Vol 31 No 11 Newsletter of the Science Teachers ... · Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria...

Newsletter of the Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.

Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.Patron: Dr Barry Jones, AO, FAA, FAHA, FTSE, FASSA, FRSA, FRSN, FRSV, FACE ABN 59 004 145 329 • ISSN 0311-0605 Registered by Australia Post - Print Post Publication No. PP 342676/0050Member of Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA)

Vol 31 No 11 December 2016

Conferences and Events The STAV event calendar which includes all PD/conferences and science activities for the year is available on the STAV website: www.stav.org.au

VCE Conference Series 2017 - Register Now Chemistry – Tuesday February 14 2017 Biology – Wednesday February 15 2017 Physics – Thursday February 16 2017 Register here www.sciencevictoria.com.au/confVCE.html

Science Drama Awards 2017 Performance Night 2017 - 14 September At Blackburn High School Check Contact and the website early next year for full details

Latest events >>For the latest events and conference information go to STAV’s website: www.stav.org.au

For information about science activities & competitions go to: www.stav.org.au

Contents

2 STAV contacts

3 President’s Report

4 STS Report

5 Science Drama Report

5 STS dates

5 STAV Membership

6 Conference information

12 STAV important dates

STAV is on Facebook

go to www.stav.org.au

Join STAV on Twitter

www.stav.org.au

The staff at STAV wish you a happy and safe Christmas and a prosperous New Year

www.stav.org.au

www.stav.org.au

www.stav.org.au

www.stav.org.au

http://www.facebook.com/pages/STAV/122440064499178

www.stav.org.au

http://twitter.com/#!/STAVscience

2 Contact • Vol 31 No 11 • December 2016

Newsletter of The Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.

STAV CouncilSoula BennettPresident Quantum Victoria [email protected]

Joanna AlexanderVice President and Treasurer Blackburn Secondary College [email protected]

Alexandra AbelaPenleigh and Essendon Grammar School [email protected]

Michael RosenbrockCommittee Secretary Wodonga Senior Secondary College [email protected]

Jacinta GreerRuyton Girls’ School [email protected]

Leonie McGlashenKeysborough Secondary College [email protected]

Yuvadee PatchonQuantum Victoria [email protected]

STS ManagementJosie CrisaraAitken [email protected]

Jennifer CutriSt Andrews’ Catholic Primary [email protected]

Leonie Lang Melbourne Graduate School of Education [email protected]

Miranda McKellarLa Trobe University [email protected]

Raquella Neiger c/- [email protected]

David Trotter c/- [email protected]

STAV Journal EditorsLabtalk Managing Editor [email protected]

Barb Brook, OAM Let’s Find Out [email protected]

STAV Business CentreAnne HeardReceptionistPhone: 9385 [email protected]

Accounts OfficerPhone: 9385 [email protected]

STAV PublishingPhone: 9385 [email protected]

Publications Phone: 9385 [email protected]

Annette McKennaAdministration Manager Phone: 9385 3904 [email protected]

STAV welcomes Vince Conserva as Events Coordinator for STAV [email protected]

Science VictoriaScience Victoria hosts professional development activities on behalf of the Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc. (STAV)

STAV Contacts

Contact enquiries

?For enquiries about Contact newsletter including advertising opportunities please contact the STAV Publications Officer phone: (03) 9385 3903 or email: [email protected]

Contact newsletter is available online as a PDF. Please ensure a current email address is on file at STAV so you will receive your link to the newsletter.

Life MembersDavid CohenRod FawnsDick Gunstone

Gretta WilkinsonMark LearmonthDavid Trotter

mailto:[email protected]






















Contact • Vol 31 No 11 • December 2016 3

Contact December 2016

President’s ReportAs the 2016 school year comes to an end we have much to look back on; the VCE Conferences, Lab Tech Conference, Science Leaders’ Conference, Primary Science and Physics Workshops, the 65th STAV Science Talent Search with

over 3000 students participating and finishing our event calendar with STAVCON ‘Science Innovation for Sustainable Lives’.

