Newsletter of the Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.
Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.Patron: Dr Barry Jones, AO, FAA, FAHA, FTSE, FASSA, FRSA, FRSN, FRSV, FACE ABN 59 004 145 329 • ISSN 0311-0605 Registered by Australia Post - Print Post Publication No. PP 342676/0050Member of Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA)
Vol 31 No 5 June 2016
Conferences and Events The STAV event calendar which includes all PD/conferences and science activities for the year is available on the STAV website: www.stav.org.au
Science Talent Search This years theme is ‘Drones, Droids and Robots’. Online registration is now closed. More information on the STS website www.sciencevictoria.com.au/sts.
VCE Trial Exams - Semester 2 Orders now being taken For delivery into your school by Friday 2 September www.sciencevictoria.com.au/stavpublishing/trialExams.html
Labtech Conference 2016 - Register Now Friday 10 June at Quantum Victoria Keynote - Professor Andrew Hill, La Trobe University www.sciencevictoria.com.au/labtech/index.html
Science Leaders Conference 2016 - Register Now Friday 22 July at Quantum Victoria Keynote - Gravitational Waves Down Under Dr Alan Duffy, Research Fellow at Swinburne University of Technology www.sciencevictoria.com.au/confSCO.html
National Science Week 2016 13 to 21 August 2016 Theme: Drones, Droids and Robots More information at www.scienceweek.net.au/
STAVCON 2016 Friday 25 November 2016 Theme: Science Innovation for Sustainable Lives
Latest events >>For the latest events and conference information go to STAV’s website: www.stav.org.au
For information about science activities & competitions go to: www.stav.org.au
Contents
2 STAV contacts
3 President’s Report
4 STS Report
5 Science Drama Report
5 STS dates
5 STAV Membership
6 Conference information
12 STAV important dates
STAV is on Facebook
go to www.stav.org.au
Join STAV on Twitter
www.stav.org.au
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Newsletter of The Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.
STAV CouncilSoula BennettPresident Quantum Victoria [email protected]
Joanna AlexanderVice President and Treasurer Blackburn Secondary College [email protected]
Alexandra AbelaPenleigh and Essendon Grammar School [email protected]
Michael RosenbrockCommittee Secretary Wodonga Senior Secondary College [email protected]
Jacinta GreerWhittlesea Secondary College [email protected]
Leonie McGlashenKeysborough Secondary College [email protected]
Yuvadee PatchonQuantum Victoria [email protected]
STS ManagementJosie CrisaraAitken [email protected]
Jennifer CutriSt Andrews’ Catholic Primary [email protected]
Leonie Lang Melbourne Graduate School of Education [email protected]
Miranda McKellarLa Trobe University [email protected]
Raquella Neiger c/- [email protected]
David Trotter c/- [email protected]
STAV Journal EditorsLabtalk Managing Editor [email protected]
Barb Brook, OAM Let’s Find Out [email protected]
STAV Business CentreAnne HeardReceptionistPhone: 9385 [email protected]
Accounts OfficerPhone: 9385 [email protected]
STAV PublishingPhone: 9385 [email protected]
Publications Phone: 9385 [email protected]
Annette McKennaAdministration Manager Phone: 9385 3904 [email protected]
STAV welcomes Vince Conserva as Events Coordinator for STAV [email protected]
Science VictoriaScience Victoria hosts professional development activities on behalf of the Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc. (STAV)
STAV Contacts
Contact enquiries
?For enquiries about Contact newsletter including advertising opportunities please contact the STAV Publications Officer phone: (03) 9385 3903 or email: [email protected]
Contact newsletter is available online as a PDF. Please ensure a current email address is on file at STAV so you will receive your link to the newsletter.
Life MembersDavid CohenRod FawnsDick Gunstone
Gretta WilkinsonMark LearmonthDavid Trotter
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President’s ReportJune is with us and we are nearing the end of the first semester!
Upcoming Conferences/Workshops:
Lab Tech Conference @ Quantum Victoria, Friday 10th June
http://www.sciencevictoria.com.au/labtech/documents/Labtech2016_Program_001.pdf
Science Leaders Conference @ Quantum Victoria, Friday 22nd July
http://www.sciencevictoria.com.au/documents/SciLeaderConf2016_Program_000.pdf
“Interactions: Making sense of Newton’s laws of motion”@ STAV House - Friday 29 July 2016
http://www.sciencevictoria.com.au/documents/PhysicsWorkshop2016_004.pdf
CONASTA 65 Brisbane 2016: Superheroes of Science – Unmask Your Potential – Sunday 3 July – Wednesday 6 July
http://www.cvent.com/events/conasta-65/event-summary28155b7d856a4e669d51f42c779ba61e.aspx
STAVCON 2016: ‘Science Innovation for Sustainable Lives’ @ La Trobe University, Friday 25th November
Updates on all of the above and other events will be posted via our social networks and on our website, so please make sure you follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook!
