOR SCHOOL Page 10

SASTA CONFERENCE 2012

WORKSHOPS IN DETAIL 4S03 Great demonstrations in electromagnetism Brent Banham, Science Communcator A collection of some of the best electromagnetism demonstrations - cheap, easy to make, little known demonstrations that have plenty of wow factor. Presentation includes instructions on how to make all of the demonstrations.

TARGET AUDIENCE: LAB OFFICERS, MIDDLE, SENIOR SCHOOL

4S04 Increasing Interactivity in the Science Classroom, using student learner response devices Sue Urban, Interactive IT Group

In this workshop participants will be exploring how learner response devices can increase student involvement and feedback through a Science lesson. Promethean’s ActivExpressions will be used however there are a variety of student response devices on the market or software for integration into laptop programmes. With each student having access to a learner response device teachers can gather responses from all students to discuss, inform, generate new ideas or even assess. Some devices allow for numeric or multiple choice answering while others expand to text, likert scales and sorting.

TARGET AUDIENCE: PRIMARY, MIDDLE, SENIOR, SCHOOL

4S05 Science Teachers Hindered by Student Misconceptions Linda Wright, Encyclopaedia Britannica (Aust) Ltd Scientific misconceptions among students are a significant barrier to learning. See first hand how Britannica Pathways Science, a new interactive, online resource can help teachers overcome their students’ misconceptions through helping teachers improve their students’ knowledge of core areas of science. Pathways Science encourages the development of many key skills, including critical thinking, discussion, research and evaluation, through interactive classroom activities and teacher-led discussion. Aligned to the Australian Curriculum for Years 6 -10 with particular emphasis on Science Inquiry Skills and Science Understanding, Pathways Science also includes comprehensive Teacher Support and Materials.

Commercial

TARGET AUDIENCE: MIDDLE, SENIOR SCHOOL

4S06 Moderation process in SACE Physics and Chemistry Dr Paula Mills & Sharon Davey Prince Alfred College This workshop will address: 1) Sampling 2) Getting the grade banding right 3) Inter and intra school moderation 4) Collaborating with others for task design and cross-marking.

Participants are encouraged to bring along marked work or work to mark.

TARGET AUDIENCE: SENIOR SCHOOL

4S07 NRM Education – Engaging with Nature Jeremy Gramp, NRM Education Are you exploring environmental sustainability at your site? If you’re interested in getting your students outdoors and engaging with their local environment, the Engaging with Nature program can assist you. There is a growing awareness that citizen science has a significant role to play in protecting and managing our environment. Engaging with Nature involves teaching students how to see the natural world through a range of learning areas and to understand the interconnected processes that make up the environment. This practical hands-on workshop will outline the resources and support available to your school, highlighting the links to the Australian Curriculum cross-curriculum priority Sustainability.

TARGET AUDIENCE: PRIMARY, MIDDLE SCHOOL 4:00pm – 5:00pm

7:00pm – 11:00pm

Happy Hour - Middle School Mall Conference Dinner - Morphettville Junction

Page 11

SASTA CONFERENCE 2012

WORKSHOPS IN DETAIL

8:45am - 9:15am

9:15am - 9:30am

SESSION 5

Friday 9:30am - 10:30am

Registration - Middle School Mall Welcome to Day 2 - Century Theatre

5S01 Navigating, understanding and planning with the Australian Curriculum Science, Foundation to Year 10 Melanie Isaacs, ACARA The Australian Curriculum Science for Foundation to Year 10 was published in 2010 and is now being implemented by many schools around the nation. In this workshop, Melanie will take participants on a guided tour of the website. Melanie will explain the intent and design of the curriculum, including the key concepts and the overarching ideas, and will demonstrate how teachers can review the curriculum through the lens of the Cross Curriculum Priorities or General Capabilities. Participants will be encouraged to ask questions throughout the session.

TARGET AUDIENCE: PRIMARY, MIDDLE, SENIOR SCHOOL

5S02 How to order equipment with the Science Equipment Scheme Online Shop Peter Turnbull, DECD Teaching & Learning Services The DECD Science Equipment Scheme services the science equipment and materials needs of all schools, Primary and Secondary, government and non government. It is increasingly accessed by Primary schools. This hands on workshop allows participants to explore the range of items and the features of the online shop and catalogue, and to practice placing electronic orders.

