The STANSW 2025 Virtual Forum: Excelling Science across NSW is a professional learning series accessible to all science teachers across NSW. It is in a virtual format designed with regional and remote science teachers in mind. Spread over four flexible online sessions in September, this forum supports K–10 and Stage 6 educators with a strong focus on the new NSW Science syllabuses.
Join us at the Virtual Forum for:
- Accessible, high-quality professional learning for NSW science teachers.
- A diverse mix of workshop highlights from STANSW’s K–10 and Secondary Conferences in a virtual format, alongside new contributions from regional presenters.
- Guidance on science syllabus changes through sessions on pedagogy, assessment, practical investigations, depth studies, content progression, and working scientifically skills.
Virtual Forum Day 1: Tuesday 2 September (Secondary Program)
Block 1: 11am – 11:40am
(Sessions will run concurrently)
You Don’t Have to Be Einstein: Teaching Physics Without the Panic (Stage 4/5/6)
Presented by Sue Farroukh, Marist College Eastwood
This interactive virtual workshop is perfect for teachers who are new to teaching or teaching out-of-field and want to build confidence with Stage 4 and 5 Physics content. We’ll unpack key concepts like forces, energy, waves, and light using demonstrations, classroom strategies, and simple materials you can access from home or school. You’ll gain practical ideas, resources, and tips for tackling common student misconceptions—all designed to make Physics feel less intimidating and more approachable. Physics doesn’t have to be scary—and you don’t have to teach it alone! Sue Farroukh is an experienced Physics educator with over 15 years of classroom teaching. She currently teaches at Marist College Eastwood and serves as the HSC Physics Specialist for all Sydney Catholic Schools, supporting teachers across 37 secondary schools. In 2024, she was one of only two Australian teachers selected to attend CERN’s prestigious High School Teacher Programme. Sue is also a seasoned HSC Physics marker and regular conference presenter, known for sharing hands-on strategies to build understanding and engagement in Physics.
Supercharge Your Class Time with Flipped Learning: Pedagogy (Stage 4/5)
Presented by Timothy Byrne, Chevalier College
Explore how flipped learning can transform classroom time and increase student engagement in Stages 4 and 5. This session offers practical techniques for pre-teaching concepts, maximising interaction during lessons, and personalising learning through data-informed strategies. Tim shares real classroom examples that show how flipped learning supports differentiation and student ownership. Tim Byrne is Leader of Learning – Science at Chevalier College. A former flying instructor and Army Combat Engineer, he brings 20 years of teaching experience in Science, Physics, Engineering Studies and Science Extension. Tim is passionate about using data, structure and real-world links to improve student outcomes and teacher practice.
Sweet Data
Presented by Dr Silvia Rudmann, Head Teacher, Aurora College
Discover a fun, hands-on approach to teaching data science using lollies to collect, process and analyse information. This workshop takes you through simple, engaging steps to introduce students to data concepts in a way that’s both accessible and memorable. Learn practical classroom strategies for turning everyday activities into opportunities for building data skills.
Dr Silvia Rudmann has over 20 years’ teaching experience, from university lecturing to public high school classrooms. She holds a PhD in Biology and the GERRIC certificate in gifted education from UNSW, and currently teaches selective classes at Gorokan High School and Aurora College, a selective virtual school for remote and rural students. Silvia is the lead author of the award-winning Investigating Science in Focus series and Stage 4 and 5 in Focus, and has developed the Biology Foundation Course syllabus and textbook for RMIT Melbourne. She is also a digital consultant and author for Cengage, Melbourne, and an active member of the Science Teachers Association of NSW.
Networking: 11:45am – 12:15pm
Choose between the following networking themes: Connecting Head Teachers, Connecting Early Career Teachers, Connecting Regions , Connecting Out of Field Science Teachers, Connecting Subject Specialists.