Soula Bennett
STAV President
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Newsletter of The Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.
Science Talent Search 20162016 Theme: Drones, Droids and Robots
Dates for 2016:
Online entry registration opened - 29 February
Entry registration closed - 30 May
Schools Pack 1 - 14 June
Actual entries to STAV House - 21 & 22 July
Judging Day - 6 August
Schools Pack 2 - 22 August
Schools Pack 3 - 3 October
Exhibition and Presentation Day - 24 October 2016
Check the Science Talent Search website for information about the competition www.sciencevictoria.com.au/sts
Science Talent Search Report
Online registration and the checking process are complete. Please ensure that you keep a close eye on your email as we will be corresponding with you by email where possible.
You will receive confirmation of your entries along with face sheets and entry labels for judging on Tuesday June 14. These need to be filled in, signed and attached to each project prior to submission. You will be invoiced on the data that was in the system on the final closing date May 30. You cannot withdraw entries after this date – if you choose not to submit, you still need to pay the entry fee.
However, there are still several weeks before entries need to be finished, so students still have time to complete their projects. For those who have based their research on this year’s theme, “Drones, Droids and Robots”, the website for National Science Week, http://www.scienceweek.net.au/ could provide needed references and ideas.
A special thank you to those teachers who have volunteered to judge on August 6. Most will have signed up to keep faith with their students who have worked hard on their projects. For the few teachers who may have been conscripted to make up numbers, be assured you will have an inspirational experience working with students who love science.
Leonie Lang
STS Management
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STAV MembershipSTAV Individual Membership fees:Individual Primary $125 Individual Secondary $140 Individual both Primary/Secondary $175 Laboratory Technicians $105The subscription of a member ceases to be effective if payment is not received prior to or on the date of renewal, as a result, membership and all rights pertaining thereto will lapse. Upon payment of all arrears, membership will resume from the date of payment.
New MembersWelcome to the following new individual members of STAV:Jory Clark
Michael Hardiker
National Science Week 2016
13 to 21 August 2016Theme: Drones, Droids And Robots.
More information at www.scienceweek.net.au/
Get involved
www.scienceweek.net.au/get-involved/
How to join STAVDownload a form from our website www.stav.org.au/html/membership.htmlYou can also join online from this site.Alternatively, contact the STAV office for more information: 03 9385 3999
Labtech listThe Labtech list has been set up by STAV as a discussion forum where Laboratory Technicians can exchange information, share ideas and seek advice.We ask science coordinators to encourage their Laboratory Technicians to become a member of Labtech and participate in the discussion group.It is free to join. Go to the Science Victoria website for more information: www.sciencevictoria.com.au/labtech.html
Considered being a book reviewer
for STAV?If you are interested in
reviewing science books, contact [email protected] and we will add
you to the list of reviewers. If you have been a reviewer in
the past and would like to do so again please contact us to
update your details.
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Newsletter of The Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.
For all conference/PD information including programs and online registration check the Science Victoria website approximately 6 – 8 weeks prior to each conference: www.sciencevictoria.com.au/conferences.html
Contact the STAV business centre: Phone: 9385 3999 or email: [email protected]
Labtech Conference 2016Friday 10 June at Quantum Victoria, 235 Kingsbury Drive, Macleod West.
Conference ratesDelegate ....................................................................$108
Register Now at www.sciencevictoria.com.au/labtech/index.html
Science Leaders Conference 2016Friday 22 July at Quantum Victoria, 235 Kingsbury Drive, Macleod West.
Conference ratesDelegate ....................................................................$320
Register now atwww.sciencevictoria.com.au/confSCO.html
Physics Workshops 2016These workshops are intended for teachers of years 5-10 science who wish to develop their own conceptual understanding; the concepts are presented at the level of year 9 – 11 students.