2016 also saw the introduction of the new VCAA VCE Science Study Designs in Chemistry, Biology. Environmental Science and Physics, with Psychology commencing in 2017 and the implementation of the Victorian Curriculum in 2017.

Upcoming Conferences:

Please note that ALL 2017 VCE Conferences will be held at La Trobe University.

VCE Chemistry Conference, Tuesday 14th February 2017, La Trobe University

Keynote Speaker 1: Associate Professor Tina Overton, Associate Head (Education), Chair, Executive Council, Monash Education Academy, School of Chemistry, ‘Problem Solving - Is it all the same?’

Keynote Speaker 2: Professor Sandra Kentish, Head of the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Melbourne, ‘Careers for Students in Chemical Engineering’

http://www.sciencevictoria.com.au/documents/VCEChem2017_Program_001.pdf

VCE Biology Conference, Wednesday 15th March 2017, La Trobe University

Keynote: ‘Diseases of the ageing brain - when proteins go wrong! Professor Andrew Hill, La Trobe University

http://www.sciencevictoria.com.au/documents/VCEBiology2017_Program_008.pdf

VCE Physics Conference, Thursday 16th February 2017, La Trobe University

Keynote Speaker 1: Brian McKittrick, ‘The WHY and HOW of student practical investigation’

Keynote Speaker 2: Dr Russell Anderson, Quantum Physicist from the School of Physics and Astronomy at Monash University, ’Uncertain principles: Is the Heisenberg principle really about uncertainty?’

http://www.sciencevictoria.com.au/documents/VCEPhysics2017_Program_000.pdf

For updates on any of the above please visit our website, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook!

On behalf of STAV Council and the team at STAV I would like to wish you and your families a wonderful Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

Soula Bennett

STAV President









Science Talent Search 20172017 Theme: Future Earth

Dates for 2017:

Online entry registration opens - 27 February

Entry registration closes - 29 May

Schools Pack 1 - 12 June

Actual entries to STAV House - 20 & 21 July

Judging Day - 5 August

Schools Pack 2 - 21 August

Schools Pack 3 - 9 October

Exhibition and Presentation Day - (TBC)

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

Science Talent Search Report Exhibition and Presentation Day was held on Monday 24th October at La Trobe University. Hundreds of proud students, teachers and parents attended, exhibited entries and participated in presentation

ceremonies. We extend our thanks to sponsors, presenters and announcers, and of course to all STS committee members and other volunteers for their tireless efforts in running a very successful day.

Cheques for students unable to attend the Presentations are mailed to schools during December. Only major bursary students who attend can be presented with a medallion.

Uncollected country projects will only be returned to your school if you request it. Otherwise, all uncollected entries are disposed of.

Dates for the Science Talent Search 2017 are in this newsletter. All entry is by online registration and the registration site opens in early March.

The theme for 2017 is “Future Earth”, with a focus on global sustainability.

The set topics for the Posters and Creative Writing essays are in this issue.

The 2017 handbook will be available on the STAV website from late January (www.sciencevictoria.com.au/sts/index.html ). If you want to start STS early in the term this is the best place to get information. The hard copy will be sent to individual members and subscriber schools with the February edition of Contact.

Look out for ideas on resources and excursions on the website and in the February Contact STS report to stimulate your students’ interest in next year’s theme.

As always, the STS committee needs new members for 2017 to replace those who are retiring. There are 5 committee meetings each year, plus Judging day in August and Presentation day in November. If you would like to join us and contribute to the running of STS please contact STAV: Phone 9385 3999; email: [email protected]

Leonie Lang

STS Management

www.sciencevictoria.com.au/sts

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

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





STAV MembershipSTAV Individual Membership fees:Individual Primary $125 Individual Secondary $140 Individual both Primary/Secondary $175 Laboratory Technicians $105The subscription of a member ceases to be effective if payment is not received prior to or on the date of renewal, as a result, membership and all rights pertaining thereto will lapse. Upon payment of all arrears, membership will resume from the date of payment.

