SCIOS Primary - August 2025

JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

VOLUME 78 AUGUST 2025

SCIOS: To Know

This journal aims to promote the teaching of science with a focus on classroom practice. It provides a means of communication between teachers, consultants and other science educators. Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the various authors and do not necessarily represent those of the Science Teachers’ Association of Western Australia (STAWA), the editorial committee, or the publisher.

STAWA Office Unit 1/7 Gympie Way, Willetton, WA 6155 CONTACT Phone: (08) 9244 1987 Email: admin@stawa.net Web: www.stawa.net

Editor Mady Colquhoun Email: primaryscience@stawa.net Editorial Correspondence admin@stawa.net Graphic Designer Pamela Getalado Marketing & Communications Coordinator Contact email: admin@stawa.net

Advertising in SCIOS If you would like to advertise in SCIOS, please follow the link here to express your interest and submit your deliverables. © 2025 The Science Teachers’ Association of Western Australia (STAWA). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means without the written permission of STAWA. Unsolicited material is welcomed by the Editor but no responsibility is taken for the return of copy or photographs unless special arrangements are made.

ISSN 0157-6488

CONTENTS CONTENTS WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR

FEATURED ARTICLES

Taxidermy Animals for your classroom

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ConASTA 72 Highlights

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Meet Your STAWA Primary Science Committee

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A Favourite Resource!

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TALK LIKE A SCIENTIST

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Open Lab Afternoons

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STAWA AGM

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Canoeing on the Canning PD

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STAWA Membership

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How to Contribute to SCIOS Primary

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WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR About the Editor Mady Colquhoun is the Chair of the STAWA Primary Science Committee, the CONSTAWA Convenor, SCIOS Primary Editor and a member of the STAWA Board. She was previously a Primary Science Specialist for over 10 years.

Currently, through STAWA, Mady now supports teachers of primary science.

Welcome to SCIOS Primary in Term 3!

ConASTA has been and it was terrific! 2 years of hard work came together in an inspiring 4 days with so many fantastic workshops and excursions as well as networking opportunities.

It was great to meet many of you, and I hope that you will be keen to share some of your own science ideas when we call out for workshops for ConSTAWA next year. (Yes, planning for ConSTAWA will start soon) The STAWA AGM is nearly here, Thursday 18th September at the Curtin University Chem Centre.

You will receive your email invitation soon. Please join us at the Chem Centre or online.

AGMs may not be the most exciting event of the year, but they are essential and a legal requirement for the running of STAWA. PLUS, this year we will say farewell to John Clarke our CEO and introduce a new staff member as well as a new STAWA president! How could you miss being there?

There will also be a social event after the AGM (food and drinks supplied) to farewell John after 19 years as CEO of STAWA. All who attend the AGM in person are welcome to join this event.

Best wishes to those who have student entries in the Science Talent Search – and thank you for supporting them. It is a time consuming task but the excitement when students complete their project is wonderful. New rules regarding entry numbers have been introduced this year and please consider being a judge – it is some of the best PL you will do.

See you at the AGM! Mady Colquhoun Chair STAWA Primary Science Committee

TAXIDERMY ANIMALS FOR YOUR CLASSROOM Mady Colquhoun

Did you know you can borrow some amazing animal specimens from CREEC (Canning River Eco Education Centre)? This fantastic environmental education resource centre is located next to the Kent Street Weir in Wilson, City of Canning.

The animals can be used for all year levels in Biological Sciences. I will share a bit about the animals in this issue and then some curriculum linked ideas next time (Well – I have included one activity at the end this time!)

Chuditch or Western Quoll are found in the jarrah forest but are elusive!

Brush tailed possums or Koomal are found in the south west forests and even in the metro area. Your school may have possums if you have mature eucalypts.

No – not a porcupine! An echidna or Nyingarn is often a student favourite with its spines and specialised digging feet.

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Quenda is the indigenous name – preferred to Southern

Brown Bandicoot. Quendas are quite happy to live in the local bush or even your backyard if you are lucky!

A dugite or Dobitj – our local venomous snake.

(PS this one is actually a model – but has even fooled many teachers as it is quite realistic)

A bobtail or Yooran – did you know they can live for about 50 years!