Block 2: 12:20pm – 1pm
(Sessions will run concurrently)
Think & Ink: Building Scientific Literacy Through Portfolios and Formative Assessment (Stage 4)
Presented by Min Fang, Davidson High School
In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore practical strategies to strengthen scientific literacy through structured writing and portfolio-based formative assessment. Drawing on the Think & Ink Science approach, Min will demonstrate how to scaffold student writing, track progress, and use portfolios to make learning visible. Participants will receive templates and tools to embed literacy and assessment for learning into science classrooms. Min Fang is Head Teacher at Davidson High School and an experienced science educator. She is the creator of Think & Ink Science, a program that supports students in writing scientifically with clarity and confidence. Min leads professional learning in literacy and formative assessment and is committed to supporting high-impact, sustainable teaching practices.
Teaching Children to Study: Strategies for Revision (Stage 4/5)
Presented by Margaret Shepherd, ASTA
This session presents easy-to-implement strategies that help students develop independent study habits to improve confidence and motivation in science. Margaret will demonstrate practical techniques that require minimal preparation but have high impact in supporting students’ learning habits and academic resilience. Margaret Shepherd is President of ASTA and founder of SCIeducation. She is a specialist science teacher, coach and curriculum advisor with a strong background in both secondary and tertiary education. Margaret is passionate about supporting teachers with practical tools for pedagogy, curriculum, and instructional design.
Explicit Teaching and Inquiry Based Learning: Myth-busting Pedagogies in Science Learning
Presented by Genevieve Firmer, University of Sydney
This session explores the intersection of explicit instruction and inquiry-based learning, challenging the idea that these approaches are incompatible. Genevieve draws on research and classroom experience to show how science teachers can balance structure with student exploration. Participants will reflect on their own pedagogy and leave with insights to support student learning and engagement. Genevieve Firmer is a PhD researcher at the University of Sydney and a former senior science teacher and curriculum leader. She works with national initiatives such as STANSW, RACI, and Breaking Good. Genevieve brings deep classroom and leadership experience, especially in rural and remote contexts, and is passionate about collaboration and innovation in science education.
Virtual Forum Day 2: Wednesday 10 September (Secondary Program)
Block 1: 1pm – 1:40pm
(Sessions will run concurrently)
Leveraging Data to Boost Student Motivation and Performance
Presented by Timothy Byrne, Leader of Learning, Chevalier College
This session explores practical ways to use formative and summative data to drive student engagement and performance in secondary science. Timothy will share examples of how data analysis can shape lesson planning, personalise feedback, and track student progress over time. Learn how a data-informed approach supports differentiation and empowers students to take ownership of their learning. Timothy Byrne is Leader of Learning – Science at Chevalier College, with a strong interest in evidence-based teaching strategies and student-centred learning environments.
Indigenous Perspectives in the Science Curriculum
Presented by Dhivahar Sri Ranjan, Head of Science (Stage 4-6), Karratha Senior High School
Discover how Karratha Senior High School has embedded Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives across Science programs and assessments, in alignment with the Aboriginal Cultural and Standards Framework (ACSF). This session showcases strategies that improve student outcomes while respectfully including First Nations contributions to science. Dhiv will also highlight ways to support attendance, engagement, and achievement for Aboriginal students. Dhiv Sri Ranjan is Head of Science at Karratha Senior High School and a specialist in ATAR Physics, Chemistry, and Human Biology. He is a member of the SCSA Science Curriculum Advisory Committee and a CSIRO Science Education Panel Consultant.
Networking: 1:45am – 2:15pm
Choose between the following networking themes: Connecting Head Teachers, Connecting Early Career Teachers, Connecting Regions , Connecting Out of Field Science Teachers, Connecting Subject Specialists.
Block 2: 2:20pm – 3pm
(Sessions will run concurrently)
Embedding Literacy Practices in the High School Science Classroom
Presented by Associate Professor Helen Georgiou, Science Education, University of Wollongong
Explore how literacy can be harnessed to deepen scientific understanding in the high school classroom. This workshop shares discipline-specific, classroom-ready strategies for embedding reading, writing and talk into science lessons. Drawing on a Department of Education–funded research project, Helen presents real classroom examples showing how explicit teaching of genres such as the scientific explanation can strengthen reasoning and conceptual understanding. Participants will leave with adaptable strategies, including scaffolded writing tasks, talk routines and formative assessment approaches.