Newton’s Laws of Motion – Friday 29 July 2016Modelling Electricity – Friday 12 August 2016 More information and registration details at: www.sciencevictoria.com.au/PhysicsWorkshops.htm
Primary Science Teachers Workshop Series 2016
Workshop 1: Why is the grass green? Tuesday 15 March
Workshop 2: Dry Ice bombs and other chemical mysteries Tuesday 24 May,
Workshop 3: Is fire a living thing? Tuesday 16 August
Workshop 4: TBA
Venue: STAV House, Munro St, Coburg
Time: 4.30pm to 5.30pm
Presenter: Helen Silvester
Cost: $30 per workshop
Register at: www.sciencevictoria.com.au/otherPD.html
STAVCON 2016Friday 25 November
This years theme is: Science Innovation for Sustainable Lives
Upcoming Conferences – dates & rates
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Invested in education.Victoria Teachers Mutual Bank understands education is preparation for life’s journey.
From sponsorship, grants and donations, through to financial literacy programs and resources, we’re committed to supporting the education community.
Combined with the important work you do, together we’re building a stronger foundation for the future.
Visit victeach.com.au or call 1300 654 822.
Bank I Save I Borrow I Invest I Protect
Teaching resource for Unit 3 Biology immunology conceptsAre your students confusing APCs, B-cells and T-cells? ImmuKNOW is your solution!ImmuKNOW is an easy to use visual teaching resource with movable immune cell representations for use on whiteboards. Each component has a magnetic strip which allows it to be attached to magnetic whiteboards or any other flat steel surface.ImmuKNOW is colourful, engaging and clearly visible. It allows easy visualization of receptor/cell interactions such as T-cell receptors and MHCs. It can be used by both teachers and students.ImmuKNOW consists of 3 separate kits:Kit 1 Immunity to infectionKit 2 Allergy and allergic reactionsKit 3 Humoral immunityEach kit is accompanied by an instruction booklet.PriceMember $90 (includes GST); postage & handling $13 Non member $95 (includes GST); postage & handling $13How to orderEmail, Fax or post purchase order to: STAV Publishing Email: [email protected] Fax: 9386 6722 • Post: PO Box 109, Coburg VIC 3058 Enquiries: 03 9385 3999
ImmuKNOW images available
on CDAll of the images used for the
three ImmuKNOW kits are now available for purchase on CD.
Go to www.sciencevictoria.com.au/stavpublishing/
immuknow.html
ImmuKNOW kits were developed and previously distributed by SYNERGYA Young Achievement Australia program.
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Newsletter of The Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.
Science Leaders’ Conference 2016Theme: Developing Leadership
For coordinators, managers, leading teachers and science educators aspiring to leadership
Friday 22 July 2016 atQuantum Victoria, 235 Kingsbury Drive, Macleod West
Keynote SpeakerDr Alan Duffy, Research Fellow at Swinburne University of TechnologyThis year aLIGO announced the discovery of ‘Gravitational Waves’, ending a century long hunt to test Einstein’s final prediction. We are witnessing the beginning of a new era in astronomy when, for the first time in our history, we will look out and explore the Universe with ‘eyes’ of gravity. This is a new sense, as different from sight to sound to smell, and now we can see the invisible. I will discuss what these gravitational waves are, why Einstein never thought they would be seen and what it means for the future here in Australia.
Other speakers include• Maria James• Janice Teng• Joanna Alexander• Dr Christine Redman • Tim Thompson
• Janelle Scott • Gordon Wilson • Peter Hubber• Peta White• Glenn Eckardt
Topics include• Science Leadership that contributes to
outstanding educational outcomes• Leading our teams to water, because
they want to drink!• Leading for learning in STEM• Celebrating Science• Amazing STEM Race
Registration includes • Coffee/Tea on arrival• Science Coordinators Handbook• Conference sessions• Morning tea• Lunch• Meet’n Mingle
Full Program available at www.sciencevictoria.com.au/confSCO.html
Register Now at www.sciencevictoria.com.au/confSCO.html
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10 Contact • Vol 31 No 5 • June 2016
Newsletter of The Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.
Many sessions are available includingKeynote Diseases of the ageing brain – when proteins go wrong! Professor Andrew Hill, La Trobe UniversityProfessor Hill is Head of the Department of Biochemistry and Genetics at La Trobe University and leads a laboratory in the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science that focuses on understanding what happens in the brains of people with diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. He
undertook his PhD at Imperial College London where he worked on BSE (‘mad cow’ disease) and moved to Australia in 2000 to set up his own laboratory. He has published over 150 papers, works with researchers all over the world, and has mentored 15 PhD students to completion over the last 10 years.
