April 2020

With the rapidly evolving risk posed by COVID-19, SASTA is taking proactive steps to ensure the health and safety of our staff, stakeholders and the broader community. Commencing Monday 30 March, the SASTA office will be closed to the public. These measures will remain in place until such time that it is deemed safe by relevant authorities.

However, SASTA is still open for business and wants to continue to provide members and the science education community with the full range of services and support.

Staff will continue to work from home and will be available during normal office hours, from 9 am − 5 pm. You can still phone the office on 8354 0006.

The only services we will not be able to provide are face-to-face services. All staff will continue to receive and respond to their emails as per norm. Should you placew an order for resources, goods will be sent to you else you will be advised if there are any delays or otherwise.

SASTA's AGM was to have been held during the Annual Conference. The AGM will still be happening at 10 am on Thursday 23 April but via Zoom. All current SASTA members (personal members and the nominated contact for corporate members) will be emailed details about how to register to attend the online meeting.

The SASTA Oliphant Science Awards is South Australia’s biggest science competition and has been a stalwart for science education in schools for nearly 40 years.

Based on feedback from the science education community, SASTA believes that now, more than ever before, this competition is a special and important tool to assist and motivate students to learn about science.

This type of student-centred learning offers a model for flexible teaching programs.

The inquiry and project development skills utilised to create and finish an Oliphant Science Awards project can be easily directed and managed through remote/online learning.

The SASTA Oliphant Science Awards website has comprehensive information about the competition for teachers including explanatory videos and a comprehensive Teachers Resource Kit, and free worksheets for students that promote self-reflection and give students direction with their project.

By now, you would certainly have heard that the Annual Conference has been cancelled. SASTA hopes to be able to bring you elements of some conference presentations via video or webinar. Keep an eye out for future online professional learning opportunities!

SASTA continues to move forward with plans for both the 2020 Early Career Teachers Conference in October and STEM Conference in November. However, we will continue to monitor the situation and respond according to the current government advice.

SASTA has been compiling a list of useful free online resources that might assist teachers with preparing lessons for students at home.

You can find the list at: www.sasta.asn.au/resources/resources_to_support_learning_at_home

We'll keep updating this page over time. If you know of a great online resource, then please let Kate Dilger know!

• Biology • Chemistry • Nutrition
• Physics • Psychology

2020 Study Guides are currently being prepared for publication. Pre-order your copies now for immediate delivery when ready.

Nominations are now open for the 2020 South Australian Science Excellence and Innovation Awards.

These Awards recognise outstanding achievements by leaders in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Medicine (STEMM) including outstanding STEMM teachers who are inspiring and training the future STEMM workforce.

Nominations close 5 pm Friday 24 April.

For more information, guidelines and to apply, go to scienceawards.sa.gov.au.

Sponsored by the University of Sydney, the Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize encourages students to communicate a scientific concept in a way that is accessible and entertaining to the public while painlessly increasing their science knowledge or, as Dr Karl and Adam Spencer like to say, "Learn something without even noticing". It is intended to support budding young scientists across the nation, who will be our future leaders in research, discovery and communication.

Note that the 2020 entry deadline has been extended until Friday 15 May.

Go to sydney.edu.au/science/industry-and-community/community-engagement/sleek-geeks-eureka-prize.html

Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function holds an annual creative art competition for Australian primary schools to encourage children's interest in how the brain works.

The theme for 2020 is: Why do you love your brain?

The closing date has been extended to 19 June.

Go to brainfunction.edu.au/education-and-training/primary/2020artcomp

South Australian Science Teachers Association
249 Henley Beach Road Torrensville SA 5031
P 08 8354 0006  F 08 8354 0008  E office@sasta.asn.au
www.sasta.asn.au