Associate Professor Helen Georgiou specialises in science education and literacy at the University of Wollongong. Her research focuses on how communication practices shape student learning in science, and she works closely with teachers to develop practical resources for the classroom. Helen has led multiple large-scale research projects in partnership with schools and education systems, with a strong emphasis on bridging the gap between research and practice.
Beyond the Silvery Mist: Dialogic Pedagogy for Plural Knowledge Worlds (Stage 4-6)
Presented by Dr Brent Wagner, Senior Lecturer, University of Waikato
This session explores dialogic pedagogy as a tool for creating culturally inclusive science classrooms. Drawing on research in Aotearoa New Zealand, Brent shares how science teachers can support Indigenous and culturally diverse students by acknowledging and integrating their multiple knowledge worlds. Practical strategies will be provided for respectful and meaningful classroom conversations. Dr Brent Wagner lectures in science and biology education at the University of Waikato, New Zealand. His research focuses on inclusive pedagogies and culturally responsive curriculum design, with an emphasis on Indigenous perspectives in science.
Virtual Forum Day 3: Tuesday 16 September (Secondary Program)
Block 1: 4:30pm – 5:10pm
(Sessions will run concurrently)
Depth Studies: Developing Expert Pedagogical Approaches
Presented by Deb de Ridder, PhD, University of Technology Sydney
This session shares findings from recent NSW research into effective teacher practices in Stage 6 Depth Studies. Deb will present a model of practice for scientific inquiry that supports planning, differentiation, and professional judgement in the classroom. Participants will be invited to reflect on their current practices and explore new ideas for implementing guided Depth Studies across Stages 4–6. Deb DeRidder is a former secondary science teacher and STANSW Council member. She recently completed her PhD focused on Depth Study pedagogy and has presented her work internationally to support teacher practice.
Falling for Forces: Investigations with Everyday Materials
Presented by Shelley Wilson, Regional Leader NSW, Questacon
Discover how to explore force concepts using everyday classroom items through demonstrations, hands-on activities, and design projects. Shelley will outline core vocabulary and key concepts—such as gravity, air resistance, and force diagrams—aligned with both the incoming and outgoing K–10 syllabuses. The session will also demonstrate real-world applications and STEM links. Shelley Wilson is a civil engineer and experienced STEM educator. As Questacon’s NSW Regional Leader, she works with schools and communities to build capacity and inspire equitable access to STEM education across Australia.
Networking: 5:15 – 5:45pm
Choose between the following networking themes: Primary, Connecting Head Teachers, Connecting Early Career Teachers, Connecting Regions , Connecting Out of Field Science Teachers, Connecting Subject Specialists.
Block 2: 5:50pm – 6:30pm
(Sessions will run concurrently)
Depth Studies in Senior Physics: Using Assessment to Foster Creativity and Collaboration
Presented by Matt Dodds, Physics Teacher, Glen Innes High School
Matt shares how he delivers two engaging Physics Depth Studies that build skills and creativity. In Year 11, students conduct a Rocketry project using CAD tools to design and test their rockets. In Year 12, they create a working teaching tool based on Electromagnetism and present their work via video. Both tasks encourage innovation, autonomy, and deep understanding. Matt Dodds is an enthusiastic Physics teacher who champions practical learning and student-centred assessment. His creative approach has increased both engagement and Physics enrolments at his school.
Design Your Own Depth Study
Presented by Andrew Eaton, Science Coordinator and Senior Chemistry Teacher, Wollondilly Anglican College
This session provides a framework for designing open-ended Depth Study tasks in senior science. Andrew will guide participants through strategies to maintain academic rigour while promoting student agency. The focus is on planning studies that are both manageable and meaningful. Andrew Eaton is a veteran Chemistry teacher and Science Coordinator with over two decades of classroom experience. He is also a contributor to the Catholic Trial Chemistry papers and supports quality assessment design in science education.
