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April 2021
It's almost school holidays and the countdown is on for the SASTA Annual Conference! With restrictions easing, we've been able to open up more registrations, but get in quick before it sells out!
SASTA news
70th Anniversary
Did you know that SASTA is celebrating 70 years this year? You can check out our latest blog post 'The Evolution of the Annual Conference' to find out how it started and take a walk down memory lane with some reflections from past Conference Convenors and a list of past Conference themes.
We'll be releasing a new 70th Anniversary blog each month. If you have any stories or reflections you would like to share about your involvement with SASTA over the years, we'd love to hear from you! Email tegan@sasta.asn.au for more information.
Annual Conference Dinner
Join us at the Highway Hotel to celebrate SASTA’s 70th Anniversary! The cost is $54.00 for a 3 course meal including a complimentary drink on arrival. Click here to register by Monday 5 April.
Professional Learning
*Please note COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines will be adhered to for all events
There are limited places still available!
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.
The aim of this workshop is to provide teachers with the WHY, and the HOW of capability-based science learning.
Thinking Science will provide teaching strategies, processes, structures and tools for science teaching and learning that is inclusive, curious, inquiry-based, engaging, active, interdisciplinary, audacious and authentic. Find out more here.
By the end of the day, attendees will have:
- A collaboratively designed inquiry unit
- A collection of teaching strategies and resources aligned to 7-10 science curriculum
- Templates for tasks that encourage big thinking in science
For your classroom
PBS Learning Media
PBS have curated FREE resources for teachers of science (visit the website here). Explore natural phenomena and scientific practices with a huge range of high quality resources curated from partners such as NASA and the Smithsonian Institute.
The content collection is available in a variety of formats, including videos and interactives, documents and in-depth lesson plans. Educators can browse content and filter by year level, subject and special collections.
Just a note when playing the videos or using some of the images etc., this is an American site so some of the content may need editing. For example, the unit on weather may not reflect an Australian experience.
Each month we will be adding to our Website of the Month blog post, you can check it out here.
MOD.ULE
WHOLE DAY WORKSHOP PROGRAM
MOD.ULE is a full day learning program designed in collaboration between MOD. and UniSA Connect. MOD.ULE consists of a number of interactive, focused activities that allow students to further explore the themes and concepts of the MOD exhibition IT’S COMPLICATED.
MOD.ULE is a program specifically aimed at year 10 classes. It is limited to a group size of 32 students. Find out more here.
Resources
For all resources available from SASTA, see www.sasta.asn.au/resources
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
Don't forget to register / re-register as a coordinator for the 2021 competition here.
Have you seen the latest blogs on the Oliphant Science Awards website? In March we covered:
There will be more to come each week so keep an eye on the website and our Facebook page!
The Oliphant Science Awards competition is celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2021! Here are a few memories over the ye
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 Kylie Dunning, who is developing new technologies that overcome the need for a cell biopsy, these instead use light to take a non-invasive ‘molecular photo’ to assess the health of the embryo here.
Kylie will also be presenting a Cutting Edge Workshop at the SASTA Annual Conference on Tuesday 13 April.
Our place in space
Hamilton Secondary Space School presents 'Our Place in Space' a workshop series for teachers of years 6-10.
These workshops will run during Term 2, 2021. See below for dates and times. The cost is $50 which covers the three sessions. Morning tea will be provided. Click here for more information and to register.
- Workshop 1: Our Place In Space
Saturday 8 May: 9am – 1pm (Wk 2) - Workshop 2: Gravity Gets Me Down
Saturday 29 May: 9am – 1pm (Wk 5) - What: Workshop 3: Satellites and Probes Investigating Earth and Beyond
Saturday 19 June: 9am – 1pm (Wk 8)
The Friday Debate
Researchers have grown ‘human embryos’ from skin cells. What does that mean, and is it ethical?
Researchers have successfully created living models of an early stage of human embryonic development. Early in development, human embryos form a structure called the blastocyst. Two research groups have now generated human blastocyst-like structures from cells in a dish. To some people, the study of human blastoids may not be ethically challenging, however, others might view human blastoid research as a path towards engineering human embryos. Join the conversation here.
Resource book of ideas
This year’s Resource Book of Ideas for National Science Week offers teachers and students the opportunity to explore the following concepts in addition to this year’s theme - Food: different by design.
Some of the scientific discoveries, inquiries, activities and themes used in this resource book examine fruits, vegetables, tea and food waste. Other themes include cooking with food, preserving food, bottling food, fermenting food, upcycling food, designing gardens, designing menus, plates and even designing insect-based burgers. Access your copy here.
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.
Work, Health & Safety Day
The Laboratory Managers Association of South Australia
Wednesday 14 April
Brighton Secondary School
For the full program and registration details click here.
The latest ASTA Journal is now available for members to view online.
Backyard Bio
Spend part of the month of May getting outside and exploring your backyard, front yard, neighbourhood, school yard, local parks and conservation areas to find as many different species of plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, fish, birds, mammals, crustaceans, molluscs, echinoderms, fungi (you name it!) as you can. This can be a big family or classroom project or just ten minutes looking and listening to see what you discover - every minute engaging with the natural world is valuable! Take photos of everything you see!
There are three ways to take part and share what you discovered! Find out more 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
