ScitechTALK T3 2014

TALK

SciTech

This e-newsletter is designed to inform and support K

— 6 teachers in the area of Science and Technology

Š State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2014

Contents



What’s happening



Leading change



National Science Week



Citizen Science



Beneath the Southern Seas



New Initiative



Opportunities



Conferences



Scholarships

Welcome It has been a busy start to the term and there is a lot happening in science and technology K – 6.

As schools begin to focus on the implementation of this new syllabus, strategic planning and rigorous discussion are occurring across the state. Peruse last term’s newsletter if you’re new to the distribution list or need to review some available support.

As National Science Week approaches (16 – 24 August), schools are organising and registering for events. Please consider submitting some photos with a little blurb about the wonderful things you are doing so we can share and inspire our colleagues in the next enews edition.

United Nations World Space Week is in early term 4. Think about having an astronomy night at your school and inviting your local astronomical society to help you. The school community is always a great resource for extra telescopes and amateur astronomers.

© State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2014

This term has been crazy busy as schools realise they need to be implementing the Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus next year.  It’s exciting to be a part of great forward thinking and planning by school leaders as they organise communities of learning to share expertise, funding, ideas and personnel. These school groups have nominated one or two teachers who are combining with other schools in these professional learning opportunities. We work through various activities which highlight the intent of the new syllabus, allowing the teachers to acquire a deeper understanding, build a network, develop a bank of resources, ask questions and stimulate open discussion.

They then return to their schools with a plan of action on how to best implement the new syllabus in their individual school contexts.

This model of professional learning is working extremely well as this principal articulates: The benefits from my perspective are: • • • • •

Empowering teachers is more powerful than outsiders coming in Teachers are given opportunities to build self / targeted capacity Small schools benefit from sharing resources and engaging in networking The model allows teachers to develop leadership in concert/connecting with other peers The model allows teachers to hear the professional views of other teachers and this is a huge benefit as many current junior leaders can only reflect on experience in their school’

Selwyn Williams, Principal Kirrawee PS It is important to have discussions with your Educational Services Advisors who look at what/who is available in your area as well as consult with us to set up future PL on the syllabus. Professional Learning opportunities still to come this term include visits to Sutherland Shire, Illawarra EEC, Junee, Tamworth, Maitland and Wollongong.  The images on the front cover were taken when a designer – Mick Alvisse – visited Glebe PS as part of their Design Emergency. This was a collaboration between Object Design Centre and the Science and Technology Advisors, here at State Office in the development of resources to support the teaching of Working Technologically. We are in the midst of developing a resource package which will consist of images, video, units of learning and support material – all aligned to support teachers in the implementation of the new syllabus.

Watch this space!

Good luck with your individual journeys…

The SciTech team

© State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2014

Leading Change Professional Development Day A Science and Technology Workshop

‘Fun activities that were thought provoking and educational.’

‘Enthusiastic presenters with an infectious love of science and technology. Inspiring.’

These are just two of the quotes taken from feedback of a 90 minute introductory workshop presented on 23rd July at the Jubilee Oval V room.

Participants had a very informative session that highlighted the intent of the new Science and Technology K-6 syllabus. They realised that the processes of Working Scientifically and Working Technologically are at the centre of teaching and learning.

By actively engaging in a set task, the teachers identified that in order for their students to develop skills in using the processes of Working Scientifically and Working Technologically, they must offer opportunities where learners have active engagement in a range of contextualised, hands-on scientific investigations and design projects.

Discussion around the similarities and differences of the new Science and Technology syllabus allowed time for school leaders to share ideas and understandings.

Leading on from this workshop, participants returned to their schools to begin the implementation of the syllabus through an action plan which includes the development of a scope and sequence and an audit of units of learning. Teachers aim to build a local network to continue their dialogue around Science and Technology implementation in 2015.

© State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2014

National Science Week is an annual celebration of Science across Australia.

The school theme for National Science Week 2014 is ‘Food for our future: Science feeding the world’.

The theme was inspired by the International Year for Family Farming and can include topics like food security, agricultural sustainability and innovation.

The resource book supports teachers with lesson plans based on the theme.

Search for an event near you!

These are all great opportunities to incorporate the Working Technologically aspect of the syllabus. © State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2014

The universe is too big to explore without you

Some online opportunities for everyone to be involved on an international scale!

Come and interact with the many major exhibits including: the Planetarium, the Observatory and entertaining science and technology shows. They also have an outreach program called Star Trails where they bring the show to your school.

