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SCIOS: To Know

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STAWA Office

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Editorial Committee

Allan Knight John Clarke - STAWA

Lyndon Smith

Mady Colquhoun

Editorial Correspondence admin@stawa net

Graphic Designer Pamela Getalado

Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Contact email: admin@stawa net

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If you would like to advertise in SCIOS, please follow the link here to express your interest and submit your deliverables

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

WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR

About the Editor

Allan Knight is one of the science curriculum consultants with School

Curriculum and Standards He has taught science, including senior school chemistry and physics, at high school and been a university chemistry

lecturer He has co-authored a number of senior secondary chemistry textbooks and written teacher resources for senior secondary physics for WA and other Australian states

Welcome to SCIOS Secondary for Term 2!

In this issue, we share the results of one of the opportunities for students that STAWA supports - the Synergy Solar Car Challenge - as well as highlighting many other opportunities for students to engage in science activities

We also report on the support being offered through the Centre for Engineering

Innovation: Agriculture & Ecological Restoration at the University of Western Australia for senior secondary agricultural education

Like many of you, I am looking forward to ConASTA in July and hope to see many of you at this exciting event

Thank you

Allan Knight

(SCIOS - Secondary Editor)

SUPPORT FOR AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION IN WA SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Alysia Kepert

Author Biography: Alysia has worked in agricultural education for over two decades, including as a teacher, a curriculum development officer and consultant As part of her professional experience, she has developed agricultural learning programs and curriculum development, delivered professional learning and immersion programs for teachers, and has contributed to the design and implementation of agricultural education exhibitions at major events

Two new agricultural courses newly available to senior secondary schools in WA, are igniting new opportunities to bring industry and education closer together WA is the only state to now offer a dedicated ATAR Agricultural Science and Technology course as well as an ATAR Agribusiness course

Agriculture is a global and innovative sector, far different from common perceptions, and has strong employment demand across diverse roles, with reports of six or more roles per graduate

However, recent research has revealed Western Australia has the second lowest Year 12 ATAR Agriculture enrolment in the nation NSW has the highest with consistently well over a thousand whereas WA has always had less than 100 ATAR exam candidates in its fifteen-year lifetime, and they have been in decline over this period

Until now, agriculture programs in WA have been limited to delivery in specialist agricultural colleges and schools, meaning the number of students exposed to formal learning about the sector is relatively low

To support enrolment growth in the ATAR courses, the recent curriculum overhaul has resulted in design and content that better represents the broad career opportunity in the sector The courses targeting different learning areas have enabled a ‘wider net’ of interest and the enhanced visibility of a secondary to tertiary pathway into professional roles in agriculture has improved Early interest in the new courses is positive, from both metropolitan and regional schools, with 4 new schools now offering ATAR curriculum since implementation in 2024

In Years 7-10, teachers can use the PRIMED resources to deliver their lessons in an agricultural context to provide their students with an experience of the variety of ways science (and HASS) has a role in agriculture

To generate interest in the new ATAR Agriculture courses, UWA has established the role of Education Program Lead Part of the role is to support schools considering delivering the courses and to strengthen industry partnerships with schools

To further support science teachers to learn of the opportunities in agriculture, this year’s ConASTA program includes a number of agricultural science themed presentations and a dedicated tour focussing on science and technology and research in the agricultural industry Teachers from schools greater than 200 km from Perth can indicate, at registration, their interest in a bursary to support their travel if this is a personal cost The bursary has kindly

been made available by the Sir James Mitchell Fund administered by the Country

Women’s Association of WA (To register for ConASTA you can click here )

Edi

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Engineering Innovation: Agriculture & Ecological Restoration (UWA)

ROUND UP FOR 2025

It has been another successful year for the Synergy Solar Car Challenge in 2025

After a busy term of preparation, construction, and strategic planning, Year 6 and 8 students from various schools acr

ss the finish line

The entire day was charged with excitement as the best of the best competed fiercely for the top spot or a place in the finals Though tensions ran high at times enough to make some teams consider withdrawing they persevered, giving it their all despite not securing a place in the final rankings

We would like to congratulate the following winners for the Year 8 competition:

2026 COMPETITION

You can now register for next year’s competition by clicking the link below

Once registered, please note that you will be put on a mailing list and you will be receiving registration information when it opens in November this year

Once again, congratulations to all of the schools who are involved in this year’s Synergy Solar Car Challenge competition and we hope we can see you next year

WORLD SEA TURTLE DAY

Year9studentsinterestedinturtlesandcareersinmarine scienceareinvitedtojoinDepartmentofBiodiversity, ConservationandAttractions(DBCA)NorthWestShelfFlatback TurtleConservationProgramandAQWAstafftolearnabout turtleconservation! Thedaywillinvolveexploringthebiologyofandthreatstoturtles, howturtlesareusedasaresource,thetypesofcareersin marinescienceandturtleconservation,andfree-timeinthe AQWAexhibits.

9.30AM-2PM Placesarelimited.Tosecureyourschool’sbooking, completetheregistrationformandpaymenthere.

Join science educators from across the region for a dynamic, in-person professional development experience.

From expert-led seminars to collaborative labs, ConASTA 72 offers practical strategies grounded in current research.

Engage face-to-face, build your network, and deepen your impact.

Registrations for ConASTA 72 are still open until Monday, 30 June 2025! Click the link below to attend this premier event for science education.

FORATTENDEES

WELCOME TO PERTH EVENT

MONDAY,7JULY2025

Kick off your first night in Perth with an unforgettable evening at Scitech!

Attendees will get an exclusive after-hours access to WA’s iconic Science Discovery Centre - including the Planetarium! Explore interactive exhibits, enjoy a live science show, and be inspired by a special presentation from renowned astrophysicist, Brad Tucker

Connect with fellow educators over local food and wine as you unwind after Day 1! It’s the perfect way to relax share idea and celebrate the

FORATTENDEES

STILE TRIVIA NIGHT

TUESDAY,8JULY2025

After a full day of exploring the wonders of WA and diving deep into all things science, what better way wind down than with an evening of laughs, friendly competition, and fun facts?

Join us for Stile Trivia Night an exciting, fast-paced quiz showdown designed especially for science educators Whether you're a periodic table pro or a pop culture whiz, there's something for everyone

Don’t have a team? No problem! The Stile team will make sure you ’ re grouped up and ready to go it’s a great chance to connect with fellow teachers from across the country

So grab a drink, find your seat, and get ready to flex those neurons. This is the night you won’t want to miss!

CONFERENCE DINNER

WEDNESDAY,9JULY2025

FOR EVERYONE

Join us for an unforgettable evening set beneath the awe-inspiring Blue Whale skeleton in Hackett Hall. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks, great conversation, and immersive exhibits in one of WA’s most iconic venues

This special night features Alec Cole, CEO of WA Museums, as our guest speaker and you're welcome to bring a partner or friend! Celebrate science, culture, and the amazing work of science educators from across the country

Let’s connect, reflect, and make it a night to remember.

We can’t wait to see you there!

MAJOR EVENT SPONSORS

FEATURED EXHIBITORS

CHILDRENBETWEENTHEAGESOF5AND19ARE INVITEDTOSUBMITTHEIRENTRYONTHETHEME‘WHAT ISCHEMISTRYTOME?’BETWEEN1AUGUST& 1OCTOBERFORACHANCETOWINASHAREOF $2500AUD!ENTRYISFREE!SCANTHEQRCODEFOR MOREINFORMATION&TOENTER!

Website: https://scienceiq.net

Developed by the Science Teachers’ Association of Western Australia (STAWA), ScienceIQ is proudly supported by the Royal Society of Western Australia (RSWA)

ScienceIQ is an online science quiz for school teams of four students

Teams have one hour to complete up to 12 science questions and problems in two separate rounds of competition Each round is a week apart and teachers choose the days and time to do each quiz To win, students will need to finish in the shortest time with the most questions correct

Participation certificates, first, second and third place prizes, and other great stuff

TERM 2

Years 5 & 7

Round 1 starts on the week of Monday, 19 May 2025

Round 2 starts on the week of Monday, 26 May 2025

TERM 3

Years 6 & 9

Round 1 starts on the week of Monday, 11 August 2025

Round 2 starts on the week of Monday, 18 August 2025

Registration fee:

TERM 4

Year 8

Round 1 starts on the week of Monday, 3 November 2025

Round 2 starts on the week of Monday, 10 November 2025

$25 (+ GST) per year group

Enter as many teams of 4 students as you want.