TARGET AUDIENCE: LABORATORY OFFICERS,PRIMARY, MIDDLE, SENIOR SCHOOL

5S03 Working Collaboratively to implement the Australian Curriculum: Science Len Altman, Marden Senior College An interim report of work by teachers preparing to implement the Earth and Space Science sub-strand of the (K-10) Australian Curriculum Science across 11 South Australian schools. These include primary & secondary, metropolitan & rural, DECD, Catholic & independent schools, supported by a community partnership˙ that includes two Adelaide Universities and theTeacher Earth Science Education Program (TESEP). The project has been seed funded under the NAB Schools First Program. It aims to better engage and retain students to senior secondary Science, through exciting and memorable enquiry based learning in Earth and Environmental Science in the middle years. New teachers and schools are most welcome to join our network and assist us in our collaborative efforts. Website membership is free.

TARGET AUDIENCE: PRIMARY, MIDDLE SCHOOL

5S04 Nelson iScience for the Australian Curriculum Eleanor Gregory, Cengage Learning The new Nelson iScience Years 7…series published by Nelson Cengage Learning seamlessly combines Higher Order Thinking skills, Web 2.0 technology and an interactive ebook as well as meeting all the requirements of the Australian Curriculum – Science Years 7-10. Nelson Science is fully developed program that flawlessly embeds ICT into teaching practice. Many students enter the classroom already skilled in utilising a large array of technology, Nelson iScience provides teachers and students the opportunity to expand upon these skills to assist in their teaching and learning. Nelson iScience will assist teachers and students to use ICT to…

• Investigate • Create • Communicate • Collaborate as mandated by the Australian Curriculum (ICT competence General Capability). This workshop will take you through the features of the Nelson iScience series and demonstrate to you how it will more than meet all your Australian Curriculum requirements in Science.

Commercial

TARGET AUDIENCE: MIDDLE SCHOOL

Page 12

SASTA CONFERENCE 2012

WORKSHOPS IN DETAIL 5S05 Magic in Science: The power of engaging learners Dr Sam Moyle, Brighton Secondary School Dynamic approaches to highlighting science understandings required in the national curriculum have the added advantage of engaging learners. We all love magic tricks. With a bit of know-how, a dash of alchemy and enthusiastic approach we can reengage learners. This workshop focuses on a few innovative and dynamic demonstrations with discussion of curriculum requirements and cross curriculum applications.

TARGET AUDIENCE: MIDDLE, SENIOR SCHOOL

5S06 eLearning-Teaching Physics using Centra Wayne Wallace, Salisbury East High School A “Here’s how I did it!” workshop showing the flexible delivery structure of Yr 12 Physics at Salisbury East High School in 2011 and beyond.

TARGET AUDIENCE: SENIOR SCHOOL

5S07 If school was a family of subjects, who would speak to whom about what, at the barbecue? A Transdisciplinary Approach to Teaching Science In the middle years.

Evan Polymeneas ,Steve Whitehead, Lisa Linell, Brad Hoekman, David Szilassy, David Aitkin, Robyne Satterly, Dominica Thomson, Yvonne Zeegers, and Kathy Paige.

In this workshop middle school teachers share what happened in their classrooms as a result of participating in a year long professional learning program. As part of a UniSA Aspiration Project with a focus on student retention beyond the middle years of schooling four teams of teachers planned transdisciplinary units of work around educating for sustainability. Each team took a different slant, 1) A Year 8 exploration of a cross-curriculum unit between Science and the Humanities, using cane toads as the focus. 2) An exploration of how the introduction of a school kitchen garden changed student behaviour and attitudes towards their learning. 3) An exploration of how learning about the weather in year 8 science positively impacted on the development of middle school students’ scientific language and 4) Connecting children to the local environment through different lens from electronics to art, from poetry to surveys.

TARGET AUDIENCE: PRIMARY, MIDDLE, SENIOR SCHOOL

5S08 Program a LEGO Robot to play fetch Lisa Horsley, SciWorld No experience necessary! Have a go at programming a robot to move around, talk, fetch a ball and interact with its environment. Work in teams to predict, test and evaluate. Laptops, robots and programming lesson included for this preview session, where you get to test out the session on behalf of your students. SciWorld runs Robotics as a 90-minute incursion session at your school – perfect for engaging Years 4 to 9.