New MembersWelcome to the following new individual members of STAV:Dellas Bos

Anand Khushi

Deanna Chin

Deborah Woods

Suja John

Dean Chappel

Joice Cameron

Rachel Minton

National Science Week 2017

12 to 20 August 2017Theme: Future Earth

More information at www.scienceweek.net.au/

How to join STAVDownload a form from our website www.stav.org.au/html/membership.htmlYou can also join online from this site.Alternatively, contact the STAV office for more information: 03 9385 3999

Labtech listThe Labtech list has been set up by STAV as a discussion forum where Laboratory Technicians can exchange information, share ideas and seek advice.We ask science coordinators to encourage their Laboratory Technicians to become a member of Labtech and participate in the discussion group.It is free to join. Go to the Science Victoria website for more information: www.sciencevictoria.com.au/labtech.html

Science Drama Awards 2017Thursday 14 September 2017Performance night will be held at Blackburn High School on Thursday 14th of September 2017.

www.scienceweek.net.au

www.stav.org.au/html/membership.html

www.sciencevictoria.com.au/labtech.html



For all conference/PD information including programs and online registration check the Science Victoria website approximately 6 – 8 weeks prior to each conference: www.sciencevictoria.com.au/conferences.html

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

VCE Conference Series 2017Chemistry – Tuesday 14 February, 2017 at La Trobe UniversityConference rates

STAV Individual member ......................................$172

STAV School Subscriber .........................................$282

Non STAV member ..................................................$307

Full time Student / Retired teacher ..................... $78

Biology – Wednesday 15 February, 2017 at La Trobe University Conference rates

STAV member / CEA member .............................$172


Non STAV member ..................................................$307


Physics – Thursday 16 February, 2017 at La Trobe UniversityConference rates

STAV Individual member ......................................$172


Non STAV member ..................................................$307


Check stav website for updates. http://www.sciencevictoria.com.au/confVCE.html

Register herewww.sciencevictoria.com.au/exhibitors.html

Physics WorkshopsThese workshops are intended for teachers of years 5-10 science who wish to develop their own conceptual understanding; the concepts are presented at the level of year 9 – 11 students.

Newton’s Laws of Motion – TBA 2017Modelling Electricity – TBA 2017More information and registration details at: www.sciencevictoria.com.au/PhysicsWorkshops.htm

Upcoming Conferences – dates & rates

www.sciencevictoria.com.au/conferences.html


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

http://www.sciencevictoria.com.au/PhysicsWorkshops.htm

http://www.sciencevictoria.com.au/PhysicsWorkshops.htm



Important InformationPromotional interest rates available for car loan applications received between 1 July 2016 – 31 December 2016 and funded by 31 January 2017. We reserve the right to amend or withdraw these offers at any time. Interest rate effective 24 October 2016 and subject to change. Check website for current rates. To qualify for the discounted car loan rate you must arrange for your whole salary to be credited to your Mutual Bank account. 1. Comparison rate calculated on a secured loan amount of $30,000 for a term of five years. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the example given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees and other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Fees and charges apply. Terms and Conditions available upon request. Victoria Teachers Limited ABN 44 087 651 769, AFSL/Australian Credit Licence Number 240 960.

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Credit your whole salary to Victoria Teachers Mutual Bank and receive a discounted rate across our New, Used or Green Car Loans.n Fixed or variable rates.n No monthly fees.n Low $90 establishment fee.

Science Coordinators’ HandbookThis handbook contains ideas, strategies and information relevant to leading and managing your science faculty. Suitable for inexperienced, experienced and aspiring coordinators. Includes a CD containing useful templates, samples and other tools.

Cost$33 Members$44 Subscribers/non-members $13 Additional PostageFor further information contact STAV Publishing Ph: (03) 9385 3999 or Email: [email protected]

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 scientific 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 $813.00For further information about this product contact:STAV Publishing • Telephone (03) 9385 3999 • Email: [email protected]

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1 Feb – 28 Feb 2017www.educationperfect.com/proficiency

For the month of February we're opening up complimentary

access to our world-class testing platform.

