Virtual Forum Day 4: Primary
Wednesday 24th September, 4.30pm – 6.30pm

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. Day 4 supports Primary Teachers, with a strong focus on the new NSW Science and Technology syllabus.

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 4 Program – Primary

Attend your chosen session in each block, and get access to the other recordings on-demand!

Block 1: 4.30pm – 5.10pm

• Pedagogy to Support Culturally Diverse Young People Within Primary Science presented by Dr Brent Wagner, Senior Lecturer, University of Waikato

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

• Practical Investigations in Primary STEM, 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.

• Embodied learning in primary science: Topics in the new K-6 syllabus, Chris Preston and Preservice Science and Technology Specialisation students, University of Sydney

Consider how to support primary students to develop deep understanding about science concepts by using their own bodies as a form of representation. Students will provide an overview of research on embodied learning, identify critical concepts in the topics, such as sense organs, body systems, light, heat, electricity, and demonstrate practical examples of embodiment. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss the affordances of embodied learning approaches.

S2 – What makes a Year? Presented by Olivia Bakewell, Lucy Fitzpatrick, Carla Jamieson, Paul Kaletsis, Harriet Thomson

We demonstrate how to promote Stage 2 students’ understanding of Earth’s revolution around the Sun and its representation through the concept of years. Students engage in embodied learning experiences to demonstrate their understanding, bringing together STEM and PDHPE.

S3 – Electrical Energy, Presented by Lisa Cai, Katania Skidmore, Shania Daghero

In this professional learning session, we will explore ways to teach electrical energy and circuits that go beyond static representations. Through embodied learning approaches and multiple modes of representation, we will model electrifying strategies that will give you and your students a real spark of excitement.

Mark your diaries, tickets available per day:

• Day 1 (as above): Tuesday 2 September, 11am – 1pm (Secondary)
• Day 2: Wednesday 10 September, 1pm – 3pm (Secondary)
• Day 3: Tuesday 16 September, 4.30pm – 6.30pm (Primary & Secondary)
• Day 4: Wednesday 24th September, 4.30pm – 6.30pm (Primary)

Register now to secure your spot!

* Primary Teacher Member Tickets include: Primary Teacher Members, Primary School Members and Students Members. 

To access member tickets, please log into your member account.
Not a member yet? Join our community to access member discounts and access to other STANSW benefits. 

Registration Closes:  Wednesday 17 September, 2025.  Payment must be received prior to the event date.

STANSW is a NESA recognised PD provider. Attendance at this conference can be logged as up to 2hours of PD as part of NESA maintenance and accreditation requirements.
Standards Addressed: 2, 3 and 5, 6 and 7.

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