What is on loan?

Taxidermy animals (from accidental deaths) of local native species. They are set in life-like poses and encased in sealed boxes. Easy to carry but be warned – they can be heavy if you have a long way to walk from the carpark to your class. I used a flat trolley and made a couple of trips.

They are sizable and you will need space in your car to avoid stacking them – depending on how many you borrow. They can be borrowed for free for 3 weeks which is fantastic but need to be picked up and returned by you. They must be used only in classrooms or inside spaces (not outside) and the Perspex enclosures are not allowed to be lifted off.

What comes with them?

A short but fairly comprehensive set of notes covering: Description SCIOS PRIMARY

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Indigenous name Habitat Life cycle Threats Adaptations Conservation status Imagine your students walking into your classroom and seeing these animals on the tables or bench! What a hook!

The first question is usually – Are they alive?

Closely followed by – Are they real?

Because taxidermy is not something they may know about, I suggest you do some research and be prepared to talk them through this concept. Reassure them that the animals were not deliberately killed – they were found already dead and were taxidermized to allow students (and teachers) to learn about our local animals. Please be aware of students who may find this discussion a bit sensitive for any personal reason.

You will need to contact CREEC to book ahead to fit in with your program.

While at CREEC or on their website, check out their other resources suitable for primary science and their science excursions. They are right next to Kenwick Weir and offer a wide range of outdoor curriculum linked lessons for primary science.

I have often sat in the café next door and enjoyed watching the students looking at macroinvertebrates they have collected from the waterways and other activities!

A taster - for Year 1 Biological Sciences

Living things have a variety of external features Living things live in different places where their needs are met

With a focus on external features, the students were invited to be scientists and collect observations about the animals as though no one had seen them before. They could draw or write – whichever they preferred as they were the scientist. They really enjoyed observing the animal features and worked collaboratively in pairs. I often saw them helping each other with the words they needed.

We did begin the lesson by looking at each animal and discussing them – they had so many questions! As my grandson’s school is in the hills, a lot of the students were familiar with some of these animals and even had them living around their backyards SCIOS PRIMARY 3

which was a real life connection for them. The focus of the activity was on observations and recording so I made sure to point out the features that I hoped they would write/draw about.

I gave them a simple table to fill in and explained that a table helps scientists keep their observations in order. It would also allow them to compare the animals features afterwards as they could not always have the animals to look at. This was their first time using a table like this and they did very well – though in hindsight, I should have printed them A3 not A4 size! Perhaps sharing a table and taking turns to record observations may be a better option, especially if it is early in the year and writing skills are still being developed.

I chose to do a table so they would not need to write whole sentences, and it would give them a sense of order as they progressed to each specimen. And let’s face it Scientists love tables!

You will note that the possum was not included on the table – I only brought 4 animals as I felt that 4 would be enough for the Year 1 students to handle in the time we had - and it was just right.

The young scientists really enjoyed making their observations and recording them – with many of them asking about what terms to use to describe body parts or being quite creative with their choice of descriptive words.

As they completed their table, I gave them a spiral snake to write descriptive ‘S’ words on before they cut it out and hung it to see it turn round and round with the breeze.

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Let us inspire future scientists scitech.org.au/excursions

ConASTA 72 HIGHLIGHTS Pamela Getalado

Hundreds of science educators across Australia enjoyed some of their Term 2 School holidays in Perth as they attended ConASTA 72: Eyes to the Future Conference.

We thank everyone who attended the conference, and we hope that you enjoyed the workshops and excursions that were on offer.

Enjoy some highlights and reflections from attendees. You never know – you might be inspired to attend ConASTA in Brisbane next year!

Visit the Science Teachers Association of Queensland (STAQ) to express your interest to attend or present at ConASTA in 2026!

“It's great to learn about what's happening across the country, and how complex ideas can be easily explained and demonstrated in the classroom” — Science Teacher from South Australia

“As a first-year science specialist, after 40 years in the classroom, I found ConASTA 72 inspiring and energising. It consolidated my opinion that science teachers are thoughtful, supportive, and generous.”

— Catherine Burns (Melville Primary School, WA)

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“Our core responsibility is to ensure students are ready for the future workforce, ConASTA has shown me that we can't predict what that will look like, but we can inspire the children who will make it.”

— Christina Ling (Narrabeen Sports High School, NSW)

“As a new educa exactly the spark tor, ConASTA 72 was practical ideas, I needed. The energy, an everyone there d genuine passion from supported, and left me feeling inspired, excited to grow my STEM teaching practic e!”

— Ge (Pre-Service Teaorgia Mercieca cher from South Australia)

unity to attend rt o p p o e th d te “I really apprecia s a lab tech coming from ConASTA. A but not ready d n u ro g k c a b l a ic industrial/chem I was really impressed to see g, to jump teachin rt and resources are available o how much supp chers. The enthusiasm was to science tea ntastic conference.” catching. Fa n from WA — Laboratory Te

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MEET YOUR STAWA PRIMARY SCIENCE COMMITTEE!

Hi! Charu Sharma here, and I am a senior teacher currently working as a science specialist, at Riva Primary School.

I have an experience of over 16 years teaching science, inspiring curiosity and innovation in young minds.

As the coordinator of the school’s Gifted and Talented program, I have designed dynamic, inquiry-based learning experiences that challenge and extend high-achieving students.

A passionate advocate for STEM education, I serve as a First Lego League coach and have been instrumental in integrating 3D printing into the school’s curriculum, empowering students to turn ideas into tangible creations.

My strength lies in blending creativity, cutting-edge technology, and real-world problem-solving. I am dedicated to preparing students for the challenges of the future while fostering a lifelong love of learning.

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A FAVOURITE RESOURCE!

Kaye Henning North Harrisdale Primary School

My latest favourite piece of science equipment in the playground has been a giant slingshot, cleverly built by my husband from a wooden pallet.

Children stand on the platform and, under close supervision, launch balls across the playground with great excitement.

It was a hit with the students at North Harrisdale Primary School during National Science Week. This hands-on activity captured their attention instantly, combining fun with a sense of wonder as they watched the balls soar through the air. The simple design makes it engaging and accessible, while also sparking endless curiosity about force, motion, and trajectory.

What makes this activity especially valuable is how it encourages children across the year groups to become young investigators. They experiment with different angles, levels of pull, and ball types to see which combinations allow the ball to travel the furthest distance. This playful yet scientific approach helps them understand cause and effect while developing problem-solving and teamwork skills. With every launch, the slingshot becomes more than just a toy — it transforms into a tool for exploring science in an exciting, memorable way.

Do you have a favourite resource? Please share!

SCIOS Primary is starting a new opportunity for you to share your favourite resource!

It does not have to be big like this one - just something that you and your students really enjoy using and which supports the primary science curriculum. Teachers often like to see resources that have been tried and tested by others before purchasing.

All contributions welcome with a photo and a short text. Please ensure that you relate it to the curriculum.

Many thanks to Kaye (one of our amazing Primary Science Committee members) for jumping in first!

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SPACE - THE FINAL FRONTIER

Part 2

There are lots of spaced themed words.

Let’s face it, space is an amazingly interesting place and most students are fascinated!

TALK LIKE A SCIENTIST!

More space words to inspire you.

The NASA website was used as a reputable reference.

Space word

Explanation

Interesting facts

Cosmos or Universe

The Universe = Cosmos All existing space and matter.

Estimated to be 13.8 billion years old (give or take a few days!)

Big Bang

Theory of the origin of the Universe. An ever expanding system.

Not the TV series! The Universe is about 13.8 billion years old and still spreading out.

Hubble Telescope

First deep space telescope in a low Earth orbit (average 500 km above the surface).

Launched in1990, the Hubble Telescope has performed well beyond its expected life span and should still be operating till about 2030.

Did you know that scientists had to give the Hubble space station “glasses” when it first came online to correct an aberrant curve in the primary mirror?

SKA - Square Kilometre Array

The SKA will detect very deep space radio waves to see what’s ‘out there’. Being built in a protected Quiet Zone 800km north of Perth and linked with another SKA in South Africa.

There needs to be minimal sound pollution in the places that the SKA is being built. It is not a single telescope but has more than 130, 000 antenna systems!

ISS - International Space Station

Orbits about 400kms above the Earth. https://spotthestation.nasa.g ov/tracking_map.cfm (retrieved March 2025)

The ISS has been continually occupied since 2000 – check out lots more info on the NASA website to inspire future astronauts.

Time

Measuring the duration of an event or referring to when something has or will happen.

When - yesterday, today, tomorrow - or how long it takes to brush your teeth.

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Space word

Speed of light or Light speed

Explanation The fastest known speed at approximately 300 000 km per second. The sun is our main source of natural light and light takes 8 minutes and 20 seconds to reach us here on Earth.

Other than in a vacuum, the speed of light is not constant.

It slows down when traveling through different materials

Interesting facts

Nothing we produce can go at light speed because it would require too much energy. This is sad but true for Star Wars, Star Trek and Dr Who fans!

Astronaut or Cosmonaut

A person who trains to leave Earth and function in a space environment.

Cosmonauts are Russian trained astronauts.

In 1961 Yuri Gagarin was the first human to travel into outer space. Laika, a stray dog was the first living creature to go into orbit in 1957. Sadly, she died on re-entry.

Space Capsule

Latin capsula “box”.

Space craft design to transport objects or astronauts into space and then re-enter the earth’s atmosphere and land safely.

For example - Apollo 11. This space capsule orbited the Moon in 1969 while Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin used the Apollo Lunar lander to be the first humans to step foot on another celestial body.

Giant Magellan telescope (online in 2030)

Huge earth based telescope in Chile. https://giantmagellan.org/ (retrieved March 2025)

It is being built in Chile because the desert region is an astronomer’s paradise due to its high altitude, clear skies, dark nights, and steady atmosphere.

James Webb telescope

The James Webb was launched on December 25th 2021. It does not orbit around the Earth like the Hubble Space Telescope, it orbits the Sun at 1.5 million kilometres away from the Earth.

Jump on to the NASA website to see the most recent images captured by this amazing telescope.

Looking for some inspiring astronomers, astronauts and space science heroes? So many to choose from – here are just a few to get started.

Perhaps you or your students recognise some of the names?

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Neil Armstrong Tycho Brahe Jocelyn Burnell Nicolaus Copernicus Brian Cox Yuri Gagarin Galileo Galilei John Glenn Edmund Halley Stephen Hawking Hypatia Indigenous cultures Johannes Kepler Isaac Newton Carl Sagan Ruby Payne-Scott Valentina Tereshkova Neil deGrasse Tyson Why not learn about our Australian space facilities and the role they played in the original moon landing? Or perhaps find out about our new Australian Space Agency.

This Talk Like a Scientist was compiled by Cathie Donaldson.

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OPEN LAB AFTERNOON

The STAWA Primary Science Committee is excited to announce an Open Lab afternoon at

Piara Waters Primary School Thursday, 4 September 2025 from 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm This opportunity is kindly offered by

Vanitha Ram This is a great opportunity for Primary Science Specialists to see how others operate either in their purpose-built laboratory or a re-purposed room. Of course it is a great opportunity to network too.

Please note that this is a FREE event, however, you must RSVP by Friday, 29th August 2025.

RSVP HERE Would you like to offer your lab to be part of this program? Let us know by filling out the form here to help us organize for next year’s Open Labs.

We hope to offer an Open Lab session each term all over WA (not just Perth Metro) As the host or an attendee, you are able to use these sessions for PL records.

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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

THURSDAY, 18 SEPTEMBER 2025 Resources and Chemistry Precinct Curtin University - Building 500

RSVP HERE PROGRAM 5:00 pm for a 5:30 pm start 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm - STAWA 2025 AGM After the AGM, you are welcome to stay for supper and drinks as we will be also celebrating the retirement of our CEO, John Clarke, following the event.

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Experiment. Explore.

Expand their world.

The right resources make the difference. Chat to an education expert at the MTA stand for ideas to help every student thrive. Learn more at teaching.com.au Copyright © Modern Teaching Aids. All rights reserved.

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Here are just some of the benefits and opportunities for STAWA Members. Please check our website for details, and to find out what else STAWA does - PLUS what STAWA can offer you! (www.stawa.net).

SERVICES AND SUPPORT Resources A range of resources for Primary teachers is available on the website. Look for the Resources Tab. There are resources available to members and non-members.