Suitable for Years 7-10 students, our custom-built proficiency tests identify

students' strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to then automatically assign

differentiated programs of work for each student. Gain actionable insights and

and give your students the best start for the year.

Available Subjects: Science, Maths, English and Languages (Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese and Spanish)

Education Perfect subscribers have access to these tests year-round.



Endangered, Extinct and on the Brink introduces middle and upper primary students to the great problems facing our environment today by examining extinction events through time. Fifteen topics are covered, and each topic includes: • A reproducible student fact file with background information and illustrations to engage students.• A teacher information sheet covering key concepts, cross- curricular links and a materials list plus instructions for guiding students through the activity.• A reproducible student activity sheet with creative and fun investigations. Students are encouraged to ‘become scientists’: ask questions, propose and test theories, design experiments and devise their own solutions.

Endangered, Extinct and on the Brink:

Young Scientists at Work Author: Andrew PlantPublisher: Curriculum CorporationDescription: 72 pp book Members/subscribers $31.95; Non-members $34.95

To order this product email: [email protected]

STAV Publishing2017 Trial exam

papers and solutionsPlease note that there will be a small increase in the cost for the 2017 STAV Publishing Trial Exam papers and solutions.

STAV Publishing has endeavoured to keep the costs down as much as possible but due to increased printing/production costs it has been necessary to increase the cost for the first time in 5 years.

The 2017 prices will be as follows:

Unit 1 Paper $6.00 per paper Unit 1 Solutions $4.00 per solution Unit 2 Paper $6.00 per paper Unit 2 Solutions $4.00 per solution Unit 3 Paper $6.00 per paper Unit 3 Solutions $4.00 per solution Unit 3&4 Paper $8.00 per paper Unit 3&4 Solutions $5.00 per solution

STAV Publishing looks forward to continuing to provide high quality affordable trial exams to your school.

Teaching resource for Unit 3 Biology immunology conceptsAre your students confusing APCs, B-cells and T-cells? ImmuKNOW is your solution!ImmuKNOW is an easy to use visual teaching resource with movable immune cell representations for use on whiteboards. Each component has a magnetic strip which allows it to be attached to magnetic whiteboards or any other flat steel surface.ImmuKNOW is colourful, engaging and clearly visible. It allows easy visualization of receptor/cell interactions such as T-cell receptors and MHCs. It can be used by both teachers and students.ImmuKNOW consists of 3 separate kits:Kit 1 Immunity to infectionKit 2 Allergy and allergic reactionsKit 3 Humoral immunityEach kit is accompanied by an instruction booklet.PriceMember $90 (includes GST); postage & handling $13 Non member $95 (includes GST); postage & handling $13How to orderEmail, Fax or post purchase order to: STAV Publishing Email: [email protected] Fax: 9386 6722 • Post: PO Box 109, Coburg VIC 3058 Enquiries: 03 9385 3999

ImmuKNOW images available

on CDAll of the images used for the

three ImmuKNOW kits are now available for purchase on CD.

Go to www.sciencevictoria.com.au/stavpublishing/

immuknow.html

ImmuKNOW kits were developed and previously distributed by SYNERGYA Young Achievement Australia program.




Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.

2017 VCE Conference SeriesChemistry – Tuesday 14 February, 2017 at La Trobe University Keynote 1: Problem Solving - Is it all the same? presented by Professor Tina Overton, Associate Head (Education), Chair, Executive Council, Monash Education Academy, School of Chemistry Keynote 2: Careers for Students in Chemical Engineering Presented by Professor Sandra Kentish, Head of the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Melbourne

Biology – Wednesday 15 February, 2017 at La Trobe University

Keynote: Diseases of the ageing brain - when proteins go wrong! presented by Professor Andrew Hill, La Trobe University

Physics – Thursday 16 February, 2017 at La Trobe University

Opening address - Brian McKittrick, highly respected teacher, Physics Education researcher and author, presenting The WHY and HOW of student practical investigationKeynote Address - Dr Russell Anderson will present Is the Heisenberg principle really about uncertainty?

