ScitechTALK T1 2016

SciTech TALK This e-newsletter is designed to inform and support NSW

K — 6 teachers in the area of Science and Technology © State of New South Wales, Department of Education 2016

As Term 1 draws to a close I wanted to share some experiences and opportunities that have emerged.

First of all, the Science Teacher’s Association of NSW (STANSW) has announced a major STEM initiative where they have collaborated with other professional teacher associations: Mathematical Association of NSW (MANSW) and Institute of Industrial Arts Technology Education (IIATE) to restructure the Young Scientist Awards. I have provided more information further for you to explore the opportunities provided for your students.

In March, I attended the Future Schools Conference where there were some excellent presentations and great exhibitions. A couple of speakers stood out above the rest: Stephen Lethbridge (NZ) encouraged school leaders to think about the why and what for in regards to makerspaces. He is leading a maker culture in his school and is trying to change teacher and parent mentalities of what learning should be ...ie, makerspaces don’t need to have new, different, modular furniture, the latest computers or amazing spaces; it’s a way of thinking.

Richard Gerver’s insights into change, leadership and education were also captivating because of his unique storytelling through his own extraordinary journey and experiences. If you see these names on a presenter’s list anywhere, I would encourage you to attend.

The Primary STEM Conference was held on 23 – 24 February with some outstanding outcomes. Read about the outcomes later in the newsletter.

The Work Health and Safety Directorate has asked for teachers to complete the survey they have developed. Please go to your e-safety homepage in the portal and complete the survey before 1 April.

Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to support you in your SciTech journey!

Tanya NSW Science and Technology Advisor

© State of New South Wales, Department of Education 2016

Primary STEM Conference On 23 and 24 February, Katherin Cartwright (Mathematics Advisor) and I held our primary STEM Conference in Sydney. Twenty schools/CoS who had submitted successful EOIs were emerged in multiple workshops developing knowledge and understanding around the pedagogies of working mathematically, working scientifically and working technologically. They were engaged in design thinking processes to unpack a variety of strategies to help them evaluate teaching and learning practices in their schools. They will go on to develop programs and support teachers in their schools to co-create learning experiences incorporating project-based and inquiry-based learning strategies.

A short video has been developed to showcase the conference. Eventually, the programs and plans developed by these schools will be uploaded onto a STEM website, along with programs developed by Stage 4 schools who were involved in a similar project.

Š State of New South Wales, Department of Education 2016

Royal Easter Show Primary Preview Day The RAS had their preview day just for primary school teachers and students on 16 March. We were lucky enough to spend the day at the Sydney Royal Easter Show before it opened to the public.

The Primary Preview Day gave students hands-on opportunities to learn from farmers in a round-robin workshop format AND the program was linked to NSW Syllabus outcomes.

This was the perfect way to celebrate the NEW Agriculture and Food week in 2016.

The RAS website has resources that promote science and literacy skills to start your class on the paddock to plate journey.

Young Scientist Awards Students have the opportunity to develop their skills of working scientifically, working technologically and working mathematically while they conduct a scientific investigation and/or design (and produce) a solution to a problem/opportunity. They can then submit their investigation journey, evidence and findings to receive an award in either the: • • •

STANSW Scientific Investigation Awards IIATE Models and Innovation Awards, or MANSW Working Mathematically Awards

This is a new development for the Young Scientist Awards as the project becomes a STEM education initiative based on authentic, contextual learning which incorporates and identifies the skill development and integration of these 3 syllabuses. Peruse the website to see how these awards could support teaching and learning at your school.

© State of New South Wales, Department of Education 2016

Coding boot camps @ MacICT Full day excursions for students

MacICT provide s quality Professional Learning courses that introduce teachers to a variety of technologies and pedagogy around ICT in the classroom.

During this introductory boot camp, students will explore coding through a range of off-computer activities and free software platforms – from tablet apps to desktop visual programming languages.

Coding in the classroom boot camps are suitable for students in Years 3 – 6.

Contact MacICT to organise a date.

Investigate: Fire ants provides authentic learning experiences and supports the development of science and technology skills while learning about fire ants, a topical biosecurity threat. To compete, classes will design and complete an investigation to check their school for fire ants and create a communication product to educate their school and local community on biosecurity and fire ants.

Entry is free to Stage 3 students. Competition guidelines, teacher handbook and learning sequence can be accessed at the Tocal website.

© State of New South Wales, Department of Education 2016

Multimedia classroom resources The Office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner has developed lesson plans and educational resources designed to build a range of skills, knowledge and behaviours in students that will help to keep them safe online.

Young ICT Explorers Young ICT Explorers Technology Challenge for Primary and High school students is an open Digital Technology Challenge where students are able to create and showcase innovative digital technology related projects.

Contact info@youngictexplorers.net.au For further information and to register your interest please visit the Young ICT Explorers website or access their Information Pack.

Š State of New South Wales, Department of Education 2016

The Figtree Community of Schools has a dedicated committee who regularly organise sessions to help teachers implement a range of ideas/strategies/concepts in Science and Technology.

Last year they had finalist from their 7 primary schools attend the high school to compete in Stage competitions. ES1 completed 60 seconds of science and technology videos, Stage 2 constructed paper aeroplanes and Stage 3 constructed mouse trap racers. It was a huge success for the students.

This year, the CoS had organised a rotating PL session where they delved deeply in the scientific process, understood inquiry based learning and found out ways of storing resources.

Š State of New South Wales, Department of Education 2016

Keep up to date Like us on Facebook

Twitter @DoE_Scitech

Pinterest

Share the link to a curriculum network email list with colleagues.

tanya.coli@det.nsw.edu.au

The non-DEC products and events listed in this e-Newsletter are to be used at the reader’s discretion. The inclusion of product and event information is not an endorsement by the DoE

Š State of New South Wales, Department of Education 2016