contact july 2012 - stav · contact july 2012 president’s report greetings, to all stav members....

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 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 27 No 5 July 2012

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

Science Talent Search Information on page 5 and on the STS website. www.sciencevictoria.com.au/sts

VCE Trial Exams Semester 2 orders now due. You can access the form from our website. www.sciencevictoria.com.au/stavpublishing/trialExams.html More information on page 7.

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

4 Science Drama report

5 STS dates

5 STAV Membership

6 Conference information

12 STAV important dates

STAV is on Facebookgo to www.stav.org.au

Join STAV on Twitterwww.stav.org.au

WantedScience Teachers’ Association of Victoria is inviting members to write article/s for Labtalk and Let’s Find Out journals.

This could be a one off or an ongoing if you wanted and STAV produces four (4) Labtalk and Let’s Find Out journals per year.

If you wish to contribute an article/s then please email:

Naomi [email protected] look forward to hearing from you!

2 Contact • Vol 27 No 5 • July 2012

Newsletter of the Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.

STAV CouncilSoula Bennett President Quantum Victoria [email protected]

Joanna Alexander Vice President and Treasurer Vermont Secondary College [email protected]

Catherine Zerbe Alexandra Secondary College [email protected]

Suzanne O’ShannessyPublic [email protected]

John McDonaldMonash [email protected]

Adrian CammSecretary Quantum Victoria [email protected]

Beginning Science Teachers’ NetworkPeter Morgan

Psychology Sub-CommitteePosition Vacant

STS Co-DirectorsJosie CrisaraAitken [email protected]

Peter CraigMt Waverley Secondary [email protected]

Leonie Lang [email protected]

Anne-Marie WilliamsMethodist Ladies’ College [email protected]

Miranda McKellarHoppers Crossing Secondary College [email protected] Project Officer

Science Drama DirectorJan CampionePascoe Vale Girls College [email protected]

STAV Journal EditorsManaging Editor [email protected]

Barb Brook Let’s Find Out [email protected]

STAV Business CentreAnne HeardReceptionistPhone: 9385 [email protected]

Accounts Officer Phone: 9385 [email protected]

STAV PublishingPhone: 9385 [email protected]

Naomi EvertonPublications Phone: 9385 [email protected]

Annette McKennaAdministration Manager Phone: 9385 3904 [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 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 27 No 5 • July 2012 3

Contact July 2012

President’s Report

Greetings, to all STAV members.

Australian Curriculum Senior Years Update:

I was invited to participate in a national video conference hosted by ACARA on Tuesday 12th June, where all present were encouraged to raise any issues/concerns so far on the Australian Curriculum Senior Years’ Documents.

Melanie Isaacs, Science Manager at ACARA was chairing the meeting and there was representation from most Science Teachers’ Association from around the country, including the President of the Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA) Stephen Zander and the ACARA Curriculum Manager, John Gougoulis.

Some of the issues raised by participants during the video conference were:

There doesn’t seem to be continuity between Unit’s 1 – 4 in the Senior Years documents.

Physics still has a lot of content to get through; this may prevent teachers from teaching the Science as a Human Endeavour (SHE) strand…danger of SHE being superficially taught as too much content to get through…

ESI (Extended Scientific Investigation), requirement to offer one per pair of Units, ie, one across Unit 1 & 2 and one across Unit 3 & 4, was a welcomed change.

Other issues around ESI included pedagogy, assessment and reporting and advice from John was that it was up to the State and Territory Governments to decide how the ESI will be incorporated. This means that the ESI will look different in each State and Territory.

SIS (Science Inquiry Skills) leads well into the ESI and content from each Unit would enable students to engage in an ESI.

Concern about maximum class time that is required in the completion of an ESI, answer was that it was expected that students should spend up to a week of class time on an ESI.

Will students be recommended to study Unit’s 1 & 2 as entry into Physics and Chemistry before undertaken Unit’s 3 & 4, as is currently the case in Victoria? John responded that the status quo operating in each State & Territory would remain.