Further information For program and registration information for the 2017 VCE Conference series please access the Science Victoria website at www.sciencevictoria.com.au/confVCE.htmlYou will be able to view online or download, all the conference programs and the registration forms* Check the Science Victoria website for information updates.

STAV Business Centre5 Munro Street Coburg VIC 3058 Phone: (03) 9385 3999 • Email: [email protected] • Website: www.stav.org.au



llluminated pocket microscopeA 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)• Direct light source to specimen• Removable slide tray• Focus wheel.The light operates from two AA batteries (not included).

Price$25 (incl. GST) STAV members/institutional subscribers $30 (incl. GST) Non-membersPostage and handling: $13 (incl. GST)

For enquiries please contact:STAV Publishing (03) 9385 3999 Email: [email protected]

Science Circles Books 1 and 2These exciting books were produced by STAV Publishing and Blake Education. Author: Cheryl Jakab Science circles contains a wide range of classroom activities designed to engage students in extensive discussion while exploring science topics. The Science circles approach is developed from the concept that understanding is discourse-based. Scientific literacy is built when students can practise using correct terminology to give explanations and construct arguments based on evidence.

$37.95 Members/subscribers $39.95 Non-members per book

Book 2Suitable for years 7 & 8Contents:The nature of science – Working scientifically Biology – Body worksBiology – Living plantsChemistry – Make mine metalChemistry – Chemicals reactingEarth science – The Earth’s top layerPhysics – About heatPhysics – Using machinesEnvironment – EcosystemsAstronomy – Our solar systemPlanning and self-evaluation

For more information and sample activity pages go to www.sciencevictoria.com.au/stavpublishing/sciencecircles.html

Book 1Suitable for years 7 & 8Contents:The nature of science – Using science Biology– Classifying living thingsBiology – Units of life Chemistry – Units of matterChemistry – Out of the mixEarth science – Cracked egg Physics – Looking at lightPhysics – Electric circuitsEnvironment – Future energy suppliesAstronomy – Earth, Moon and SunPlanning and self-evaluation

Do you want to sell a science related product or promote a science event?

Advertising is available in STAV Publications which are distributed to science teachers and organisations throughout Victoria.

STAV has 3 publications:

• CONTACT - monthly newsletter (email only) • Let’s Find Out - primary science journal • LabTalk - secondary science journal

You can book an advert. Adverts can be quarter, half or full page adverts. You can also send PDF documents that can be added to Contact as insert style advertising.

For further information regarding advertising bookings, rates and timelines,

please contact the STAV on (03) 9385 3999 or

email: [email protected]

http://www.sciencevictoria.com.au/stavpublishing/sciencecircles.html

Contact STAVPhone: (03) 9385 3999 • Fax: (03) 9386 6722Email: [email protected] • Website: www.stav.org.auAddress: PO Box 109, Coburg VIC 3058 • 5 Munro Street Coburg, VIC 3058

Newsletter of the Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.

Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.

‘Advancing Science Education’

STAV Goals è Establish and maintain both financial and intellectual independence

è Represent the collective voice of science educators in Victoria

è Influence policy formulation in matters relating to Science Education

è Support and maintain regional special interest groups within STAV

è Provide a range of resources and services to support science educators

è Provide for and encourage student participation in a range of challenging science activities

è Promote the importance of Science Education to the community

è Recognise significant contributions by STAV members to Science Education.


Contact Advertising DeadlinesFebruary 31 January 2017March 23 February 2017April 23 March 2017May 27 April 2017June 30 May 2017July 29 June 2017August 31 July 2017

September 31 August 2017October 28 September 2017November 31 October 2017December 30 November 2017

For more advertising details go to www.stav.org.au/html/advertising.html


www.stav.org.au

http://www.stav.org.au/html/advertising.html

Vol 31 No 11 Newsletter of the Science Teachers ... · Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria...

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Transcript of Vol 31 No 11 Newsletter of the Science Teachers ... · Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria...