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ContactNewsletter of the Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.
Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.Patron: Prof Peter Rathjen B.Sc (Hons) D. Phil. (Oxon) ABN 32 004 748 118 • ISSN 0311-0605 Registered by Australia Post - Print Post Publication No. PP 342676/0050Member of Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA)
Vol 25 No 6 July 2010
Conferences/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.
ICT in science conference27 August 2010 at Northcote High School. See pages 6 and 10 for more information. Register online www.sciencevictoria.com.au/stavpublishing/ictConference.html
Science Drama AwardsDVD entry due Monday 9 August.Performance night is Friday, September 3 at Canterbury Girls’ Secondary College. STAV members admitted free of charge. See page 4 for details.
Energising Science and Mathematics Education StrategyRefer to page 10 for information about the strategy and specialist centres available for use by Victorian teachers and students.
National Science Week14-22 August 2010.
STAVCON call for sessionsRegister your session proposal online at www.sciencevictoria.com.au/STAVCON.htmlSTAVCON early bird registration – see page 6
Australian Curriculum: Senior Secondary - ScienceDraft documents have been released for Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, and Physics. Go to the ACARA website http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/Home to register feedback, or visit the STAV website http://www.stav.org.au/natcurric.html for a consolidated collection of information on the progress of the Australian Curriculum K - 12.
Australian Curriculum: K - 10 ScienceA copy of STAV’s response to ACARA, based on feedback from the joint consultation forums (STAV, AIP, RACI, CEA and Biology Network) is on the STAV website http://www.stav.org.au/natcurric.html
Latest events >>For the latest events and conference information go toSTAV’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
3 Project Offi cer’s report
4 STS report
4 Science Drama report
5 STS dates
5 National Science Week dates
5 New members
6 Conference information
12 STAV important dates
2 Contact • Vol 25 No 6 • July 2010
Newsletter of the Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.
STAV CouncilSoula BennettPresidentVictorian Centre for Physical [email protected]
Joanna AlexanderVice President and TreasurerVermont Secondary [email protected]
Joanne RobertsHonorary SecretaryTempleton Primary [email protected]
Catherine ZerbeHonorary SecretaryAlexandra Secondary [email protected]
Suzanne O’ShannessyPublic Offi [email protected]
John McDonaldLa Trobe [email protected]
Catriona TweedieBalwyn High [email protected]
Pamela McLeodAustralian Institute of Policy & [email protected]
Jodie TilleyMooroolbark [email protected]
Beginning ScienceTeachers’ NetworkPeter Morgan
Psychology Sub-CommitteePosition Vacant
STS Co-DirectorsJosie CrisaraAitken [email protected]
Peter CraigMt Waverley Secondary [email protected]
Leonie [email protected]
Viv EckersleyAitken [email protected]
Miranda McKellarHoppers Crossing Secondary [email protected]
Ellen FinlaySTS Project Offi cer
Science Drama DirectorJan CampionePascoe Vale Girls [email protected]
STAV Journal EditorsEllen FinlayManaging [email protected]
Barb BrookLet’s Find [email protected]
STAV Business CentreSuzanne O’ShannessyExecutive DirectorPh: 9385 [email protected]
Anne HeardReceptionistPh: 9385 [email protected]
Kerry GledhillAccounts Offi cerPh: 9385 [email protected]
Ellen FinlaySTAV PublishingPh: 9385 [email protected]
Kellie JacksonDesktop PublisherPh: 9385 [email protected]
Annette McKennaOffi ce AssistantPh: 9385 3904 [email protected]
Science VictoriaScience Victoria hosts professional development activities on behalf of the Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc. (STAV)
STAV is now an Inc.STAV has successfully migrated from a company regulated by ASIC to an incorporated association regulated by Victoria’s Department of Justice. This change was approved at the 2006 AGM. The change simplifi es the laws governing STAV and reduces regulatory costs. It has no other substantial impact.
STAV Contacts
Contact enquiries
?For enquiries about Contact newsletter including advertising opportunities please contact the STAV Publications Offi cer phone: (03) 9385 3903 or email: [email protected]
Contact newsletter is also accessible in an electronic version via email as a PDF. The electronic version is available up to 1 week earlier than the distribution of the printed copies of Contact.
