TECHtalk Term1 2013

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The TECHTalk e-Newsletter is designed to support teachers of Science and Technology K— 6 and all Technology (TAS) subjects 7 — 12.

© State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2013

TECHtalk

We l c o m e t o t h e f i r s t Te c h n o l o g i e s e-Newsletter for 2013

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Inside this issue TERConference 2012

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Anaphylaxis Procedures for Schools 2012

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Anaphylaxis: Food preparation and sharing student resource

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NSW syllabus for the Australian Curriculum: Science and Technology K-6

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Australian Curriculum ongoing development

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Draft Australian Curriculum: Technologies

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HSC showcases and exhibitions 2013

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Coming events

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Resources

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Educational opportunities

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Contact us

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TERConference 2012 What constitutes good learning in Technology education? was the conference theme for the Technology Education Research Conference hosted by the Griffith Institute for Educational research which was combined with the Queensland Industrial Technology and Design Teachers Association and the National Design and Technology Teachers Association conferences.

There were some outstanding, thought-provoking presentations on a range of topics including the sharing of trends and practices in Europe, Kenya, New Zealand and Finland, as well as Japan, Korea and the United States.

Presenters revealed their innovative projects including Skylap, Helicar and Engineering education through gaming. Inspirational keynote speakers included Associate Professor P. John Williams, Waikato University, Professor Stephanie Atkinson, University of Sunderland and Professor Mark Sanders, Virginia Tech University all making meaningful contributions on what constitutes good leaning in Technology education.

Venue was the Crowne Plaza, Surfer’s Paradise, 5-8 December 2012, and overall it was a very well-organised event It was wonderful to have the opportunity to network with people across Australia and beyond and be inspired by valuable, stimulating presentations. Will definitely look out for the next conference in 2014.

Š State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2013

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Anaphylaxis Procedures for Schools 2012 On 30 November 2012 the Department released new Anaphylaxis Procedures for Schools.

Anaphylaxis is a severe and sometimes sudden allergic reaction. It can occur when a susceptible person is exposed to an allergen (such as a food or an insect sting).

Reactions usually begin within minutes of exposure and can progress rapidly over a period of up to two hours or more. Anaphylaxis is potentially life threatening and always requires an emergency response. Medical advice suggests that the incidence of anaphylaxis is increasing.

The Procedures can be accessed from the Anaphylaxis page on the Public Schools website. All teachers are encouraged to visit this site to find essential information about new mandatory anaphylaxis training and to access a range of resources.

Anaphylaxis: Food preparation and sharing A student resource The student resource Anaphylaxis: Food preparation and sharing is now available. This online learning resource, targets Year 7 – 10 students who engage in subjects with a food preparation and/or food sharing component. It consists of factual information, scenarios, questions and activities exploring allergies and anaphylaxis as well as issues surrounding food sharing. It has been developed by the Department to: 

raise student awareness of food allergies and recognition of anaphylaxis as a potentially life threatening condition

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increase student knowledge of the signs and symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction

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ensure students know how to respond if an anaphylactic reaction is suspected

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raise student awareness of issues surrounding food sharing and the implications for students diagnosed as at risk of anaphylaxis.

© State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2013

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NSW syllabuses for the Australian Curriculum Science and Technology K-6 2013 will be a year of familiarisation and planning in preparation for the implementation of the new syllabuses from 2014.

The Department has developed a NSW syllabuses for the Australian curriculum website to support schools by providing accurate and up to date advice. A timeline sets out the staggered implementation schedule.

Professional Learning is supported by a suite of new courses that can be conducted at whole school, Stage or year levels. New resources specifically designed to clarify new or challenging content areas of the new syllabuses can be found here and will be added to throughout 2013.

Science and Technology is due to be implemented in 2015, though optional implementation may take place in 2014. Take care when buying resources—those developed for the Australian Curriculum may not support all outcomes of the NSW Science and Technology syllabus.

The Australian Curriculum - Ongoing Development ACARA continues to develop the Australian Curriculum. A comparative timeline shows progression through the stages of shaping, writing and implementation.

A memorandum to principals was issued on 31 July 2012 as an update on the implementation of the Australian Curriculum in NSW. Teachers of subjects still under development (previously called Phases 2 and 3 - Geography, Languages, the Arts, Health and Physical Education and Technologies) were reminded that all schools are required to implement current approved NSW Syllabuses until otherwise advised by the Board of Studies NSW. The Board of Studies will follow its regular cycle of curriculum evaluation and review which will identify priorities for curriculum renewal. When a current syllabus or learning area is identified for renewal the Board of Studies will take the opportunity to incorporate Australian Curriculum content.

Š State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2013

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Draft Australian Curriculum: Technologies The draft Australian Curriculum: Technologies is scheduled to be released for national consultation in mid-February. It will be available for viewing online or downloading from the Australian Curriculum consultation website.

ACARA will conduct a consultation survey that will run until mid-May. The NSW Department of Education and Communities will conduct its own consultation with teachers . This will be done through a series of videoconferences and focus groups. In addition, a PowerPoint presentation outlining the main features of the draft Technologies curriculum will be available. Information on dates and how to access consultation will be posted on the Technology and SciTech sections of the Curriculum Support website.

The Board of Studies NSW will also conduct consultation on the draft Technologies curriculum. Information on how to access their survey will become available on their website.

