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March 2021
Hopefully Term 1 is going smoothly for you and no doubt keeping you busy! It will be holidays again before you know it and time for the Annual Conference!
There's still time to renew your SASTA membership to access discounted PD rates if you haven't already, visit the website here.
SASTA news
Last chance to nominate for a SASTA Award!
Nominations close Friday 5 March
SASTA members are eligible to be nominated for a SASTA Award which are recognised at the Annual Conference. Have you considered nominating yourself or a colleague for a SASTA Award?
Credit Union SA / SASTA Outstanding Contribution to the Teaching of Science Award
The Outstanding Contribution to the Teaching of Science Awards recognise teachers’ contributions to the science education of students in junior primary (R–2), primary (3–6), middle years (7–9) and senior secondary (10–12).
Helen Castle Memorial Scholarship
Two (2) scholarships of $500 plus a complimentary conference registration are awarded to enable country-based science teachers to attend the SASTA Annual Conference on 12-13 April.
Find out more about the awards and previous winners or nominate yourself or a colleague here.
Professional Learning
*Please note COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines will be adhered to for all events
We're excited to release the full program and registration for the 2021 SASTA Annual Conference!
The theme of the conference 'Science: Saving the Planet'; aims to inform and inspire delegates with current research and practices in the fields of science, as well as in the classroom.
So come along in April to learn, network with others, gather resources and be inspired!
Limited places will be available at the Conference due to COVID-19 restrictions. So get in early and book your place! We are also working towards having a number of sessions available via Zoom.
Purposeful Science (Primary)
Monday 15 March
Purposeful Science (Secondary)
Monday 29 March
Take a dive into the Department for Education’s Science Curriculum resources
South Australian teachers are being supported to help bring the national curriculum to the classroom like never before, with one of the biggest curriculum development initiatives ever seen in South Australia being launched.
These workshops will unpack the Why? How? & What? of a unit of work, with the aim of teachers being able to implement the units in their classrooms as they are released. The Primary workshop will focus on an example unit from Year 5 and the Secondary workshop will focus on an example unit from Year 7.
Teachers will be engaged in purposeful activities that build pedagogical tools as well as an understanding of how to connect classroom learning to the Australian Curriculum.
In your classroom
Primary Connections
Time to give Primary Connections another look!
The Academy’s award-winning primary school science education program, Primary Connections, has launched its new website. It features lots of brand new, and updated resources and professional learning to support teachers to implement and assess inquiry science in the classroom.
Primary Connections offers a suite of units across Foundation to Year 6 that fully align to all strands of the Australian Curriculum: Science. All the curriculum units are now available as a free download on the program’s new website. In addition, there are supplementary resources such as assessment tasks, equipment lists, e-Resource sheets, resources for classroom displays and detailed science background information. Primary Connections also offer excellent teacher professional learning. Each month we will be adding to our Website of the Month blog post, you can check it out here.
Resources
For all resources available from SASTA, see www.sasta.asn.au/resources
2021 Stage 2 Topic Tests
SASTA is excited to make available sets of Topic Tests that may be used as formative or summative Skills and Applications Tasks (SATs) in Stage 2 Biology, Chemistry and Physics. These tests feature a comprehensive range of original questions including science understanding, science inquiry skills and science as a human endeavour.
There are 4 tests available for each subject. Prices start from $100 for individual tests and bundles are available with SASTA Stage 2 Trial Exams. For the list of topics available, full price guide and purchase details visit the website.
2021 Study Guides available for pre-order
- School orders - Advance bulk orders for the 2021 Study Guides can be placed with Rebecca via office@sasta.asn.au or via the SASTA website.
- Student / individual orders - Pre-orders for students/individuals are available on the SASTA website. All pre-orders must be paid for when ordering.
As per previous years, these will be due for delivery around June 2021.
Oliphant Science Awards
Have you seen the latest blogs on the Oliphant Science Awards website? So far we have covered:
There will be more to come each week so keep an eye on the website and our Facebook page! Don't forget to register / re-register as a coordinator for the 2021 competition here.
The Oliphant Science Awards competition will be celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2021! If you have any stories or photos you would like to share from past competitions please contact Tegan (tegan@sasta.asn.au)
Contributions from the science community
Meet a Tall Poppy
The Young Tall Poppy Science Awards are run by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science (AIPS) to honour up-and-coming scientists who combine world-class research with a passionate commitment to communicating science. Each month we will be giving you a chance to 'meet' a new Tall Poppy Scientist! This month, find out more about Dr Yan Jiao, who is working on designing new electrocatalyst materials for the generation of (and consumption of) renewable fuels here.
Tonsley Science Fair
Sunday 28 March
The Tonsley Science Fair is designed especially for families with primary school aged children. It is hands-on, interactive and loads of fun.
Hold native animals, get up close and personal with invertebrates, try out some VR, take part in a workshop or be entertained by one of our fabulous science shows. Find out more here.
Sciren Teacher PD
Casual learning workshops including plants, molecular biology and SHE tasks. Teachers can use the coupon code "#TeacherPD" to receive 20% off any booking!
Find out more here.
The Friday Debate
Would you go vegan to save the planet?
Intensively farmed meat and dairy are a blight, but so are fields of soya and maize. Studies say that veganism is our best chance to save the planet, but should we be encouraging sustainable forms of meat and dairy production instead? Join the conversation here.
National Science Week 2021 School Grant Applications
Your school could get up to $500!
The grants are designed to support teachers and schools deliver engaging STEM events and activities that align with the National Science Week vision. They are intended to be a contribution to the running of a National Science Week activity or event in a school not the sole means of support. Applications close Friday 2 April 2021. Find out more information here.
3 Day Workshop for Teachers & School Leaders
Aboriginal Loss & Grief:
Averting Mental Health Challenges
This workshop will introduce the Seven Phases to Integrating Loss & Grief as an ‘holistic approach’ for you to be a part of a solution in transforming Aboriginal disadvantage into Aboriginal prosperity! Find out more here.
Big Science Competition
The Big Science Competition is back and to celebrate our 35th anniversary, registration is free! Take the challenge and register via our website here.
The Big Science Competition a fifty-minute online competition for students in year 7 to 10 that challenges problem-solving and critical thinking skills. It’s fun, practical and most of all, it can lead to some BIG opportunities.
Australasian Science Education Research Association (ASERA) Conference
29 June - 2 July 2021
ASERA has a proud history as one of the oldest and most highly regarded science education research associations in the world. Each year ASERA brings together science education researchers and educators to share ideas that change the nature and practices of science education. Save the date and find out more about the Conference here!
Contact SASTA
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