Log-in details and instructions to access the practice quiz will be sent to the teachers of the registered schools prior to the competition date

Promoting creative project work in Science since 1958

The Science Talent Search is a wonderful opportunity for students from Kindergarten to Year 12 to develop their interests in Science through a competition with a range of categories to suite a wide variety of abilities and interests.

It also provides students with an opportunity to expand their scientific literacy, by showing interest and understanding in the world around them and engaging in discussions about Science.

ENTRY CATEGORIES

1.Science Investigation

An investigation is an attempt to find in a scientific way, the answer to an original question

2 Engineering

Engineering is the application of Science, Mathematics, and Technology to invent new products or modify existing products that benefit society

3. Scientific Communication

Communication is important in the Scientific community to inform the public and other scientists about science ideas In the Science Talent Search, Scientific Communication category entries can take the form of:

Science Poster (Years K-2 Only)

Science Video (Years K-12)

Science Photography (Years K-12)

ALL ENTRIES WILL BE RECEIVING A CERTIFICATE.

CASH PRIZES

PRIMARYCATEGORY

Early Childhood (Years K-2), Middle Primary (Years 3-4), and Upper Primary (Years 5-6) will be receiving up to 10 prizes across all categories

SECONDARYCATEGORY

Junior (Years 7-8), Intermediate (Years 9-10), and Senior (Years 11-12) will be receiving 1st, 2nd or 3rd place in each category.

Each year one (1) Primary and one (1) Secondary student are named the STAWA Young Scientist Award. STAWAYOUNGSCIENTISTAWARD

OTHERPRIZES

Other prizes of encouragement may also be awarded each year

Promoting creative project work in Science since 1958

SCIENCE TALENT SEARCH THEME FOR 2025

The theme for Science Communication - Posters is Decoding the Universe – Exploring the unknown with nature’s hidden language (2025 National Science Week theme) or alternatively, students can do a poster based on any Physical Science theme.

Only entries based on one of these themes will be judged.

SCHOOL REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!

School registrations close on Thursday, 3 July 2025.

Morning Tea & Lunch provided on the day. Morning provided day.

This is a FREE event suitable for students in Years 5-9 and they will get a chance to: meet with female Scientists and STEM professionals from industry and research facilities engage in workshops with hands-on STEM experience, and connect with other students who have attended STEM events locally and nationally.

This event is supported by industry partners and universities within Western Australia and the Southwest region.

Attendees will receive a FREE showbag on the day!

Registration closes on Saturday, 23 August 2025

Registration closes on 23 2025

Scan the QR code to register

The STEM Educator of the Year - Schools is awarded to a teacher or educator who demonstrates excellence in a field of STEM education in schools (primary, secondary, and/or vocational education), and who has made outstanding contributions to enhancing student engagement in STEM Cash prize: $10,000

The Premier's Science Awards recognise and celebrate outstanding scientific research and STEM education taking place in Western Australia

Applications for the 2025 Premier's Science Awards close at 10:00AM (AWST) Monday, 28 July 2025

For more information, please visit the Premier’s Science Awards website

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 both Primary and Secondary 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 Members receive:

SCIOS (STAWA online journal)

STAWA SPARKs! (Primary Science Committee online publication)

Teaching Science (ASTA journal),

Information about Science activities for students and teachers

Professional Development & Conference programs

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 (WA Science Educators Conference)

Future Science (WA Science Educators Conference)

Psychology Teachers Convention

Marine and Maritime Teachers Convention

CONASTA (Australian Science Educators Conference, ASTA)

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

Physics Day Synergy Schools Solar Challenge

MEMBERSHIP QUERIES

If you have any queries with regards to your membership, please email us at admin@stawa.net.

HOW TO CONTRIBUTE?

CAN YOU CONTRIBUTE TO SCIOS?

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 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 admin@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

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)

No other publisher should have published your manuscript, nor should you submit for publication elsewhere If SCIOS 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 admin@stawa net to submit your articles