Message from the Association

This edition of Science Matters will be landing in your inbox during the school holidays, I hope you manage to take time for yourself to re-energise across the next two weeks.  During this turbulent time taking care of yourself with a deliberate focus on nurturing resilience is time well spent. Earlier this month R U OK Day was a focus for many, in this current environment, I'm not sure how anyone can truly be ok because it is such an extraordinary time that we are living through, in this context what we have at our disposal is our resilience. I want to share with you this article on resilience, it provides a structure to help us build and nurture this essential attribute.  
 
We have been busy in the office in preparation for our Stage 6 Conference and Primary Teachers Network meeting coming up in October as well as preparing for our Young Scientist Awards closing date in September and getting our Meet the Markers videos available through our website. The cohorts of our 2021 Early Careers Course and Leadership Course have completed their third session with their final one coming up in October. Whilst sad we have been unable to meet in person, it has nevertheless been a time of sharing, professional reflection, networking and great learning online. 

With NESA having released the guidelines for accreditation, we have started submitting applications for our future professional learning to be accredited and look forward to sharing this information with you as soon as we are able to.  Our Professional Learning Program is always designed with teachers needs in mind and a commitment to the principles of effective professional learning.  
 
The Curriculum Reform is continuing with NESA running a number of projects to support the reform process. The team at NESA provided an update for us on the state-wide teacher expert networks  and the Technical Advisory Groups, we have been invited to nominate science teachers for the 7-10 Technical Advisory Group as part of the syllabus development process, if you are a member and interested in being nominated please email [email protected]

Council have been focussed on Strategic Planning and setting our vision for the next five years, starting in 2022, so that we can support you better.  Our purpose is to advance the teaching and learning of science in NSW so that we have dynamic community of science educators across the state inspiring future scientists and citizens. We look forward to sharing this journey with you.   

I hope to see you at one of our upcoming events and in the meantime,  I wish you all a restful and productive break. 

Yours in Science 

Jane Powles

Executive Officer 

Association News

Register Now for Stage 6 Conference

We invite all secondary science teachers to join us online this coming October 12-13 for our Stage 6 Conference.  Connect with your fellow Stage 6 teachers, educators, researchers, and practitioners to fine-tune our approach to the present syllabuses for all courses.

Registration is until the 29th of September. Don't miss out and Register Now!

Primary Teachers Network

Be part of a network of primary teachers - teaching science, a place where you can discuss best teaching practice and learn new ideas to teach the Science & Technology K-6 Syllabus. 
Join your peers in the learning process! Come along, listen, share and connect with primary teachers across NSW this coming 25 October for our next primary teachers meeting. Register now for  free!

Young Scientist: Deadline Extended!

Given the ongoing situation with COVID related lockdowns, we have made the decision to extend the submission deadline by another week. This will also ensure there is no clash with HSC Science extension deadlines.

ALL projects are now due on Friday, 24th September, 2021.

Council Nomination: Now Open!

Nominations are called for five vacancies on the Science Teachers Association NSW Council for a 2-year term from January 1st 2022 – December 31st 2023.

The Constitution requires four current Councillors to stand-down at the end of their two-year term. Each of these serving Councillors are eligible to re-nominate. Any Individual Member is also eligible to nominate for a position on Council.  

Other News & Updates

 UTS Short Course: Drivers of Chemical Reactions

This online course is suitable for chemistry teachers or those aspiring to become chemistry teachers. It is particularly targeted to the NSW syllabus which is to the Australian Curriculum.

The aim of the course is to upskill teachers beyond the requirements of their students. This will give teachers the confidence to address the needs of their students, see connections between topics and address the needs of those students more capable.  

SEE MORE

 CONASTA is Cancelled

Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA) recently announced that CONASTA 69 must be cancelled until further notice. Registrants may check their emails for important information and further announcements.

SEE MORE

 Meet the Markers' Videos: Now Available! 

Missed Meet the Markers 2021? Great news! The recorded videos from the conference's sessions are now available to watch on-demand. Visit our shop to purchase video access. 

SEE MORE

Resources & More

Podcast: Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health

This year's R U OK? Day serves as an important reminder to open up the conversation on mental health, both in the workplace and at home.
In this special episode, join Momentum Media director Alex Whitlock as he speaks to David Coleman, member for Banks and Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.

On Demand Video resources from Endeavour/Ausgrid

The team at Endeavour and Ausgrid have been busy developing video content for primary schools in their network area to support with remote learning. Teachers can access on demand video sessions on electrical safety. Each session runs for around 10 minutes with no registration required.

Learning with Digital Technologies in the Classroom

The Digital Technologies in the Classroom event with speakers Noelene Callaghan and Professor Garry Falloon focused about their journeys and interesting research discoveries, relating to the utilisation of digital technology in the classroom, to inspire and remind teachers of the advantages of technology in supporting the curriculum.

Climate Extremes -A Report on Drought

Drought is a major risk to Australia with extended periods of drought affecting our social, economic and environmental systems. The ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes believes that this risk can be mitigated by a better understanding of the processes determining the frequency, intensity and duration of drought and has a major research program focussed on developing this.