Assessment and Reporting determines how the Senior Years Documents will “look” like in each State & Territory as we do not have external exams in Unit’s 3 & 4 across the nation. John said that Assessment & Reporting will continue to remain in the domain of each State & Territory and that this provided all with a degree of “flexibility”.

Content and Standards are the same across the nation, Assessment & Reporting will be different.

I urge all STAV members to read through the documents and to register their feedback by the 20th July directly to ACARA via the following link:

http://consultation.australiancurriculum.edu.au/

The Senior Year’s Documents can be obtained via the following link:

http://www.acara.edu.au/curriculum/draft_senior_secondary_australian_curriculum.html

VALE

STAV acknowledges the contribution Dr John Nicholas has made to Science Education and our thoughts and best wishes go to his family and friends.

VALE

STAV acknowledges the contribution Alan Smith (Chemistry Master) has made to Science Education and our thoughts and best wishes go to his family and friends.

Upcoming Conferences:

ICT/STEM Conference, “Innovation through STEM” Friday 31st August.

STAVCON 2012, “Big Ideas in Science – Implementing the Australian Curriculum” Thursday 29th & Friday 30th November.

Please refer to the Science Victoria website for more information on the conferences on offer:

http://www.sciencevictoria.com.au/conferences.html

Soula Bennett

STAV President



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.

A reminder that the Special Judging Day is Saturday August 11. 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 2012 STS sponsors. The Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is our major sponsor. Other major contributors are Swinburne University of Technology, the Australian Skeptics, and BHP Billiton. 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 Report

Schools who have submitted entry forms for the competition are now in the throes of preparing their entries for submission by August 6th.

In this, our twentieth year of competition, we are hoping that many of our previous entrants will join us on Finals Night, September 7th. Note this date in your calendar and encourage other members of your faculty to join you and experience an innovative and engaging approach to the learning of science.

Key dates 2012

Wednesday April 25th Entry forms due

Tuesday May 1stEntry information kits sent upon receipt of entry forms

Monday August 6th DVD entries due

Sunday August 12th Preliminary Judging Day

Wednesday August 15th Finalists Kits sent

Friday September 7th

Finals Performance & Awards night

Venue: McMillan Hall, Canterbury Girls’ College, Mangarra Rd, Canterbury.

Jan CampioneDirectorScience Drama Awards


Contact July 2012

Science Talent Search 20122012 Theme: Sustainability and our Environment

Online registration closes: Friday 1 June

Country entries due: Friday 27 July

Creative Writing and Experimental Research due: Friday 27 July

Judging day: Saturday 11 August

Exhibition and Presentation day: Monday 29 October

Check the Science Talent Search website for information about the competition www.sciencevictoria.com.au/sts

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is proud to be the major sponsor for the Science Talent Search.

Science Drama Awards 2012Check the Science Drama website and the Science Drama report in this newsletter for updates.

http://www.sciencevictoria.com.au/index.html

Wednesday April 25 Entry forms due

Tuesday May 1 Entry information kits sent upon receipt of entry forms

Monday August 6 DVD entries due

Sunday August 12 Preliminary judging of entries to decide on finalists

Wednesday August 15 Finalists Kits sent

Friday September 7 Finals Performance and Awards Night Venue: McMillan Hall, Canterbury Girls’ Secondary College, Mangarra Road, Canterbury

National Science WeekTheme: Energy Evolution

Date: 11 – 19 August 2012

STAV Membership 2012STAV Individual Membership fees:Individual Primary $125 Indivdual 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.

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 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

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.

New MembersWelcome to the following new individual members of STAV:

Greg Barker Jackie Eastwood Rowan Hendrie

Bronwyn McNamara-Moyle

Frank Rowland



Upcoming Conferences – dates & rates

In-House Professional Learning Sessions• ICT in Science• Science Talent Search• Physics (Electricity and Laws of Motion)

Contact STAV for details or visit Science Victoria’s website.

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

These programs can also be found on the VIT Pdi site. All STAV conferences are approved pdi professional learning activities www.vit.pdi.vic.edu.au

STAV ICT/STEM Conference – incorporating ICT in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

31 August 2012 Theme: Innovations through STEMVenue: Quantum VictoriaCheck the Science Victoria website for updates

STAVCON Thursday 29 and Friday 30 November 2012 Theme: Big Ideas in Science – Implementing the Australian Curriculum Venue: La Trobe University, BundooraCheck the Science Victoria website for updatesCall for Sessions now open Go to: http://www.sciencevictoria.com.au/STAVCON.html

Contact the STAV business centre: Phone: 9385 3999 or email: [email protected]

• ICT in science • Science Talent Search • PhysicsWould your school benefit from flexible, in-house instruction or mentoring for ICT, Physics (laws of motion, electricity) or Science Talent Search?

STAV is offering opportunities for schools to participate in small group sessions of customised learning in one or all of these areas. You can form a small group of teachers within your own school or in partnership with a neighbouring school. You can participate in a short one or two hour session, a series of three or four sessions or have a mentor visit your classroom to assist you to apply new skills or ideas.

After expressing your interest, STAV will negotiate your requirement, try to source an appropriate educator to suit your needs and develop an appropriate professional learning program.

A small but affordable fee will apply and will be determined according to your requirement.

Our aim is to assist both metropolitan and regional schools where possible.

If you are interested in participating contact STAV to discuss your ideas:

Phone: 9385 3999Email: [email protected]


Contact July 2012

VCE Trial exam papersSTAV Publishing produces VCE trial exams for:

Units 1 & 2 Units 3 & 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 Annette McKenna STAV Publishing Phone: 03 9385 3999 Fax: 03 9386 6722 Email: [email protected]

School bookings 8.30am to 4.30pm weekdays on 9392 4819

©Aardman Animations Ltd 2012

2 Booker Street Spotswood museumvictoria.com.au/education

At ScienceworksUntil 11 November 2012 Suitable for students in Years P – 10

This exhibition highlights everyday inventions that have changed our lives (as well as some that were not so successful). The emphasis is on the ordinary and domestic, as well as scientific and industrial breakthroughs. Students also discover how best to protect their creative ideas through Australia’s intellectual property (IP) rights system, specifically patents, trademarks, designs and plant breeder’s rights. The topic of copyright is also included.An Aardman experience at Scienceworks, produced by SGA. Principal sponsor: IP Australia

Wallace & Gromit’s World of Invention

SALE!Science Coordinator’s

Handbook

Members: $26.00 Non-Members: $38.00+ $9.00 postage and handling.

For an order form please go to:www.sciencevictoria.com.au/stavpublishing



Brain Box Electronics kit for Primary and Lower Secondary This kit includes 188 ideas for constructing different circuits on a base board. These circuit boards can be activated by magnet, water, light, touch or sound and produce different kinds of reactions such as flashing bulbs, motorized fans, flying discs and various sound effects. Examples include a water activated doorbell, sound activated doorbell, magnetically activated motors, and electric fan.All components have snap fasteners which make assembly very easy and quick. All components are coded so that young children (and adults!) can easily follow construction diagrams.

Members/subscribers $38 (incl GST) Non-members $45 (incl GST)Postage and handling additional.

Need spare parts?Have you lost some pieces? Would you like to extend the capability of your current set? Spare parts for all components of the Brainbox are available. For a price list contact STAV Publishing, or check the website.

STAV PublishingPO Box 109, Coburg Vic 3058 • Fax: 03 9386 6722 • Phone: 03 9385 3999Email: [email protected] • Web: www.sciencevictoria.com.au/stavpublishing/index.html

10% Discount for 5 or more sets

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.Price per kitMember $90 (includes GST) Non member $95 (includes GST) Postage and handling additional.How to orderFax: Post or email purchase order to: STAV Publishing Fax: 9386 6722 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.