Š State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2014

AUSTRALIA'S AMAZING MARINE LIFE A fascinating journey for all ages into our underwater world (K – Year 12)

Presented by multi award winning underwater filmmaker 2004 Whitely Medal Winner (for best publication on the natural history of Australian animals)

Protect Our Coral Sea Warrior Ambassador GEORGE EVATT These engaging and informative presentations are sure to be of great interest to your students. Since the launch of BENEATH SOUTHERN SEAS Australia's Amazing Marine Life in 2004, George’s presentations have been enthusiastically received by over 112,500 Australian K -12 students.

Teachers’ Activity Notes are available.

Video Samples of George’s work can be seen on his 2004 Whitley Medal Award winning BENEATH SOUTHERN SEAS DVD: Intro trailer & The making of the movie Visit George Evatt's Web Site You will need to book promptly. To book or for queries email or phone 0403 075 556 (02) 9028 7049

© State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2014

In early 2014, Roads and Maritime Services introduced a new initiative to support boating safety in the community in the form of Boating Education Officers who provide firsthand information on how to stay safe on NSW waterways.

The importance of boating and general water safety is essential to primary age students especially as children from the age of 12 are eligible to hold a boat licence, and over the last ten years, nine out of ten people who drowned while boating were not wearing a lifejacket.

These officers will provide a fun and interactive 30-45 minute experience for students in K-6.

The in-school visits are also linked with the syllabus in both PDHPE and Science and Technology.

Please contact Adam Welfare (02) 9563 8645

MakerBot has just launched a new, free iOS app for the iPad called PrintShop. It features ready-touse designs that can be sent directly to a 3D printer. There are 3 pre-selected design categories: rings, bracelets and type (for small signage, nameplates etc).

You don’t need any experience – just download the file and use your (or someone else’s) 3D printer to print beautiful, professional looking items.

© State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2014

Design Futures – this year’s theme explores the changes in the way we design, produce and consume, with an exciting Sydney-wide program of talks, exhibitions and workshops.

Sydney Design is one of the few design festivals in the world produced and managed by a Museum and has grown to become a key event on the design industry’s calendar.

FORMULA 1 for primary

The F1inSchools Primary Challenge will be showcased at each of the coming F1 in Schools State Finals across Australia. All of the schools and teams involved at the 2014 State Finals will be encouraged to engage with the primary schools within their catchment areas.

If you would like more information about the F1 in Schools Primary Challenge, or would like to become a sponsor of the program please contact: contact@rea.org.au © State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2014

The STANSW young Scientist Awards is a program open to students from Kindergarten to Year 12.

Students can perform an open-ended scientific investigation about a topic that is of interest to them OR they can enter a model or invention.

Entries can be done by individuals or a group.

There are many prizes and support for students and teachers, including a rubric which is used for judging entries.

For enquiries contact youngscientist@stansw.asn.au

Register for the 2014 Young Scientist Award.

The theme allows educators to look at satellite navigation and the benefits for humanity. Education resources will be available and a register of international events is at World Space Week.

Š State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2014

Do you have a green thumb?

The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation is running Program Delivery Training in the Tamworth region on 21-22 August and Orange on 16-17 October for schools joining the Kitchen Garden National Program.

It incorporates hands-on, skills-based instruction in the kitchen and garden, supplies comprehensive delivery resources and gives attendees everything they need to deliver a rich educational program to their students.

Find out what schools receive when they join the Program.

Just begin an online joining form or call Projects Officer Mel Schouten on 0415 741 631 for more information and assistance.

Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation T: 03 8415 1993

Š State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2014

NSW Electricity Safety Week 8-12 September 2014

NSW primary schools can now register to receive a free interactive prize pack to help engage their students in Electricity Safety Week (ESW) 8-12 September 2014. ESW is a state-wide program designed to teach students how to be safe around electricity by raising awareness of the hazards associated with it.

Developed with the Department of Education and Communities, the resources offered by Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy and Essential Energy are designed to help teachers meet the Science & Technology and PDHPE syllabuses for Years K-6.

Register your school before Friday 22nd August and you will receive the following items: • Activity booklet – electricity safety activities for Years K-6 • Student prizes – rechargeable torches and electricity safety stickers • Electricity safety posters – display these around your school and classrooms • Certificate of achievement – photocopy and distribute this to your students • Additional items – other exciting teaching and learning resources You will also receive a USB or DVD containing a revised Electricity and Safety Unit for Years 5 & 6 which has been realigned to meet the requirements of the NSW Board of Studies Science & Technology Stage 3 Syllabus for the Australian Curriculum.

To complete your registration, please email your name, school, address and preferred email address to esw@primary-pr.com or call 02 9212 3888.