• My Teaching Has Become Robotic, How About Your’s? presented by John Pearce
• Science ASSIST - What’s happening now presented by Dale Carroll
• The Amazing Lab Tech Race and LabApps to die for! presented by Cressida Byrne & David Smith
• New Ways To Get A Charge Out Of Electricity presented by John Pearce
• Plate Tectonics - the poster and a peek into the world of virtual rocks presented by Greg McNamrar & Emily Rochette
• 21st Century Skills: Coding with Arduinos presented by Joel Willis & David Smith
• What’s New at STELR? presented by Peter Pentland
Full session information and registration details can be found at
www.sciencevictoria.com.au/labtech/index.html
or email [email protected]
Labtech Conference 2016“Supporting Science in the Classroom”
Friday 10 June 2016
Quantum Victoria, 235 Kingsbury Drive, Macleod West.
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VCE Trial exam papersSTAV Publishing produces VCE trial exams for:
Units 1, 2 & 3 Unit 3 & 4 combinedPhysics PhysicsChemistry ChemistryBiology BiologyPsychology PsychologyCosts CostsPapers $4.00; Papers $6.00; Solutions $2.00 Solutions $3.00
Past Trial Exams are also available.How to orderDownload an order form from: www.sciencevictoria.com.au/stavpublishing/trialExams.htmlorSTAV Publishing Phone: 03 9385 3999 Fax: 03 9386 6722 Email: [email protected]
Past Trial Exam CDsCreate your own mix of past exams from any combination of the following:2009 – 2015Biology Units 1 – 4 Chemistry Units 1 – 4 Physics Units 1 – 4Psychology Units 1 – 4
Questions and solutions are in Adobe Acrobat pdf format. Files can be delivered via your school intranet, saved to hard drive or printed. Copy and paste prohibited.
Price: $20 per exam.
Choose as many exams as you want, in any combination you want.
Order form available at www.sciencevictoria.com.au/stavpublishing/trialExams.html
or contact STAV for an order form: STAV Publishing Phone: 03 9385 3999 Email: [email protected]
Science Circles Books 1 and 2These exciting books were produced by STAV Publishing and Blake Education. Author: Cheryl Jakab Science circles contains a wide range of classroom activities designed to engage students in extensive discussion while exploring science topics. The Science circles approach is developed from the concept that understanding is discourse-based. Scientific literacy is built when students can practise using correct terminology to give explanations and construct arguments based on evidence.
$37.95 Members/subscribers $39.95 Non-members per book
Book 2Suitable for years 7 & 8Contents:The nature of science – Working scientifically Biology – Body worksBiology – Living plantsChemistry – Make mine metalChemistry – Chemicals reactingEarth science – The Earth’s top layerPhysics – About heatPhysics – Using machinesEnvironment – EcosystemsAstronomy – Our solar systemPlanning and self-evaluation
For more information and sample activity pages go to www.sciencevictoria.com.au/stavpublishing/sciencecircles.html
Book 1Suitable for years 7 & 8Contents:The nature of science – Using science Biology– Classifying living thingsBiology – Units of life Chemistry – Units of matterChemistry – Out of the mixEarth science – Cracked egg Physics – Looking at lightPhysics – Electric circuitsEnvironment – Future energy suppliesAstronomy – Earth, Moon and SunPlanning and self-evaluation
Contact STAVPhone: (03) 9385 3999 • Fax: (03) 9386 6722Email: [email protected] • Website: www.stav.org.auAddress: PO Box 109, Coburg VIC 3058 • 5 Munro Street Coburg, VIC 3058
Newsletter of the Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.
Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.
‘Advancing Science Education’
STAV Goals è Establish and maintain both financial and intellectual independence
è Represent the collective voice of science educators in Victoria
è Influence policy formulation in matters relating to Science Education
è Support and maintain regional special interest groups within STAV
è Provide a range of resources and services to support science educators
è Provide for and encourage student participation in a range of challenging science activities
è Promote the importance of Science Education to the community
è Recognise significant contributions by STAV members to Science Education.
Contact June 2016
Contact Advertising DeadlinesFebruary 28 January 2016March 25 February 2016April 21 March 2016May 28 April 2016June 31 May 2016July 21 June 2016August 28 July 2016
September 29 August 2016October 29 September 2016November 31 October 2016December 28 November 2016
For more advertising details go to www.stav.org.au/html/advertising.html