Contact July 2012

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Beginning Science Teachers’ Handbook The handbook contains ideas, information and advice on how to cope whilst at the same time improving your teaching and professional performance. What does it cost?$25 incl. GST Members $35 incl. GST Non members plus Postage & handling $9.00The content includes:• Learning the Science Faculty Ropes• Classroom Management• Teaching Classes of Mixed Abilities/

Individual Differences• Engaging and Extending Students in your Science Class• Professional Conduct and Standards of Practice• Science Safety• Getting Involved with your Professional Association• Getting the Best out of Extension Education• Developing a Science Assessment Toolbox• eLearning and Science• Resources and Websites List.How to order:Fax a purchase order to: STAV Publishing Fax: 9386 6722 For Enquiries phone: 9385 3999

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: (03) 9385 3999 or email: [email protected]

In the Garden and By the Pond Brilliantly animated, musical journey through the world of science and nature outside your back door. Each pack includes a DVD and flashcards, filled with fun facts and questions. Engage your students in a musical animation about the animals and plants that live in their back yard and in Australian ponds. Watch the magpie lay eggs and feed her chicks, and the butterfly emerge from its cocoon. Learn why snails are slimy and carry a shell, and which animals hunt for food in the garden at night. Children will be entranced watching and discussing the platypus raise her young ducklings after they hatch from their eggs, and tadpoles grow into frogs. These resources are well suited to introducing life cycles of plants and animals, night and day, seasons, living systems, the environment around us and many other popular science-related topics, and also good tools for integrating science and literacy.

In the Garden Members/subscribers $32.00Non-members $35.00Suitable for K – Grade 1

By the PondMembers/subscribers $32.00Non-members $35.00Suitable for K – Grade 1

How to order:Fax a purchase order to: STAV Publishing Fax: (03) 9386 6722 Enquiries: (03) 9385 3999

STAV Publishing new resource available

Considered being a book reviewer

for STAV?If you are interested in

reviewing science books, contact the Managing

Editor 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.


Contact July 2012

A small, portable microscope that is ideal for young children, adolescents and adults to investigate a multitude of items including clothing fibres, plants, insects or any other scientific specimen. There is no need for small extracted samples – simply remove the slide tray, walk around the room and place the viewfinder above the item you wish to view.The microscopes are small (14cm x 4.5cm), light (80 grams) and easy to grip, maneuver and adjust. The light source is strong.These small but powerful instruments are ideal for in the classroom, outside in the school yard, or for taking on excursions and fieldwork. They are fully portable and no bench or table is necessary for resting on.

Features• Zoom switch – adjusts magnification power (60x - 80x - 100x)• Focus wheel • Direct light source to specimen • Removable slide tray The light operates from two AA batteries (not included).

Price$25 (incl. GST) STAV members/institutional subscribers $30 (incl. GST) Non-members10% discount for bulk purchases (more than 5 items). Postage and handling: $9 (incl. GST)

For enquiries contact:STAV Publishing PO Box 109 Coburg VIC 3058 Telephone (03) 9385 3999 Email: [email protected]

llluminated pocket microscope

Microscope activitiesThe microscopes include activity suggestions. If you have already purchased the product you

can download the activities from: www.sciencevictoria.com.au/stavpublishing/

pocketmicro.html

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.stav.org.au and click on Publications and Resources.

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 NewsletterRegistered by Australia Post • Print Post publication No. PP 342676/0050Printed by: Allanby Press Printers, 1 Crescent Rd, Camberwell VIC 3124Mailhouse: Mercury Mailing, 13 Antibes Street, Parkdale VIC 3195

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


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 July 2012

STAV Council meeting dates

Meetings will be held at STAV House commencing at 5.00pm

21 March18 April23 May1 August

12 September25 October AGM21 November 6 Dec STAV Christmas party

Contact DeadlinesMarch 13 February 2012

April 19 March 2012

May 16 April 2012

June 18 May 2012

July 15 June 2012

August 16 July 2012

September 20 August 2012

October 14 September 2012

November 17 October 2012

December 16 November 2012