If you prefer to receive Contact newsletter by email rather than the printed version please email STAV: [email protected]
Life MembersDavid CohenRod FawnsDick GunstoneJim Stevenson
Gretta WilkinsonDon LuggMark Learmonth
Contact • Vol 25 No 6 • July 2010 3
Contact July 2010
President’s ReportI had the pleasure of attending the recent ‘Omics Revolution’ Symposium, hosted by Brian Stephenson and his team at GTAC. We were treated to an impressive array of presenters who shared their area of
expertise and clearly highlighted the interdisciplinary nature and beauty of all the sciences and the future career pathways for our students.
Professor Peter Harris, Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne spoke about the ‘Human Physiome Project’. Dr Tony Papenfuss, Bioinformatics Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research presented ‘Using genomics to understand the Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumour Disease’.
Professor Malcolm McConville, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne discussed ‘Metabolomics – taking metabolism out of the test tube and into the cell’.
Professor David Bowtell, Head, Cancer Genomics and Genetics, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre inspired us with ‘Cracking the cancer code – the use of gene expression patterns to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients’.
It was a wonderful day and the feedback from all who attended affi rmed the importance of such symposia to science teachers.
Australian Curriculum updateFeedback to ACARA on the Australian Curriculum Science, Senior Years Draft documents in Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Sciences, and Physics ends on the 31st July. A number of consultation forums have been organised by the VCAA, the AIP, the RACI, the CEA and the Biology Teacher’s Network. Check the respective websites or contact me at [email protected] for more information.
Soula Bennett
STAV President
Project Offi cer’s ReportThis year’s ICT conference for science teachers (ICT and science: Helping to maintain Australia’s biodiversity) is scheduled for Friday August 27. We have already received a number of
registrations. The sooner you register the more likely you are to secure a spot and get your fi rst preference for sessions. The conference has a maximum of 150 registrations. The keynote speakers are Dr Jane Melville (Senior Curator Herpetology) and Dr Joanna Sumner (Manager Genetic Resources) from Museum Victoria. Both have an interest and expertise in reptiles and amphibians, threatened species and evolutionary processes and patterns that shape current communities.
The semester 2 trial exam order form is available and you can order any time from now until Friday 20 August for unit 2 and 4 papers and solutions. I suggest you order now before things get hectic later in the year. If you forget to order you run the risk of missing out on supply of the papers you want. You can download an order form by going to www.stav.org.au or www.sciencevictoria.com.au.
Ellen Finlay
Project Offi cer, STAV Publishing
Phone 9385 3999
Fax: 9386 6722
Email: [email protected]
4 Contact • Vol 25 No 6 • July 2010
Newsletter of the Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.
Science Talent Search ReportOnline 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.
A reminder that the Special Judging Day is Saturday 14 August. STS Coordinators should distribute entry labels and make sure that students are aware of venues and times for the judging day. They should also ensure that judges from their school are aware of their judging commitments. Teachers judging Experimental Research and Creative Writing will receive entries to assess close to the Judging Day date. All judges will be contacted during the next few weeks with details of their responsibilities.
The STS committee would like to thank all of our 2010 STS sponsors. You can view a list of all major sponsors and links to their websites at www.sciencevictoria.com.au/sts/sponsor2.html. Without sponsors the STS competition would cease to operate. Sponsors provide 100% of funds for cash prizes along with thousands of dollars of ‘in kind’ sponsorship. Many also contribute a proportion of their sponsorship money to help out with administration costs, keeping entry fees to a minimum.
Leonie Lang
STS Co-Director
Science Drama Awards ReportScience drama covers a range of experiences from the simple one-off role plays in the classroom, to a play which has been scripted, rehearsed and costumed for performance for the school community
or beyond (Smith 2006). The Victorian Science Drama Awards enables students to enter a unique competition where they perform scientifi c concepts on stage in front of an audience. This is an experience not to be missed, demonstrating learning ‘by doing’. The Science Drama Committee would like to invite Science teachers to come along to performance night and fi nd out what this competition is all about. STAV members will be admitted free of charge by showing a valid membership card.
Performance Night details:Date: Friday, September 3, 2010.
Venue: MacMillan Hall, Canterbury Girls’ Secondary College, 16 Mangarra Rd, Canterbury 3126
Time: 7.00pm until 9.00pm
Jan Campione
Director
Science Drama Awards
Receive Contact as an eNewsletterAll STAV members and subscribers can choose to receive Contact monthly by email. How do you arrange to get Contact as an eNewsletter?Email STAV [email protected] and request that we add you to the eNewsletter distribution list. Make sure you specify the email address you wish to use. You’ll automatically receive the next edition by email. You will no longer receive a hardcopy version.
Do you know?You can download back issues of Contact from the STAV website? For past editions, go to http://www.stav.org.au/html/journalsNewsletter.html Do you also know?STAV has a science education links page on our website. There are links to various sites for biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, general science, government departments, other subject associations and more… Go to http://www.stav.org.au/html/scienceLinks.html Have a browseBrowse our website to see what information is available to you – you’ll fi nd information about conferences and workshops, trial exams, science education resources, membership, our journals and newsletters, Science Talent Search, science events run by other organisations, Science Drama Awards and other student activities, National Science Week, Laboratory Technicians group (LabTech) and much more. Go to http://www.stav.org.au
Contact • Vol 25 No 6 • July 2010 5
Contact July 2010
Science Talent Search 20102010 Theme: Australian BiodiversityCheck the Science Talent Search websitefor information about the competitionwww.sciencevictoria.com.au/sts.html
Judging Day:Saturday 14th August 2010
Exhibition & Presentation Day:Wednesday 3rd November 2010
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is proud to be the major sponsor for the Science Talent Search.
National Science WeekTheme: Australian BiodiversityDates: 14 - 22 August 2010
For more information about National Science Week 2010 Go to: www.stav.org.au/html/studentActivities.html
or the National Science Week website: www.scienceweek.gov.au
Also see page 7 of this newsletter for science event ideas.
Science Drama AwardsFor information go to: www.sciencevictoria.com.au and click on Science Drama Awards
Performance Night detailsDate: Friday, September 3, 2010.
Venue: MacMillan Hall, Canterbury Girls’ Secondary College, 16 Mangarra Rd, Canterbury 3126
Time: 7.00pm until 9.00pm
New MembersWelcome to the following new individual members of STAV
STAV Membership 2010STAV Individual Membership fees:Individual Primary $125Indivdual Secondary $140Individual both Primary/Secondary $175Laboratory 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.
Ron Martin Anna Sidoti
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 offi ce 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 co-ordinators 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
Website address for STAVTo visit the site go to:
www.stav.org.au
6 Contact • Vol 25 No 6 • July 2010
Newsletter of the Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.
Upcoming Conferences – dates & rates
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.htmlThese programs can also be found on the VIT Pdi search engine – all listed programs reference the standards of professional practice for renewal of
VIT registration www.vit.pdi.vic.edu.au
ICT in science conference 2010 27 August 2010 at Northcote High School.Theme: ICT and Science - Helping to maintain Australia’s Biodiversity.Conference ratesSTAV individual members .....................................$130STAV school subscribers/non members .........$210Registration opens June 1 and closes August 20. Register online.
VCE Conference Series 2010Psychology – 2010 dates and rates TBA
STAVCON 2010Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 November at La Trobe University, BundooraTheme: Understanding science in a changing world
Conference ratesSTAV Individual membersone day .......................................................................$200two days .....................................................................$280
STAV school subscribers/non-membersone day .......................................................................$300two days .....................................................................$430
STAV school subscribers (more than 3 teachers)If you send more than 3 teachers from your schoolSpecial rate for 4th & subsequent teachers:one day .......................................................................$215two days ....................................................................$315
Primary teachers (Tuesday only)STAV Individual members ...................................$140STAV school subscribers/non-members .........$180
Student teachers one day $75two days $150
Call for sessions is open.Register your session proposal(s) online.www.sciencevictoria.com.au/STAVCON.html
VCE Conference Series 2011Physics – 2011 dates and rates TBAChemistry – 2011 dates and rates TBABiology – 2011 dates and rates TBAEnvironmental Science – 2011 dates and rates TBA
Primary Science Teachers Conference 2011Dates and rates TBA
Beginning Science Teachers Conference 2011Dates and rates TBA
Contact the STAV business centre: Phone: 9385 3999 or email: [email protected]
STAVCON 2010Early Bird Registrations are
now available.
Contact the STAV office to apply.
Contact • Vol 25 No 6 • July 2010 7
Contact July 2010reScience_ad_190x125mm_final_color_PR.pdf 1 16/06/10 11:45 AM
2 Booker Street Spotswood museumvictoria.com.au/education Book 8.30am to 4.30pm weekdays on 13 11 02
This engaging and interactive new exhibition introduces students to the structure and function of the human body from an interesting perspective. Take on the role of a visitor from another planet who is studying the human body so they can assume our form and live amongst us undetected.
This program is suitable for Years 3 – 10.
Humanoid Discovery would be a great way to introduce or extend your students unit on the human body.