TARGET AUDIENCE: PRIMARY, MIDDLE SCHOOL

Page 13

SASTA CONFERENCE 2012

SESSION 6

Friday 2:00pm - 2:50pm

Commercial

WORKSHOPS IN DETAIL 10:30am – 11:00am

Morning Tea and Exhibition - Middle School

11:00am – 12:00noon

Keynote 2 - Century Theatre

12:00noon – 1:00pm

SASTA Annual General Meeting - Century Theatre

1:00pm – 2:00pm

Lunch and Exhibition - Middle School

6S01 Teaching with TainLab Stephen Howard, Tain Electronics Pty Ltd Ease of use, a wide range of sensors and comprehensive experiment instructions make the Tainlab data acquisition system attractive in all areas of secondary science. See it in action in a variety of experiments and develop the confidence to incorporate it into your own teaching.

TARGET AUDIENCE: LABORATORY OFFICERS, PRIMARY, MIDDLE, SENIOR

6S02 The design and intent of the Australian Curriculum Senior Secondary Science Melanie Isaacs, ACARA Four senior secondary subjects have been drafted as part of the Australian Curriculum Science - Biology, Earth and Environmental Science, Chemistry and Physics. These subjects build on the Foundation to Year 10 Science curriculum and further develop the three strands of Science Understanding, Science as a Human Endeavour and Science Inquiry Skills. This session will explore the development of the Biology and Earth and Environmental Science subjects and explain the intent of the writers and the thinking behind the subject design. Participants will be shown the Consultation Portal and how to provide feedback on the curriculum drafts.

TARGET AUDIENCE: SENIOR SCHOOL

6S03 Cars Christine Papanicolas & Dr Paula Mills, Prince Alfred College Presenting a teacher resource for covering the Year 8 physical sciences aspect of the National Curriculum. This will also incorporate the elaborations for the Human Endeavour strand. Following the sharing of resources, including student worksheets, an opportunity will be available for teachers to brainstorm and develop collaboratively hands-on inquiry activities to complement the material presented.

TARGET AUDIENCE: MIDDLE SCHOOL

6S04 Making the most of your SACE tasks Lois Ey, SACE Board of South Australia This session will focus on ensuring that tasks and the specific features of the assessment design criteria are strongly connected so that student evidence of learning can be at the highest possible level when assessed against the performance standards. Practical investigations, issues investigations and skills and applications tasks will all be considered across the range of SACE science subjects.

TARGET AUDIENCE: SENIOR

6S05 Subject Innovation Through Scientific Studies at Stage 2 Matthew Jamieson, Australian Science and Mathematics School In 2011 the Australian Science and Mathematics School presented two Stage 2 Scientific Studies subjects Aviation and Human Performance. This presentation is a discussion of the how, why and results from the first year of implementation of the Human Performance course. Relevant to schools seeking to write their own science subject and/or PE Departments looking at expanding their teaching scope. Presented by Matt Jamieson ASMS Coordinator Science by Inquiry.

TARGET AUDIENCE: SENIOR, TERTIARY

Page 14

SASTA CONFERENCE 2012

WORKSHOPS IN DETAIL 6S06 Connecting students with a fishy environment, experientially Jonathan McPhail, Murray Darling Basin Authority/ PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture Using wetlands as classrooms is not a new concept - though fish (in wetlands of course!) can provide a very unique opportunity to make connections across a variety of educational disciplines.

Fish can be both large and intriguing in their own right, but also represent a place in complex aquatic ecosystems. The Riverine Environmental Educational Project provides students (through teachers) with unique ways to understand how wetlands work, the threats that wetlands face and how to improve wetland health. This lecture will explore one aspect of the project - introduced fish species - and demonstrate its relevance in the Science classroom.

TARGET AUDIENCE: MIDDLE, SENIOR SCHOOL

6S07 Using Aboriginal Astronomy in the Australian Science Curriculum Professor Ray Norris, CSIRO, Australia Telescope National Facility In this workshop we will explore ways in which Aboriginal Astronomy, and other areas of Aboriginal science, can be brought in a substantive way to the Australian Science Curriculum. The workshop will bring together the teaching expertise of the participants and the expertise of the speaker to try to forge a set of recommendations on how Aboriginal perspectives and tradition might best be incorporated into a Science Curriculum.

TARGET AUDIENCE: PRIMARY, MIDDLE, SENIIOR SCHOOL, TERTIARY EDUCATORS

6S08 I Want To Be A Scientist Lisa Horsley, SciWorld Interactive session previewing SciWorld’s hands-on science for Reception, Year 1 and 2 students, including hints for experiments you can try in your classroom.

TARGET AUDIENCE: PRIMARY SCHOOL

SESSION 6 & 7 Friday 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Commercial

67D01 Risk assessment made easy!

Dr Phillip Crisp, Ecosolve Australia The logic of risk assessment is explained.

Learn about paper and - much faster - web-based methods for performing risk assessments of laboratory experiments. RiskAssess software is presented as a simple way to comply with legal requirements, as well as providing an ordering and laboratory scheduling system. RiskAssess complies with the Australian Standard on Risk Management, and includes separate sections for laboratory technicians and teachers, plus recording of inherent risk levels and control measures.

Try out RiskAssess during the workshop and carry out risk assessments easily and quickly, using chemical, equipment and biological databases to save you time.

TARGET AUDIENCE: LAB OFFICERS, PRIMARY, MIDDLE, SENIOR SCHOOL, TERTIARY

Page 15

SASTA CONFERENCE 2012

SESSION 7

Friday 3:00pm - 4:00pm

WORKSHOPS IN DETAIL 7S01 The design and intent of Australian Curriculum Senior Secondary Science Subjects - Chemistry and Physics Melanie Isaacs, ACARA Four senior secondary subjects have been drafted as part of the Australian Curriculum Science - Biology, Earth and Environmental Science, Chemistry and Physics. These subjects build on the Foundation to Year 10 Science curriculum and further develop the three strands of Science Understanding, Science as a Human Endeavour and Science Inquiry Skills.This session will explore the development of the Chemistry and Physics subjects and explain the intent of the writers and the thinking behind the subject design. Participants will be shown the Consultation Portal and how to provide feedback on the curriculum drafts.

TARGET AUDIENCE: SENIOR SCHOOL

7S02 LEGO NXT Mindstorms Robotics* Elizabeth Moore, Moore Educational Pty Ltd NXT MINDSTORMS for Schools from LEGO Education is a dynamic, engaging resource for students in grades 5 to year 12. Use light, sound, touch and ultrasonic sensors to program and control robots. The temperature sensor and data logging feature integrates robotics into science, technology and maths. Explore how easy and engaging it is to implement a leading edge robotics program in your school.

TARGET AUDIENCE: PRIMARY, MIDDLE, SENIOR SCHOOL

7S03 Effective and efficient use of learning Technologies in teaching David Baker, Underdale High School Through a structured online course and with the aid of electronic devices, teaching resources were developed for teachers and students that could be accessed by them any time. The original aim was to deliver a curriculum across two schools using Moodle, Saba Centra and other online resources. Successful pedagogies were adapted and developed that led to increased teacher efficiencies plus improved student learning. The feedback from staff and students was instant and informative. The effectiveness was able to be assessed through analysis of information via surveys, tests and assignments for both teachers and students.

TARGET AUDIENCE: MIDDLE, SENIOR, TERTIARY SCHOOL

7S04 How Pearson science can support you in teaching the Australian Curriculum Ross Laman, Pearson This workshop will • provide an overview of the key features of the Australian Curriculum series Pearson science 7-10 • explore how Pearson science addresses the Australian curriculum, saves you time and engages your students • explore how Pearson’s fully interactive Web-book, Pearson Reader, can be used to teach the Australian Curriculum in a fully digital classroom You will receive • A Pearson science Year 8 Teacher Companion • A certificate of attendance Commercial

TARGET AUDIENCE: MIDDLE, SENIOR SCHOOL

7S05 Developing Science Inquiry Skills with CREST Theo Kermanidis, CSIRO Education Find out in this hands-on workshop how to engage your students to develop their science inquiry skills using a great range of resources available through CSIRO’s CREST Awards Program. The CREST Awards Program is a flexible program that fits well with the Australian Curriculum and is ideal for students wanting to enter in to the Oliphant Awards or other science based competitions.

