December 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 Science Excellence and Innovation Awards

Congratulations to Christie Evans, who won STEMM Educator of the Year – Primary or Secondary School Teaching

Mrs Evans has provided students with the opportunity to connect with STEMM professionals and engage with real-world, student-driven learning to extend their understanding and passion for STEMM. She has shared problem-based learning across Australia through conferences and workshops, changing the way teachers integrate the curriculum.

Return to 1616 Education Resources

You and your students are invited to have some ‘end of term’ educational fun with the attached Return to 1616 colour-in that highlights one of Australia’s most important ecological restoration projects happening right now on Dirk Hartog Island National Park in Western Australia (WA) -  Return to 1616. 

As your students colour in the animals, they can study the animal fact sheets in the FREE Return to 1616 Education Resource Package, to identify the 8 native animal species that have been returned to the island (so far).

Please also find a teacher’s colour in version attached and the corresponding list below to assist with species identification.

1. Brush-tailed mulgara
2. Dibbler
3. Rufous hare-wallaby
4. Shark Bay mouse
5. Banded hare-wallaby
6. Greater stick-nest rat
7. Shark Bay bandicoot
8. Western grasswren

Beyond the Lab

Wednesday 6 December | 4.30pm

Flinders University - Environmental Health Group

Where: Health Sciences Building, Flinders University. View Map

Beyond the Lab is a professional engagement program for Secondary school STEM teachers and educators across Australia, facilitated by the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE). Beyond the Lab is an initiative by the STELR team, which links teachers with professionals from a range of fields within STEM industries, with the goal of giving educators the most up-to-date understanding of industry trends, opportunities and needs for future employees. Register here. 

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.