Cost: A one-off $11 booking fee
Available from 31 July 2010 until 14 March 2011Developed by Scitech, Perth
New exhibition at Scienceworks
MVteachers exclusive viewing Tuesday 3 August, 4.30-6pm at Scienceworks.
Please RSVP by email to [email protected] including your name, school name and subscriber number (or VIT number if you have yet to collect your 2010 MVteachers card). Bookings will be confirmed by reply email. Subscribe to MVteachers at museum.vic.gov.au/ education/mvteachers
8 Contact • Vol 25 No 6 • July 2010
Newsletter of the Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.
AUSTRALIAN ENGINEERING WEEK is a public awareness and education campaign that aims to highlight the role and achievements of the engineering profession in Australia, and to promote engineering as a career of choice.
FREE SITE VISITS FREE SEMINARS FREE TOURS FREE ACTIVITIES AND MORE!
The 2010 Australian Engineering Week Campaign is packed full of events, set to ignite imaginations across the country.
Engineers Australia invites you to encourage your students to be involved in this campaign by registering to attend an event.
www.makeitso.org.au
FREE SITE VISITS
REGISTER NOW!
makeitso.org.auTO REGISTER, VISIT:
SPONSORS:
For information on events in Victoria please contact Stacey RoccoE: [email protected] P: 03 9321 1712
Vict
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Contact • Vol 25 No 6 • July 2010 9
Contact July 2010
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Concept cartoonsin science education
This is a 200 page blackline masters book consisting of science concept cartoons covering topics such as: • ecology• materials• electricity and magnetism• forces and motion• light• sound• the Earth and beyond• energy resources• energy transferThe cartoons can be used at primary and secondary levels. They are supported by teacher notes which include concise explanations of each concept as well as suggested strategies on how to use them effectively. The materials can be copied for educational purposes by the purchaser.$80 (Inc. GST) STAV Individual members $92 (inc GST) School subscribers/Non-members Postage and handling $8.00
For enquiries contact: Ellen Finlay(03) 9385 3999 or email [email protected]
• electricity and magnetism
Deduct 10%
off the price
VCE Trial exam papersSTAV Publishing produces VCE trial exams for:
Unit 2 Unit 4Physics PhysicsChemistry ChemistryBiology BiologyPsychology PsychologyCostsPapers $4.00; Solutions $2.00
Past Trial Exams are also available.How to orderDownload an order form from: www.sciencevictoria.com.au/stavpublishing/index.htmlorContact Ellen FinlaySTAV PublishingPh: 03 9385 3999Fax: 03 9386 6722 Email: [email protected]
10 Contact • Vol 25 No 6 • July 2010
Newsletter of the Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.
Energising science and mathematics educationThrough the Energising Science and Mathematics Education in Victoria strategy, the Victorian Government is providing students with increased opportunities to engage with emerging sciences, using modern facilities and the latest equipment, technology and materials.
Victoria’s three existing Science and Mathematics Specialist Centres are enthusing students and teachers across the state with their state-of-the-art learning environments, leading edge technologies and innovative programs:
• Victorian Space Science Education Centre, Strathmore Secondary College
• Gene Technology Access Centre, University High School
• Ecolinc, Bacchus Marsh College
The Strategy provides $12 million to construct three additional Science and Mathematics Specialist Centres, to open in 2011:
• Victorian Bioscience Education Centre, Belmont Secondary College
• Earth Science Education Centre, Mount Clear Secondary College
• Quantum Victoria, Charles La Trobe College
The Victorian Space Science Education Centre (VSSEC) in Strathmore gives students the opportunity to simulate a mission to Mars or the Orbiting Space Laboratory, and explore astrophysics and astronomy, or human physiology in a space context.
These programs are strongly linked with the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS), and highlight to students real-life application of the concepts they are learning. VSSEC’s programs are scenario-based, and are available for students in both primary and secondary levels, with specialised programs for years 7 – 8 and 9 – 10, as well as VCE and VET. Each program is accompanied by a teacher professional learning program, which provides teachers with the support required to facilitate a successful visit to the Centre, with their students.
More information about the Science and Mathematics Specialist Centres can be found at: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/directions/mathsciencestrategy.htm
The annual ICT in science conference is on 27 August 2010 at Northcote High School. The conference is for teachers of science from Year 5 to VCE. Theme: ICT and Science: Helping to maintain Australia’s biodiversityRegister online:http://www.sciencevictoria.com.au/stavpublishing/ictConference.html
Costs: STAV Members $130; Non-members $210. Registration closes Friday 20 AugustSessions include using programs such as Inspiration, Blogs and Wikis, using ICT in forensic science, global diversity, online science quizzes, GM foods, robotics, using ICT for assessment, interactive whiteboards, learning objects and many more.The program is available on our website www.stav.org.au.For enquiries, contact:Ellen Finlay Ph: (03) 9385 3901; email [email protected]
ICT in Science conference
Contact • Vol 25 No 6 • July 2010 11
Contact July 2010
Do you want to sell a science related product or promotea science event?Advertising is available in STAV Publications which are distributed to science teachers throughout Victoria.
STAV has 3 publications: • CONTACT - monthly newsletter (x11 per year)• Let’s Find Out - primary science journal (x4 per year)• LabTalk - secondary science journal (x4 per year)
You can book an ad or provide inserts. Inserts can be fl iers, brochures or forms and we will insert these with the mailout of the publication you choose.For further information regarding advertising bookings, rates and timelines for 2010 please contact the STAV Publications Offi cer on (03) 9385 3903 or email: [email protected]: www.stav.org.au
STAV Physics Workshop (years 5-10 teachers) Modelling electricity: from batteries to power stations
Date: Friday 5 November 2010Students enjoy setting up electric circuits, but even simple circuits can raise curly conceptual questions. If teachers are apprehensive about such questions, they may resort to teaching equations that obscure the fascination and rel-evance of electricity in students’ lives. In this workshop we will explore some models that allow us to interpret what is happening and make simple predictions without using equations. The journey takes us from batteries to the state power-supply system. This workshop is intended for teachers of years 5-10 science who wish to develop their own conceptual under-standing; the concepts are presented at the level of year 9 – 11 students. Some pedagogical implications will be considered, including the place of models in science learning and in science generally, and the year levels at which the concepts can be meaningfully addressed. The workshop may also be useful to teachers of year 11 physics who have limited experience teaching at this level, and/or have limited formal background in physics.STAV asks that teachers enrol for this workshop only if they will participate in the whole day.What previous participants have said:• Greatly increased my knowledge of this topic • Well explained; willing to stop and explain when people couldn’t understand. • Hands-on activities to break up discussion.• Excellent, a thoroughly enjoyable day. I feel that I learnt a lot from the day. • Christina was fabulous! • Excellent, small group questions and interactions. • It was excellent. Lots of activities to explain concepts – I particularly liked the smartie activities.
More information and registration: Go to www.stav.org.au/html/scienceEvents.html
Essential science skillsA toolbox for the middle yearsEssential science skills is a 126-page black line masters book for use with years 5 – 7.Developing science skills and knowing how to apply them is an essential part of learning about science. Science skills such as communicate, investigate, use ICT, use scientifi c knowledge and many more are presented as student handout sheets. These are complemented with classroom strategies for use by the teacher and student skill builder worksheets – ready for photocopying and instant use. Student skill builders provide usable examples of how the classroom strategies can be implemented; they demonstrate how to explicitly teach the strategies and provide students with many opportunities to use them. A series of matrices show links with VELS and how the skills and classroom strategies are linked.This book was produced by the Maroondah/Nunawading cluster.Price$44.90 Members/subscribers$46.90 Non-members Plus Postage & Handling $8.00For further information about this product contact:STAV Publishing PO Box 109 Coburg VIC 3058Telephone (03) 9385 3999 • Fax: (03) 9386 6722Email: [email protected]
Students enjoy setting up electric circuits, but even simple circuits can raise curly conceptual questions. If teachers
Register now
Maximum number of
registrations is 16
Contact NewsletterRegistered by Australia Post • Print Post publication No. PP 342676/0050Printed by: Allanby Press Printers, 1 Crescent Rd, Camberwell VIC 3124Mailhouse: Mercury Mailing, 125 New St, Brighton VIC 3186
Contact STAVPhone: (03) 9385 3999 • Fax: (03) 9386 6722
Email: [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 Establish and maintain both fi nancial and intellectual independence
Represent the collective voice of science educators in Victoria
Infl uence policy formulation in matters relating to Science Education
Support and maintain regional special interest groups within STAV
Provide a range of resources and services to support science educators
Provide for and encourage student participation in a range of challenging science activities
Promote the importance of Science Education to the community
Recognise signifi cant contributions by STAV members to Science Education.
Contact July 2010
STAV Council meeting dates
Meetings will be held at STAV House commencing at 5.00pm
Contact DeadlinesContact deadlines 2010August 16 July 2010
September 13 August 2010
October 14 September 2010
November 15 October 2010
December 12 November 2010
27 July17 August
8 September12 October