November 2023

RACI December Chemistry Teachers Conference

Friday 8 December 2023

This year’s workshop has a variety of activities that relate to the SACE Stage 2 Chemistry course and are focussed on minimising waste and harmful chemicals in the environment. There will be a presentation by Dr Cameron Shearer on methods being researched for the breakdown of PFAS, three hands-on practical sessions, a site visit to a factory manufacturing organic pharmaceutical products, and discussion sessions related to the teaching of SACE Stage 2 Chemistry.

See the Events page on the RACI website for more details and to register.

SA Health Colouring In and Poster Competitions

SA Health is running colouring in and poster competitions for primary school aged children to recognise Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (18-24 November) this year.  The competitions are aimed at educating about the safe use of antimicrobials (antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic medications).

South Australian schools of the winning children will receive a book pack valued at $150 – so it is a great incentive to get involved!

The Colouring Competition is suitable for children under 8 years of age and the Poster Competition is suitable for 8 years and over. If schools would like a bulk number of copies printed please contact HealthAntibio@sa.gov.au.  For more information and access to resources, visit: www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/AAW

Rachel's Farm Screening

'Rachel's Farm' is now available to screen in schools and education settings with accompanying resources that are mapped to the curriculum.

The film follows director and actress Rachel Ward as she voyages from her own wilful ignorance about the ecological impacts of conventional agriculture to championing a movement to restore the health of our farmland, food and climate.

It offers an exciting opportunity to engage students in learning about solutions to climate change, the importance of soil health and biodiversity, regenerative farming, nutrition and our food system - and the links between them all!

The upcoming free virtual screening on Tuesday 14 November includes a Q&A with director and actress Rachel Ward. Register via the link below:

• Register for 14 Nov 7:15 pm (AEDT) 

You can also view the education resources and find out how to screen the film here.

A youth symposium on human-nature connection in the Anthropocene

Monday 20 November | 11.00am - 3.00pm | The University of Adelaide

The Environment Institute and Jane Goodall Institute Australia are excited to be co-hosting this youth symposium. 

Throughout the day, speakers will delve into topics such as environmental sustainability, biodiversity preservation, and the impact of human activities on our planet. Engage in lively discussions, gain valuable insights, and connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for nature.

The symposium with be followed by a screening of Dr Jane Goodall's documentary 'The Hope'. For more information and to register visit the website. 

National Association of Agricultural Educators Conference

7-11 January 2024 | Victor Harbor

National Association of Agricultural Educators Conference 'Think global, act local' presented by the Agricultural Teachers Association of South Australia (ATASA). Our aim is to showcase the agricultural opportunities of the region with keynote speakers, workshops and farm tours that will leave you wanting more. Find out more and register here. 

CSIRO calls for educators to be recognised

It’s been a busy year helping young people. CSIRO, the National Science Agency, is calling for educators of Year 5-10 students to be recognised as ‘Adult Future Shapers’.

Help design your own prize to supercharge your skillset or support young people to go further with STEM.

Adult Future Shapers can select a custom resource package or a unique experience (like travelling to a conference in Australia, a professional development opportunity; or getting support to run a STEM event). Prizes may also include costs to cover relief teachers to help the Future Shaper get the most out of their experience.

This is a great opportunity, especially for those that help students from groups that are underrepresented in STEM (such as females, Indigenous students, and those from lower opportunity or regional areas.)

Applications open on Monday 6 November at www.csiro.au/futureshapers or you can sign up to STEM Together Future Shaper updates for more information.

Future Shapers is powered by CSIRO and BHP Foundation.

A STEM Teachers PD Workshops goldmine!

Flinders University continues its free STEM Teacher P.D. Workshops and Seminars in Term 4 with:

• Groundwater - in the face of El Nino - 15 November
• Matter, Space & Light - 16 November
• Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics in the Modern World - 21 November
• Virtual + Augmented Realities = Mixed Reality (& don't forget the A.I.!) - 28 November
• 3D Printing, for everyone - 30 November

2024 National Science Week Grants

Grants are now available to support events in National Science Week 2024. You can apply for between $2000 and $20,000, and the total grant pool is $500,000, provided by the Australian Government.

The grants can support both in-person and online projects, as long as there is genuine public participation and engagement.

Your event should one or more one or more of the following purposes:

• draw the nation’s attention towards the sciences;
• spark broad interest and engagement in the sciences;
• provide an opportunity for all Australians, including those historically under-represented in the sciences, to participate in science events and activities;
• foster partnerships between the community, research organisations and industry;
• trial new and innovative science communication activities.

Be sure to carefully read the grant guidelines before applying. Applications close at 5:00pm AEDT (Canberra daylight saving time), Monday 11 December 2023.

SA Curriculum Conversation Workshops

Educators SA is pleased to be collaborating with the Department for Education as they continue their process of developing resources to support the “SA-ising” of the Australian Curriculum for use in Department sites.

• Would you like to inform this process and be part of its development and consultation?
• Do you have questions, challenges and ideas that you would like to see considered as part of this process?
• Then come along and join your educator colleagues to hear more, to discuss, to debate and to share!

Sessions will be held at EDC and afternoon tea will be provided to help you navigate the end of day energy-fade!

Come along and make sure your voices and ideas are heard! Register online here. 

Workshop Dates (4.00pm - 5.00pm):

Primary - 2 November 
Primary - 9 November 
Primary & Secondary - 16 November 
Secondary - 21 November