Consultation will provide you as technology educators, the opportunity to have your say on the scope and direction of the national curriculum. The draft curriculum involves significant changes to current NSW practice and while it will not be directly adopted for use, it will ultimately impact on future syllabus development in NSW. You are strongly encouraged to become involved in the consultation process and to ensure that we express our opinions and concerns during this process.

Further information about the Australian Curriculum: Technologies including a timeline of the writing and implementation schedule, can be found on the ACARA website.

Š State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2013

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HSC Showcases and Exhibitions 2013

DesignTECH DesignTECH is an annual exhibition of outstanding Major Design Projects from the 2012 HSC Design and Technology cohort. It opens at the Powerhouse Museum on 15 February 2013.

The exhibition is accompanied by student seminars focusing on the development and documentation of the Major Design Project. A Regional tour of the MDPs will take place in 2013.

InTech InTech is an exhibition of outstanding Major projects from 2012 HSC Industrial Technology students. The exhibition will be held at the Sydney Timber and Working with Wood Show from 26 –28 July 2013 at the Sydney Showground, Homebush. All focus areas of Industrial Technology are represented in the exhibition: Timber Products and Furniture, Automotive, Electronics, Graphics, Metal and Engineering and Multimedia.

Texstyle Texstyle is the annual exhibition of outstanding Major Projects from 2012 HSC Textiles and Design. This year it will be held at The Stitches and Craft Shows: Rosehill Gardens Racecourse 7 – 10 March Brisbane Convention Centre 21 – 24 March Newcastle 15 – 18 August And the Craft and Quilt Fair: Darling Harbour, Sydney 12 – 16 June Canberra 15 – 18 August

For more information visit the TEA website

© State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2013

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Coming Events Metal & Wood Show When: 7 – 10 March, Thursday – Sunday 2013 Where: Rosehill Gardens Racecourse, Sydney Time: 10am – 4:30pm each day

The Stitches & Craft Show Incorporating Texstyle When: 7 – 10 March, Thursday – Sunday 2013 Where: Rosehill Gardens Racecourse, Sydney Time: 10am – 4:30pm each day HSC Textile Project Student Seminars: Focus on Manufacturing 9.30am, 11.00am and 1.00pm Thursday March 7 & Friday March 8 Suitable for Years 11 and 12, with limited seats so organise your trip and book tickets now.

Teacher Seminar (MTP focus) 9.30am, Saturday March 9 only Limited places. Bookings essential!

© State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2013

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Resources Try Engineering - an extensive range of Lesson Plans adaptable to Engineering Studies, Design and Technology, Technology (Mandatory) and Science and Technology. Lesson Plans targeted at different levels from Stage 3 through to Stage 6. The site is aimed at exciting students about careers in engineering using a multidisciplinary approach based on problem solving, design challenges and practical handshands-on activities. Worth a look!

Stephens Plastic Mouldings —

a UK site with an excellent

educational section on injection moulding, moulding, types and sources of plastic materials, how plastics are formed and much more.

Object on iTunes U Object: Australian Centre for Design on iTunes U gives everyone with an interest in design from anywhere in the world access to a range of rich content from Education Kits and Audio Design Museum tours to Living Treasures and Exhibition videos with one touch.

New schools program 2013 Powerhouse museum have released their 2013 education program for primary and secondary schools. Curriculum linked and interactive, students have the opportunity to explore a range of learning experiences from guided tours and science and technology shows to workshops and demonstrations.

Download their:  2013 program  2013 booking form  Risk assessment table © State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2013

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Educational Opportunities Seafood Industry Partnerships in Schools SIPS offers Australian school students an ‘up close and personal’ look at life in the seafood industry, while giving those who work in the industry the opportunity to share their knowledge and passion with the next generation.

Schools are partnered with a seafood industry worker, such as a commercial fisherman or an oyster farmer. Partnerships can be tailored to suit different needs and interests, and may include classroom visits, excursions (e.g. to a wharf, aquaculture facility, seafood processing facility or seafood business) and ongoing contact between partners.

For more info contact NSW SIPS Project Officer jane@oceanwatch.org.au Ph: 02 9660 2262/ Mob: 0401 997 702 Suitable for all Stages of Primary and Stage 5 and 6 Food Technology.

Ausgrid Stage 3 Electricity Resources Ausgrid has developed a series of SMART Notebook lessons featuring embedded interactive class activities, videos and teachers notes to compliment their Electricity and Safety Unit for Stage 3 students. The lessons are aligned to the current NSW Board of Studies PDHPE, Science & Technology and English syllabuses and are being updated to support the new Science and Technology syllabus due for implementation in 2014.

Primary schools located in the Ausgrid network distribution area (Sydney, Central Coast and the Hunter) can request an electrical resource kit to assist in the implementation of the Unit in classrooms. The resource kit contains a circuit board as well as other key materials to undertake experiments.

© State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2013

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We would love you to join us on our Facebook page:

www.facebook.com/technologies.curriculum

Technologies/TAS and Science and Technology curriculum contacts: Tanya Coli Science and Technology Advisor T: (02) 9886 7652 tanya.coli@det.nsw.edu.au

Sandra McKee Senior Curriculum Support Officer, Technologies K-12 T: (02) 9886 7163 sandra.mckee4@det.nsw.edu.au

Lyndall Foster Group Leader Science, Technology and The Arts T: (02) 9886 7140 lyndall.foster@det.nsw.edu.au

The non-DEC products and events listed in this eNewsletter 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, 2013