© State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2014

Primary Conference Saturday 13 September - Register

Conference Friday 24 October - Register

Technology Education Conference 26 – 29 November 2014

This conference is for teachers of design and technology, engineering and technology educators primary, secondary and tertiary. It will provide excellent networking opportunities and professional learning in the areas of:  Current technology education research  Technology teaching and best practice  The pedagogy of technology teaching engaging students in technologies learning  Practical, hands-on application of technologies  Emerging technologies in industry and school settings  Broader issues related to teaching in technologies such as sustainability, global collaboration, design processes and excellence in teaching.

Register

© State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2014

Conference Program

Would you like to learn about STEM education, meet top gun educators from around the world and have the experience of a lifetime?

Apply for a Honeywell Scholarship. Applications open in September so note it in your diary today!

Any questions? Ask.

Teaching about sustainability inspires students to take those principles out into the world and effect change.

Honeywell’s Green Boot Camp teaches Stage 3 and Stage 4 teachers how to turn their classrooms into fertile ground in which ideas about sustainability can thrive. This no cost five-day workshop could be the opportunity of a lifetime. Applications open soon.

Any questions? Ask.

In this TEDx presentation, Clare Sutcliffe explores the worldwide trend of teaching kids to code. Clare highlights the importance and economic benefits of teaching the current generation to be code literate. She identifies the biggest problem – most teachers don’t know how to code. We need help!

Her solution was to develop Code Club, an after school, hugely successful, UK initiative.

Code Club Australia has just been launched and provides excellent structured lessons to take students from visual programming through to a general purpose programming language. The resources are free and use only open-source software. The only cost is a commitment to teach the program for one hour per week for a 10 week term.

They even have Code Club Pro for teachers.

Find out more the Code Club Australia program.

Download a sample lesson on Scratch from the Term One section.

© State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2014

QuestaBird is an outdoor adventure game where players compete by photographing birds in the wild. Join quests, earn gold, buy supplies, gain levels – and help document and protect Australia’s biodiversity! Try it. It’s free!

Be inspired and educate tomorrow’s generation with real science by helping to raise awareness and acquiring a deeper understanding about climate change. The information you collect will be used to assist real scientists.

The School of Ants is an exciting international citizen-scientist driven project in Australia.

We want Australian students, teachers and parents to get involved and uncover a world of ants at our feet, in our homes, schools and parks. Where are the invasive species? Are there some ant species that occur all across Australia? And can you find them?

© State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2014

Book Week – Sustainability Storytime with Kellie Bollard Term 3 Week 6: 18, 19, 21 August

The Royal National Park EEC is facilitating book readings via video conferences for Preschool, Early Stage 1 and Stage 1 with sustainability author Kellie Bollard. Kellie will read two of her books and engage students in song and actions.

Registration details

Royal National Park EEC also has a range of Field Work and In-school programs from K – 6 appropriate to the stage of learning and aligned to various syllabuses.

For enquiries and further information visit their website or phone 9542 1951

Joint EEC Primary Bush Christmas - Early Stage 1, Stage 1 Children‘s awareness of Australia’s unique animals will be developed through an Australian Christmas story, craft activities and music.

Each school will be given a plant to improve habitat in their school grounds. Contact the Sydney EEC in your area: Royal National Park, Georges River, Observatory Hill.

© State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2014

Field of Mars EEC has created digital multitouch books which offer gorgeous, full-screen experiences full of interactive diagrams, photos and videos.

These books are designed to inspire curiosity and provide a gateway to explore the natural world.

They are available to purchase from iBookstore.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has introduced WilderQuest which is a fun and innovative children's program designed to inspire love and care for nature. Its aim is to motivate and encourage children to learn about and experience the natural world, using a combination of digital and real-life encounters Introduced to celebrate Aboriginal peoples, language, culture and connection to nature, the Campfire includes videos, games and interactive tasks. Learn to make a ground oven, find some bush tucker, or discover which plants have cultural uses with Aboriginal Discovery Rangers in National Parks.

Š State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2014

As you may already know, the Geography syllabus was released for a short 6 week only consultation.

DEC Learning and Leadership Directorate is running consultation separate to BoSTES. You are encouraged to provide feedback to both where practical.

The NSW Curriculum for the Australian Curriculum: Geography K-10 Draft Syllabus Feedback can be provided using the online survey

Murder under the Microscope (MuM) Has a new look and feel! At the moment, MuM is undergoing major refurbishment and is being offered as an online investigation. Starts on 23 June and will be operational until 10 October!

Monash University has developed a learning adventure game for iPad for children 8 – 12 years old called MWorld and are currently looking to trial the iPad version of the app. They are looking for 20 – 50 schools in NSW who are keen to be a part of this trial. If you are interested AND equipped, please send a return email before end Term 3.

© State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2014

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

tanya.coli@det.nsw.edu.au

jacqueline.slaviero@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 DEC

Š State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2014