Conferences and Events - Science Teachers' … documents/OrderFormSemester12016_001.pdf Upcoming...

Newsletter of the Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.

Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.Patron: Dr Barry Jones, AO, FAA, FAHA, FTSE, FASSA, FRSA, FRSN, FRSV, FACE ABN 59 004 145 329 • ISSN 0311-0605 Registered by Australia Post - Print Post Publication No. PP 342676/0050Member of Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA)

Vol 31 No 3 April 2016

Conferences and Events The STAV event calendar which includes all PD/conferences and science activities for the year is available on the STAV website: www.stav.org.au

Science Talent Search Start planning now for the 2016 Science Talent Search. This years theme is ‘Drones, Droids and Robots’. Online registration opened on Monday 29 February. More information on the STS website www.sciencevictoria.com.au/sts.

VCE Trial Exams - Order Now For delivery into your school on Monday 6 May www.sciencevictoria.com.au/stavpublishing/trialExams.html

Labtech Conference 2016 Friday 10 June at Quantum Victoria

Science Leaders Conference 2016 Friday 22 July at Quantum Victoria

National Science Week 2016 13 to 21 August 2016 Theme: Drones, Droids and Robots More information at www.scienceweek.net.au/ Apply now for school grants, full details page 4.

Latest events >>For the latest events and conference information go to STAV’s website: www.stav.org.au

For information about science activities & competitions go to: www.stav.org.au

Contents

2 STAV contacts

3 President’s Report

4 STS Report

5 Science Drama Report

5 STS dates

5 STAV Membership

6 Conference information

12 STAV important dates

STAV is on Facebook

go to www.stav.org.au

Join STAV on Twitter

www.stav.org.au

2 Contact • Vol 31 No 3 • April 2016

Newsletter of The Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.

STAV CouncilSoula BennettPresident Quantum Victoria [email protected]

Joanna AlexanderVice President and Treasurer Blackburn Secondary College [email protected]

Alexandra AbelaPenleigh and Essendon Grammar School [email protected]

Michael RosenbrockCommittee Secretary Wodonga Senior Secondary College [email protected]

Jacinta GreerWhittlesea Secondary College [email protected]

Leonie McGlashenKeysborough Secondary College [email protected]

Yuvadee PatchonQuantum Victoria [email protected]

STS ManagementJosie CrisaraAitken [email protected]

Jennifer CutriSt Andrews’ Catholic Primary [email protected]

Leonie Lang Melbourne Graduate School of Education [email protected]

Miranda McKellarLa Trobe University [email protected]

Raquella Neiger c/- [email protected]

David Trotter c/- [email protected]

STAV Journal EditorsLabtalk Managing Editor [email protected]

Barb Brook, OAM Let’s Find Out [email protected]

STAV Business CentreAnne HeardReceptionistPhone: 9385 [email protected]

Accounts OfficerPhone: 9385 [email protected]

STAV PublishingPhone: 9385 [email protected]

Publications Phone: 9385 [email protected]

Annette McKennaAdministration Manager Phone: 9385 3904 [email protected]

STAV welcomes Vince Conserva as Events Coordinator for STAV [email protected]

Science VictoriaScience Victoria hosts professional development activities on behalf of the Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc. (STAV)

STAV Contacts

Contact enquiries

?For enquiries about Contact newsletter including advertising opportunities please contact the STAV Publications Officer phone: (03) 9385 3903 or email: [email protected]

Contact newsletter is available online as a PDF. Please ensure a current email address is on file at STAV so you will receive your link to the newsletter.

Life MembersDavid CohenRod FawnsDick Gunstone

Gretta WilkinsonMark LearmonthDavid Trotter

Contact • Vol 31 No 3 • April 2016 3

Contact April 2016

President’s ReportHoping that the Easter break was restful and that you have had a productive start to Term 2.

Science Drama AwardsScience Drama Awards will not be running

in 2016. We will be using 2016 as a year of review and reflection on past successes and challenges so that we strengthen and grow future awards. Sincere thanks to the organising committee specifically Helene Hiotis and Jan Campione and our sponsors who have supported Science Drama over the past years.

STAV Publishing - Semester 1 Trial exam orders now due:

http://www.sciencevictoria.com.au/stavpublishing/documents/OrderFormSemester12016_001.pdf

Upcoming Conferences/Workshops:Lab Tech Conference @ Quantum Victoria, Friday 10th June

Science Leaders Conference @ Quantum Victoria, Friday 22nd July

STAVCON @ La Trobe University, Friday 25th November

Updates on all of the above will be posted via our social networks and on our website, so please make sure you follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook!

Soula Bennett

STAV President



Science Talent Search 20162016 Theme: Drones, Droids and Robots

Dates for 2016:

Online entry registration opens - 29 February

Entry registration closes - 30 May

Schools Pack 1 - 13 June

Actual entries to STAV House - 21 & 22 July

Judging Day - 6 August

Schools Pack 2 - 22 August

Schools Pack 3 - 3 October

Exhibition and Presentation Day - 24 October 2016

Check the Science Talent Search website for information about the competition www.sciencevictoria.com.au/sts

Science Talent Search Report The online registration system for the Science talent search is now open. Please register and activate your school now. The closing date for entries and registration of judges is Monday 30 May.

A new registration must be made for each school each year. Detailed instructions on how to use the STS web registration system are found on p.5 of the STS Handbook and on the website.

Please ensure that you enter online data carefully. STAV doesn’t correct entries for you unless you pay a fee. Please also ensure that you enter your email address accurately, otherwise you won’t be able to re-enter the system and you won’t receive emails containing competition information. If you want to use proformas to collect student and judge information before you enter the data we have provided a student form and a judge form on the website. The STS site is part of the Science Victoria website, at http://www.sciencevictoria.com.au/sts/index.html. It includes dedicated pages for teachers and parents/students. There are assessment rubrics and self-assessment matrices, along with frequently asked questions, section guidelines, section reports, judging day and exhibition day information.

The current Let’s Find Out (Volume 33 number 1) for primary teachers, and Labtalk (Volume 60 number 1) for secondary teachers, are also excellent resources for teachers planning an STS project for their students. A significant part of each magazine is dedicated to reporting on STS 2015. In particular, the STS Section Co-ordinator Reports contain tips and advice to help you fine-tune your students’ entries.

Leonie Lang

STS Management

Are you interested in joining the STS Committee?

Opportunities to have a direct input into the competition, add to your professional learning

experience and networking with colleagues from other schools.

STS Committee is seeking Section Coordinators to assist with Junior and Intermediate

Experimental Research.

Please contact Janice Teng at [email protected] for more information.


Contact April 2016

STAV MembershipSTAV Individual Membership fees:Individual Primary $125 Individual Secondary $140 Individual both Primary/Secondary $175 Laboratory Technicians $105The subscription of a member ceases to be effective if payment is not received prior to or on the date of renewal, as a result, membership and all rights pertaining thereto will lapse. Upon payment of all arrears, membership will resume from the date of payment.

New MembersWelcome to the following new individual members of STAV:Fiona Davidson

Joanna McNeill

Kaylene Morter

Greg Tate

Jessica Vieusseux

National Science Week 201613 to 21 August 2016Theme: Drones, Droids And Robots.

More information at www.scienceweek.net.au/

2016 National Science Week school grants. APPLY NOW!Applications for National Science Week school grants are now open.

Applications close 22 April 2016. Apply for up to $500 to run a science activity or event at your school during National Science Week. For more information and to apply go to the ASTA website.

http://asta.edu.au/programs/natscienceweek/2016_national_science_week_school_grants

The Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA), with funding assistance from the Australian Government, and with support from the state and territory Science Teacher Associations, provides grants for school-initiated National Science Week activities

How to join STAVDownload a form from our website www.stav.org.au/html/membership.htmlYou can also join online from this site.Alternatively, contact the STAV office for more information: 03 9385 3999

Labtech listThe Labtech list has been set up by STAV as a discussion forum where Laboratory Technicians can exchange information, share ideas and seek advice.We ask science coordinators to encourage their Laboratory Technicians to become a member of Labtech and participate in the discussion group.It is free to join. Go to the Science Victoria website for more information: www.sciencevictoria.com.au/labtech.html

AUGUST 13–21

2 0 1 6 S C H O O L S T H E M E :

D R O N E S , D R O I D S A N D R O B O T S

APPLY FOR A SCHOOL GRANT

APPLY NOW www.asta.edu.au



For all conference/PD information including programs and online registration check the Science Victoria website approximately 6 – 8 weeks prior to each conference: www.sciencevictoria.com.au/conferences.html

Contact the STAV business centre: Phone: 9385 3999 or email: [email protected]

Labtech Conference 2016Friday 10 June at Quantum Victoria, 235 Kingsbury Drive, Macleod West.

Science Leaders Conference 2016Friday 22 July at Quantum Victoria, 235 Kingsbury Drive, Macleod West. Speakers Include:Keynote: Dr Leonie WalshProfessor Russell Tytler, Deakin UniversityMaria James, VCAA

Physics WorkshopsThese workshops are intended for teachers of years 5-10 science who wish to develop their own conceptual understanding; the concepts are presented at the level of year 9 – 11 students.

Newton’s Laws of Motion – Friday 22 April and TBA Term 3 2016Modelling Electricity – TBA November 2016 More information and registration details at: http://www.sciencevictoria.com.au/PhysicsWorkshops.htm

Primary Science Teachers Workshop Series 2016

Workshop 1: Why is the grass green? Tuesday 15 March

Workshop 2: Dry Ice bombs and other chemical mysteries Tuesday 24 May,

Workshop 3: Is fire a living thing? Tuesday 16 August

Workshop 4: TBA

Venue: STAV House, Munro St, Coburg

Time: 4.30pm to 5.30pm

Presenter: Helen Silvester

Cost: $30 per workshop

Register at http://www.sciencevictoria.com.au/otherPD.html

STAVCON 2016Friday 25 November

Upcoming Conferences – dates & rates


Contact April 2016

Teaching resource for Unit 3 Biology immunology conceptsAre your students confusing APCs, B-cells and T-cells? ImmuKNOW is your solution!ImmuKNOW is an easy to use visual teaching resource with movable immune cell representations for use on whiteboards. Each component has a magnetic strip which allows it to be attached to magnetic whiteboards or any other flat steel surface.ImmuKNOW is colourful, engaging and clearly visible. It allows easy visualization of receptor/cell interactions such as T-cell receptors and MHCs. It can be used by both teachers and students.ImmuKNOW consists of 3 separate kits:Kit 1 Immunity to infectionKit 2 Allergy and allergic reactionsKit 3 Humoral immunityEach kit is accompanied by an instruction booklet.PriceMember $90 (includes GST); postage & handling $13 Non member $95 (includes GST); postage & handling $13How to orderEmail, Fax or post purchase order to: STAV Publishing Email: [email protected] Fax: 9386 6722 • Post: PO Box 109, Coburg VIC 3058 Enquiries: 03 9385 3999

ImmuKNOW images available

on CDAll of the images used for the

three ImmuKNOW kits are now available for purchase on CD.

Go to www.sciencevictoria.com.au/stavpublishing/

immuknow.html

ImmuKNOW kits were developed and previously distributed by SYNERGYA Young Achievement Australia program.

We’re for teachers.

We’re offering grants to schools and preschools to support innovative ideas and programs.

Applications are now open!

Apply for a chance to share in our $30,000 funding pool.

Find out more and apply at victeach.com.au.

Bringing teaching ideas to life.



Science Circles Books 1 and 2These exciting books were produced by STAV Publishing and Blake Education. Author: Cheryl Jakab Science circles contains a wide range of classroom activities designed to engage students in extensive discussion while exploring science topics. The Science circles approach is developed from the concept that understanding is discourse-based. Scientific literacy is built when students can practise using correct terminology to give explanations and construct arguments based on evidence.

$37.95 Members/subscribers $39.95 Non-members per book

Book 2Suitable for years 7 & 8Contents:The nature of science – Working scientifically Biology – Body worksBiology – Living plantsChemistry – Make mine metalChemistry – Chemicals reactingEarth science – The Earth’s top layerPhysics – About heatPhysics – Using machinesEnvironment – EcosystemsAstronomy – Our solar systemPlanning and self-evaluation

For more information and sample activity pages go to www.stav.org.au and click on Publications and Resources.

Book 1Suitable for years 7 & 8Contents:The nature of science – Using science Biology– Classifying living thingsBiology – Units of life Chemistry – Units of matterChemistry – Out of the mixEarth science – Cracked egg Physics – Looking at lightPhysics – Electric circuitsEnvironment – Future energy suppliesAstronomy – Earth, Moon and SunPlanning and self-evaluation

The Department of Science and Technology in Pretoria has two exciting Science Promotions roles: Science Advocacy Promotions Coordinator and Science Communications Coordinator. Applications close on 21st April and must be submitted online.

Please contact Lucy Taylor or Ian McDonald with any questions:[email protected] or +61 3 9279 1790 or [email protected] or +61 3 9279 1795

www.dfat.gov.au/australianvolunteersThe Australian Volunteers for International Development (AVID) program is an Australian Government initiative.

Science opportunities in South Africa – Apply Now!

http://www.australianvolunteers.com/jobs/10534331-public-awareness-of-science-program-coordinator/

http://www.australianvolunteers.com/jobs/10534330-science-communications-coordinator/


Contact April 2016

STAV Physics Workshops 2016These workshops are intended for teachers of years 5-10 science who wish to develop their own conceptual understanding; the concepts are presented at the level of year 9 – 11 students.

Registration information: Go to www.sciencevictoria.com.au/PhysicsWorkshops.htm

Workshop 1 Interactions: Making sense of Newton’s laws of motionNewton’s Laws of Motion epitomise the essence of physics: three simple axioms that together account for all the mechanical interactions in our experiential world, and yield elegant mathematical predictions. Yet for many people they also represent everything that is most impenetrable and abstract in physics. In this workshop we will look for the meaning behind the archaic expressions of these laws, and explore their ramifications for understanding everyday experiences such as skateboard riding and trampoline jumps.What previous participants have said:• Very Beneficial.• Christina was very thoughtful in what she chose to include in her presentation.• Great ideas and good presentation to help me understand concepts and how

to help explain them to students in a clear and easy manner. Thank you. • Well paced, informative. Enough time for interaction.• Excellent session, very helpful. Christina is highly knowledgeable, awesome.

I will be more confident and will enjoy teaching this topic.

This workshop will be offered on Friday 22 April and Friday 21 October 2016Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm, Venue: STAV House, 5 Munro Street, Coburg Presenter: Christina Hart

Workshop 2 Modelling electricity: from batteries to power stations Students enjoy setting up electric circuits, but even simple circuits can raise curly conceptual questions. If teachers are apprehensive about such questions, they may resort to teaching equations that obscure the fascination and relevance of electricity in students’ lives. In this workshop we will explore some models that allow us to interpret what is happening and make simple predictions without using equations. The journey takes us from batteries to the state power-supply system. What previous participants have said:• It was really practical and encouraged me to challenge my own and my students thinking.

I have never had such a practically based PD.• It was certainly worth the effort to come down for the session. I have a much better

understanding of electrical current and how to implement it at school.• Very practical applications of how to teach electricity. Christina made it very easy to

understand all aspects of electricity and will help me teach my students.• Christina was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. The demos were great.

This workshop will be offered in TBA November 2016Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm , Venue: STAV House, 5 Munro Street, Coburg Presenter: Christina Hart



VCE Trial exam papersSTAV Publishing produces VCE trial exams for:

Units 1, 2 & 3 Unit 3 & 4 combinedPhysics PhysicsChemistry ChemistryBiology BiologyPsychology PsychologyCosts CostsPapers $4.00; Papers $6.00; Solutions $2.00 Solutions $3.00

Past Trial Exams are also available.How to orderDownload an order form from: www.sciencevictoria.com.au/stavpublishing/trialExams.htmlorSTAV Publishing Phone: 03 9385 3999 Fax: 03 9386 6722 Email: [email protected]

llluminated pocket microscopeA small, portable microscope that is ideal for young children, adolescents and adults to investigate a multitude of items including clothing fibres, plants, insects or any other scientific specimen. There is no need for small extracted samples – simply remove the slide tray, walk around the room and place the viewfinder above the item you wish to view.

The microscopes are small (14cm x 4.5cm), light (80 grams) and easy to grip, maneuver and adjust. The light source is strong.

These small but powerful instruments are ideal for in the classroom, outside in the school yard, or for taking on excursions and fieldwork. They are fully portable and no bench or table is necessary for resting on.

Features• Zoom switch – adjusts magnification power (60x - 80x - 100x)• Direct light source to specimen• Removable slide tray• Focus wheel.The light operates from two AA batteries (not included).

Price$25 (incl. GST) STAV members/institutional subscribers $30 (incl. GST) Non-membersPostage and handling: $13 (incl. GST)

For enquiries please contact:STAV Publishing (03) 9385 3999 Email: [email protected]

Endangered, Extinct and on the Brink introduces middle and upper primary students to the great problems facing our environment today by examining extinction events through time. Fifteen topics are covered, and each topic includes: • A reproducible student fact file with background information and illustrations to engage students.• A teacher information sheet covering key concepts, cross- curricular links and a materials list plus instructions for guiding students through the activity.• A reproducible student activity sheet with creative and fun investigations. Students are encouraged to ‘become scientists’: ask questions, propose and test theories, design experiments and devise their own solutions.

Endangered, Extinct and on the Brink:

Young Scientists at Work Author: Andrew PlantPublisher: Curriculum CorporationDescription: 72 pp book Members/subscribers $31.95; Non-members $34.95

To order this product email: [email protected]

Past Trial Exam CDsCreate your own mix of past exams from any combination of the following:2009 – 2015Biology Units 1 – 4 Chemistry Units 1 – 4 Physics Units 1 – 4Psychology Units 1 – 4

Questions and solutions are in Adobe Acrobat pdf format. Files can be delivered via your school intranet, saved to hard drive or printed. Copy and paste prohibited.

Price: $20 per exam.

Choose as many exams as you want, in any combination you want.

Order form available at www.sciencevictoria.com.au/stavpublishing/trialExams.html

or contact STAV for an order form: STAV Publishing Phone: 03 9385 3999 Email: [email protected]


Contact April 2016

Brain Box Electronics kit for Primary and Lower Secondary This kit includes 188 ideas for constructing different circuits on a base board. These circuit boards can be activated by magnet, water, light, touch or sound and produce different kinds of reactions such as flashing bulbs, motorized fans, flying discs and various sound effects. Examples include a water activated doorbell, sound activated doorbell, magnetically activated motors, and electric fan.All components have snap fasteners which make assembly very easy and quick. All components are coded so that young children (and adults!) can easily follow construction diagrams.

Members/subscribers $38 (incl GST) Non-members $45 (incl GST)Postage and handling additional.

Need spare parts?Have you lost some pieces? Would you like to extend the capability of your current set? Spare parts for all components of the Brainbox are available. For a price list contact STAV Publishing, or check the website.Flyer and order form available from

STAV PublishingPO Box 109, Coburg Vic 3058 • Fax: 03 9386 6722 • Ph: 03 9385 3999Email: [email protected] • Web: www.sciencevictoria.com.au/stavpublishing/index.html

School contact Cost per student Registrations close Competition dateTALK TO YOUR TEACHER TO REGISTER

MORE INFO AT ASI.EDU.AU OR TALK TO YOUR TEACHER

WIN PRIZES JUST FOR TAKING PART

GIVE IT A GO!Challenge yourself. Think critically.

Solve problems. Compete online.

+ hundreds of iTunes, Google Playand Hoyts vouchers to win!

Contact STAVPhone: (03) 9385 3999 • Fax: (03) 9386 6722Email: [email protected] • Website: www.stav.org.auAddress: PO Box 109, Coburg VIC 3058 • 5 Munro Street Coburg, VIC 3058

Newsletter of the Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.

Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.

‘Advancing Science Education’

STAV Goals è Establish and maintain both financial and intellectual independence

è Represent the collective voice of science educators in Victoria

è Influence policy formulation in matters relating to Science Education

è Support and maintain regional special interest groups within STAV

è Provide a range of resources and services to support science educators

è Provide for and encourage student participation in a range of challenging science activities

è Promote the importance of Science Education to the community

è Recognise significant contributions by STAV members to Science Education.

Contact April 2016

Contact Advertising DeadlinesFebruary 28 January 2016March 25 February 2016April 21 March 2016May 28 April 2016June 31 May 2016July 21 June 2016August 28 July 2016

September 29 August 2016October 29 September 2016November 31 October 2016December 28 November 2016

For more advertising details go to www.stav.org.au/html/advertising.html

Conferences and Events - Science Teachers' … documents/OrderFormSemester12016_001.pdf Upcoming...

Documents

Transcript of Conferences and Events - Science Teachers' … documents/OrderFormSemester12016_001.pdf Upcoming...