2026 Virtual Forum: Excelling Science across NSW – Day Three
15 October @ 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm AEDT
2026 STANSW Virtual Forum Day Three
Thursday 15 October, 4.30pm – 6.30pm
Stay ahead of syllabus change with bite-sized, high-impact professional learning designed for primary teachers and high school science teachers across NSW. Delivered in convenient twilight sessions, this virtual forum lets you learn from leading educators and experts, without taking time away from your classes or travelling across the state.
Whether you’re in metropolitan, regional or remote schools, this is a flexible, accessible way to connect, learn and grow, directly from your home or classroom.
Primary Program Day 3: Stage 2
Time |
Speaker |
Topic |
| 4:30pm – 5:05pm | Helen Georgiou University of Wollongong
Lesley Gough, Lecturer in Primary Science and Technology, Western Sydney University |
Primary Particles – Making Matter, matter!
The Stage 2 content group Energy is required to change the properties of matter introduces students to important scientific ideas about how materials change and behave in everyday situations. Underpinning this content are elements of the particle model of matter, a concept more commonly taught in secondary science. This session will explore the science behind the syllabus and highlight how these complex ideas can be taught in ways that are both meaningful and developmentally appropriate for Stage 2 learners. Unlike many resources and explanations that are aimed at high school students, this workshop focuses specifically on age-appropriate approaches for primary classrooms. Drawing on complementary expertise, Helen Georgiou, Associate Professor with a background in physics and science education, will unpack the key scientific concepts. Lesley Gough, an experienced primary educator and now Initial Teacher Educator, will share practical, classroom-tested strategies and learning experiences for Stage 2 students. Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of the scientific concepts required to teach this content group, and practical ideas to support confident implementation in their classrooms.
|
| 5:05pm – 5:15pm | Tea Break | |
| 5:15pm – 5:45pm | Networking | |
| 5:55pm – 6:30pm | Josh Nicholls, First Nations Education Team Leader Sydney Zoo | Connecting with Country: Embedding First Nations Perspectives in Primary Science This virtual session will be delivered by Sydney Zoo’s First Nation Team leader Josh Nicholls; he will support primary school teachers to meaningfully and respectfully include First Nations culture in their classroom. The session explores how First Nations perspectives can strengthen science learning by connecting students with Country, seasonal knowledge, sustainable land management, and the relationships between people, plants, animals, and place. |
Primary Pricing Per Person
| Single Day |
Full Series | |
| Primary Member | $65 | $125 |
| Pre-service Member | $30 | $55 |
| Non-Member | $120 | $180 |
Secondary Program Day 3: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives
Time |
Speaker |
Topic |
| 4:30pm – 5:05pm | Josh Nicholls, First Nations Education Team Leader Sydney Zoo
|
Transforming Science Teaching Through First Nations Perspectives This virtual session explores how science teachers can authentically address syllabus outcomes while embedding First Nations perspectives. Using the Sydney Zoo workshop “Aboriginal Astronomy” as an example, this session highlights the deep scientific knowledge systems developed by First Nations peoples over tens of thousands of years. |
| 5:05pm – 5:15pm | Tea Break | |
| 5:15pm – 5:45pm | Networking |
|
| 5:15pm – 6:30pm | Vince Scott, Deadly Science | Bringing Deadly to Your Classroom: Supporting First Nations Learners in STEM
How do we make STEM classrooms genuinely welcoming and effective spaces for First Nations learners? In this session, Vinnie draws on Deadly Science’s experience working with schools and communities across Australia to share practical, culturally safe strategies for embedding First Nations knowledge into STEM teaching, using examples such as Engineering of Fish Traps and Chemistry of Bush Soap. Participants will explore how to support First Nations students’ engagement and success in STEM, alongside approaches for respectfully and confidently incorporating First Nations perspectives and knowledge systems into everyday classroom practice.
|
Secondary Pricing Per Person
| Single Day |
Full Series | |
| Individual Secondary Member | $80 | $155 |
| Secondary School Member | $95 | $185 |
| Pre-service Member | $30 | $55 |
| Non-Member | $240 | $475 |
Day Three Registration Closes: Wednesday, 7 October 2026
Become a member or login to your member account to access our member pricing. Individual memberships cover 12 months from the date of joining, giving you access to our free Networks and webinars for members, resources and other discounted events.
Wanting to add a second session from our Virtual Forum Series?
Register for the full series – at less than the cost of adding a second day. All sessions are recorded, so even if you can’t attend live, you’ll still receive access to the content and resources – up to 12 sessions for secondary teachers and 8 sessions for primary teachers.
Professional Learning Hours
STANSW is a NESA recognised provider. This professional learning may be logged as accredited professional development hours toward proficient teacher accreditation. Standards addressed: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7.