Virtual Forum Day 3: Tuesday 16 September (Primary Program)
Block 1: 4:30pm – 5:10pm
Merge Cubes: Holding the World in Your Hand
Presented by Kira Westaway, Senior Lecturer, Macquarie University
Explore the power of Augmented Reality in science education using Merge Cubes and the Merge Explorer app. Kira will guide you through simple and engaging activities that visualise the solar system, plate tectonics, volcanoes, and the human body—bringing abstract concepts to life in the palm of your hand. This session will show how Merge Cubes can promote student agency and excitement in learning. Please download and print the Merge Cube template before the session. Kira Westaway is a Senior Lecturer at Macquarie University with expertise in science communication and innovative educational technologies.
Networking: 5:15 – 5:45pm
Connect with fellow primary teachers with an interest in science and technology.
Block 2: 5:50pm – 6:30pm
Developing Investigative Techniques
Presented by Shirley Casper, Education Consultant
This session explores how to support students in forming testable questions and developing scientific investigations. Shirley will introduce a model that builds from student curiosity toward structured inquiry, aligned with syllabus expectations. Participants will come away with ideas to scaffold scientific thinking in K–6 classrooms. Shirley Casper has taught across primary, secondary, and tertiary settings. She was a key developer of the K–6 Science and Technology syllabus and has authored over 60 STEM activities for primary teachers.
Virtual Forum Day 4: Wednesday 24th September (Primary Program)
Block 1: 4:30pm – 5:10pm
(Sessions will run concurrently)
Pedagogy to Support Culturally Diverse Young People Within Primary Science
Presented by Dr Brent Wagner, Senior Lecturer, University of Waikato
The plural knowledge space of Martin Nakata’s cultural interface invites science teachers to consider ways to accommodate students’ multiple knowledge worlds when they engage in science related learning conversations. This workshop reports on Brent’s research from Aotearoa New Zealand that shows how a dialogic pedagogy offers a safe inclusive space for indigenous life-world experiences and knowledge systems to enter the science classroom. The research evidence demonstrates how this pedagogy supports the learning of culturally diverse young people as they bring what they know and how they understand and make sense of the world to classroom conversations that enhance learning
Dr Brent Wagner lectures in science and biology education at the University of Waikato, New Zealand. His research focuses on inclusive pedagogies and culturally responsive curriculum design, with an emphasis on Indigenous perspectives in science.
Making Connections: Weaving Maths into your Science Lessons K-2
Presented by Lesley Gough, Associate Lecturer at Western Sydney University, Fiona Foley, Pre K–8 Education Consultant at The Maths Association of NSW (MANSW) and Helen Georgiou (UOW)
Often the links between science and mathematics are not clear. We will discuss features of the science syllabus that allow students to also develop mathematics literacy. During the session we will present different ways of teaching science content with a maths focus for Early Stage 1 and Stage 1 students
Networking: 5:15pm – 5:45pm
Connect with fellow primary teachers with an interest in science and technology.
Block 2: 5:50pm – 6:30pm
Level 1 STEM Tasks: Empowering Foundational Skills for Science & Technology Teachers
Presented by Mary McEvilly Butler, Science and Technology Teacher, St Finbarr’s Catholic Primary, Byron Bay
This session introduces Level 1 STEM Tasks—short, achievable design challenges that support foundational skills in science and technology. Mary will demonstrate how these tasks encourage creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, while preparing students for more complex investigations. Practical examples will be provided for immediate classroom application. Mary McEvilly Butler is a passionate Science and Technology teacher who drives student engagement through hands-on learning. She promotes inquiry-based practices that build curiosity and confidence in young learners.
Registration is per day, choose one session in each block, and get on-demand access to all session recordings after the event day! You’ll be able to select your sessions on the Virtual Forum Attend Hub once registration closes.