TARGET AUDIENCE: PRIMARY, MIDDLE, SENIOR SCHOOL

Page 16

SASTA CONFERENCE 2012

WORKSHOPS IN DETAIL 7S06 Improve student outcomes in Nutrition, using TfEL pedagogy Karen Magee, Marden Senior College This workshop provides opportunities for teachers to explore the TfEL framework and how it can be used to inspire student learning to improve success in Stage 1 and 2 Nutrition. Ideas for use in the Skills and Application tasks and the Investigation Folio will be addressed TARGET AUDIENCE: SENIOR SCHOOL

7S07 Deep Learning through Fieldwork Dr Bronte Nicholls, Australian Science and Mathematics School Fieldwork is and always has been an underpinning part of the effective teaching of geological concepts. Biodiversity is one of the interdisciplinary science courses offered at the Australian Science and Mathematics School, where students inquire into the role that earth processes play in shaping the Earth˙s current biodiversity, such as evolution, plate tectonics and climate change.

Linking real world observation of geological field evidence to classroom theory allows students to gain a deep understanding of geological phenomena.

This presentation outlines the learning sequence incorporating engagement activities, field inquiry, and collaboration with peers and discipline experts, debate and the final assessment task.

TARGET AUDIENCE: MIDDLE, SENIOR SCHOOL

7S08 Challenging Students’ Science Knowledge and Skills and Encouraging Excellence through Extension Competitions including the Australian Science Olympiads.

Dr Matthew Verdon, Australian Science Innovations Teachers often look for means beyond the regular school program to engage students in activities that challenge their scientific knowledge and skills and that contribute constructively to their overall assessment. Participants will receive an overview of the Australian Science Olympiad Competition including benefits for schools and teachers looking to challenge gifted and talented students as well as what the students gain from the experience. Also receive an overview of the Big Science Competition, designed to engage students of all abilities and aligned to the Australian Curriculum: Science TARGET AUDIENCE: SENIOR SCHOOL 4:00pm – 5:00pm

Happy Hour and Close - Outside Function Room

Page 17

s l o o h c s m a r g o r p

e c n scie 2011

InspIre the scIentIsts and engIneers Of tOmOrrOw

Get your students in motion The Faculty of Science and Engineering can help inspire your students by offering interactive practicals, presentations and tours for high school students in the areas of: Biology Chemistry Computer Science Engineering Environment

the University of adelaide offers a range of career and study-based activities for secondary school students including:

Robotics Mathematics Nanotechnology Physics

CRICOS Provider Number 00123M

Further Information and bookings: 1800 803 131 Freecall science@flinders.edu.au www.flinders.edu.au/se/schools

CRICOS Provider Code 00114A

If banks were students they’d be sent to the Principal.

So if its time for a change, let’s talk.

Credit Union SA Ltd • ABN 36 087 651 232 • AFSL/ACL 241066 400 King William Street ADELAIDE 5000

JAM USA/0711/05 CRICOS PROVIDER NO 00121B

creditunionsa.com.au

•

presentations and workshops

•

study and careers pathway talks

•

school visits

contact us today to find out how you can get involved in our science and engineering schools program.

prospective students Office ph: (08) 8303 6447 www.adelaide.edu.au/schools

Consider one of the many careers in Science.

In Credit Union SA you have a strong, community-based alternative to big-profit banking.

Call 8202 7777 or 1800 018 227 to learn more about your state’s Credit Union.

On campus hands-on activities

5695

inspiring achievement

•

UniSA can provide multidisciplinary degrees into exciting careers in Science. Our degrees in Engineering, Environmental Science, Information Technology and Science give graduates the opportunity to implement emerging technologies and help companies improve productivity and efficiency. Graduates may find work in many industries upon completion of their degree.

For more details on the many degrees on offer and career choices available, visit unisa.edu.au/itee

Page 18

and

THE 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.