Members can also share resources through the STAWA website. You can download resources directly from the website or request to upload resources by contacting the Office (admin@stawa.net).

Catalist (Secondary teachers) Catalist is an email communications list which reaches over 800 Science Educators and is used to share information, ask questions, and discuss current issues. To subscribe to Catalist, look under the Teachers Tab on the website.

Australian Science Teachers’ Association (ASTA) Affiliation Full fee-paying members enjoy the benefits of affiliated membership to the national association. This includes access to ASTA’s online journal, Teaching Science, and the Chrysalis online learning community.

PUBLICATIONS STAWA Primary Members receive: SCIOS Primary (STAWA online journal) Teaching Science (ASTA journal), Information about Science activities for students and teachers Professional Development & Conference programs

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MEMBER DISCOUNTS Members receive discounts for STAWA Professional Development Workshops, a range of services and attractions, STAWA texts and resources, plus attendance at STAWA Conferences and events, including CONSTAWA and ConASTA. PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION STAWA recognition of teacher achievement and service through annual awards – de Laeter Medal Jeff Cahill Early Career Teacher Award.

Support for Primary Science teachers is given through the STAWA Early Career Primary Science Scholarship.

OPPORTUNITIES Teaching employment opportunities, curriculum review and development, government policy input, science equipment advice and professional development.

An independent voice through STAWA’s representatives on many education bodies and committees.

WELCOME PACK New members receive a Welcome Pack containing a Members USB, Pen, and Notepad.

STAWA LIFE MEMBERSHIP Each nomination for STAWA Life Membership is considered on its individual merits.

Nominations, accompanied by relevant supportive evidence, must be submitted to the President of STAWA. Life Membership, if awarded, is bestowed at the AGM. Please refer to the specific details on the STAWA website.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES Science Talent Search Synergy Schools Solar Challenge MEMBERSHIP QUERIES If you have any queries with regards to your membership, please email us at admin@stawa.net.

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HOW TO CONTRIBUTE? CAN YOU CONTRIBUTE TO SCIOS PRIMARY?

YES, of course you can. Contributions from teachers, laboratory technicians, students, academics and industry are all welcome.

We are keen to increase the number and variety of types of articles published in the SCIOS Primary. So, if the answer is YES to any of the following questions, please consider submitting an article to the editor.

Have you recently conducted an experiment (investigation or hands-on activity) that worked well?

Is there a great demonstration that always gets your students’ attention?

Have you tried a new teaching technique that really engaged your students?

Do you have some helpful hints for new (and not-so-new) teachers?

Are there some safety hints and tips that you would like to pass on?

Are you using some new technology that has improved the effectiveness of your students’ learning?

Are your students involved in a science project outside of school?

Have you recently attended a useful/interesting professional development activity?

Email your contributions to Mady Colquhoun (Primary Science Chair) at primaryscience@stawa.net.

GUIDELINES FOR AUTHORS

These notes are a brief guide to contributors who should also refer to recent issues of the journal for guidance with style Longer articles - should not normally exceed 3000 words plus figures, tables and any references. Please use headings and sub-headings to give your article structure.

Shorter articles - We also welcome shorter articles of approximately 500-1000 words plus figures, tables and any references. Again, use of headings and subheadings may assist to give your article structure.

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Send the following to the editor: 1. Please send your document as a word file with photographs and other images embedded where you need them to be.

2. Photographs and other images (e.g. diagrams) should be sent as separate files.

3. Photographs often increase the clarity and interest level of your work. Send your photographs as .tiff or highest quality .jpeg files with a resolution of at least 300 dot per inch (dpi). Note to teachers: a signed parent permission slip must be obtained for any photographs of students to be included in SCIOS. 4. Copyright for any part of your contribution that is copyright of a third party needs to be obtained in writing (email acceptable).

COPYRIGHT

No other publisher should have published your manuscript, nor should you submit for publication elsewhere. If SCIOS Primary publishes your manuscript then your text and graphics will become copyright of STAWA. STAWA will, however, agree to your use of the contents of your paper for most reasonable non-commercial purposes.

Contact primaryscience@stawa.net to submit your articles

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