2007

2011 Primary Middle Upper Secondary

Sue Cox David Andrewartha Sharon Davey Sandra Reynolds

Primary

Middle School Upper Secondary

Dagmar Preusker, Mark Dorman Kate Cutts, Dr Jane Wright

Primary Middle School Upper Secondary

2010 Primary

Upper Secondary

Bronwyn Mart, RogerBurford Richard Drogemuller Lyn Jefferies

2006

Sue Burdett Vicki Stewart Bruno Facinella, Murray Thompson

2008 Primary Sonia Cooke Upper Secondary Peter Donnelly,

Chris Jordison

Junior Primary Primary Middle School Upper Secondary

Sue Ogden Jill Varga David LeCornu Susan Cockshell

2002

Peter Hoskin Bob Haskard John Salamon, Judy Sara

Primary Kathy Zed Upper Secondary Peter Haines

2001 Junior Primary Primary Middle School Upper Secondary

2005

2009 Junior Primary Middle School Upper Secondary

2003

Primary Jacqui McMahon Middle Phil Coles Upper Secondary Lynton Hall

Marianne Nicholas Neil Piggott Robyn White Alan Pepper

2004 Primary Phil Ogden Middle Julie Suhanek Upper Secondary Cynthia Pyle

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 The SASTA Medal is in recognition of a member’s significant long term commitment to SASTA and contribution to science education.

Previous Medal Winners 1983 Lester Russell 1984 Bob Morton 1985 John Smith 1986 Peter Schodde 1987 Terry Woolley 1988 Ron Page 1989 D’Arcy Walsh 1990 Thelma Pike 1991 Maris Silis 1992 Tony Diercks 1993 Cees van Putten 1994 Iris Mullins 1995 Peter Russo 1996 Phil Alan

Page 19

1997 Yvonne Zeegers 1998 Jane Wright 2000 Mike Roach 2001 Rick Daley 2002 Jan Brooks 2003 Simon Langsford 2004 Sharon Russo 2005 Grahame Ferguson 2006 Bronwyn Mart 2007 Peter Turnbull 2008 David LeCornu 2009 Anne Langsford 2010 Cliff Rothenberg 2011 David Lloyd

OLIPHANT SCIENCE AWARDS: SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST STUDENT SCIENCE COMPETITION

Great opportunities for learning through science Check the list of sponsors’ prizes.

2012 Oliphant Dates Thursday 7 June – Registration Forms due.

Friday 8 June – Judges Registration Form due.

Monday 23 July – Deliver Science Writing, Scientific Inquiry, Games and Multimedia entries.

Saturday 4 August – Computer Programming and Robotics judging.

Friday 17 August – Deliver Crystal Investigation, Models & Inventions, Photography and Poster entries.

Saturday 18 August – Judging Day. Sunday 19 August – Open Day. Monday 20 August – Collection of non-winning entries Friday 14 September – Presentation Ceremony.

Dates to be confirmed, check SASTA website for updates.

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.

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

2012 Category Titles Photography w The Science of Coastlines w Different mirrors – different reflections w Fantastic Plastic w The Science of Farming w Reversible and irreversible changes w Carbon Cycle

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.

Posters w Sustainable Energy w Robotic Explorers w Life on a Reef w Pre-historic Australia w Deep Sea w Warning!

Science Writing w w w w w w

Valuable prizes are awarded for entries that meet both the category requirements and the criteria described by our sponsors.

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.

GM Foods – are they our future?

Why have Marine Reserves?

Is 50km/h safer than 60km/h?

Science as a Human endeavour Environmental evaluations are essential Radiation and Communication Page 20

Patron: Dr Barbara Hardy AO ABN 22 938 317 192 Member of Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA)

Supporting teachers of science • Advancing science education

SASTA_Conf12-cover_v4.indd 2

IMMANUEL COLLEGE CAMPUS

Middle School

Main Entrance

The SASTA Annual Conference is proudly supported by:

South Australian Science Teachers Association Inc.

REGISTRATION DESK, WORKSHOPS & TRADE DISPLAY

back inside cover

L6 E7 H5 J4 G5 L10 L7 J5 A9 L2 L5 K6 F6 L5

Venue Map

Administration Reception Auditorium Century Theatre Function Room Immanuel Lutheran Church Reception Middle School Car Park Middle School Office Music Primary School Reception Properties Office Resource Centre Senior School Office Sports Centre Reception Technology Centre

pages 8 to 17

Technology

Workshops in detail

Performing Arts

pages 4 to 7

KEYNOTE PRESENTATIONS

Cutting Edge Speakers

Senior School

page 2 to 3

Function Room

Keynote Speakers

Immanuel Shop

page 1

Property Services

CONTENTS Conference Program in brief

13/03/2012 10:27:25 AM

SASTA CONFERENCE 2012 Thursday 12 & Friday 13 April 2012 Immanuel College, 32 Morphett Road, Novar Gardens

Sustainability

SASTA_Conf12-cover_v4.indd 1

13/03/2012 10:27:23 AM