9:55 – 10:40 am

Members of this discussion panel represent higher education, the ACT Department of Education and Training and two local schools. Panel members will discuss how STEM is being implemented in ACT schools, and audience members are invited to ask panel members about their perspectives on STEM programs for students and schools and what STEM education means for the ACT Education community.

WORKSHOPS – 3 sessions

Venturing beyond Engage – the 5Es inquiry teaching and learning model (LP, UP)

Through a hands-on exploration of an Earth & Space sciences concept, participants are given the opportunity to experience an investigative and inquiry approach framed by the 5Es teaching and learning model. This workshop is designed to deepen knowledge and understanding of the 5Es model so that it can be applied and transferred to classroom practice with confidence.

Presented by : Nicole McAlester, Australian Academy of Science – PrimaryConnections

Hands on science – The ANU Physics Box (UP, JS, SS)

Andrew and Nick will present the free physics box initiative and go through a number of experiments that you can do with your students from gear in the box and beyond.

Presented by : Nick Robins & Andrew Papworth, Australian National University

Water Bug Survey – Hands On Ecology (UP, JS, SS)

Quantitative measures of aquatic invertebrates are made by citizen science groups like Waterwatch and these methods can be taught to students. Presence or absence of certain species can be indicative of water quality. Students learn about taxonomy, population measures and practice interpreting data. Microscope use is an extension activity.

Presented by : Phil Dunne, ACT Dept of Education and Training

Four expeiments for the year 10 Earth and Space Sciences unit (JS,SS)

Participants will carry out a simple experiment that models granulation on the Sun, and construct and use a biscuit box CD spectroscope that makes Fraunhofer lines visible. Then two effective ‘cosmic distance ladder’ experiments on the parallax method and the inverse distance squared law will be demonstrated.

Presented by : Colin Price, Daramalan College

Astronomy presentation (All year levels)

In the past few decades, rapid progress in ground-based and spaced-based technology has led to rapid progress. In the next few decades, this will change even more as we become an inter-planetary species. Brad will cover some of these new and current projects, how we are now turning science fiction into reality, and how we can bring these possibilities into the classroom.

Presented by : Dr Brad Tucker ANU Mount Stromlo Observatory

 

Science inquiry for early childhood (EC, LP)

Questacon’s Science Time program has been running for more than a decade and is built on a foundation that encourages young children to understand their environment through play and exploratory questions. The Science Time team models how adults (who are accompanying young children to the program) to ask ‘little scientists’ inquiry-based questions to help young children to express themselves and to develop their science inquiry skills. This session will share ideas and techniques for early childhood teachers wanting to extend their young students through science inquiry.

Presented by : Questacon

ASTA ScienceASSIST (UP, JS, SS)

The Australian Science Teachers Association’s online portal called ScienceASSIST is a highly valuable resource for classroom teachers and laboratory technicians. The portal provides free access to scaffolded lesson plans called Connected Learning Experiences (CLEs) as well as a forum which allows teachers and lab assistants to ask questions and access responses from experience practitioners. Jodie Lawson-Santos will uncover features of ScienceASSIST to use as soon as you return to your classroom and support your practice in the future.

Presented by : Jodie Lawson-Santos, Garran Primary School

Geology fieldwork at school – using rock knowledge for inquiry (JS, SS)

Geological science is often advanced through fieldwork but most Year 8 students don’t experience this during the rocks unit. Participants will take part in a simulated rock mapping activity that can be set up in any school grounds; they will learn how to develop their map and a geological history and discuss how to use the activity effectively with their own students.

Presented by : Shona Blewett, Geoscience Education

ANU MeriSTEM Flipped Classroom (JS, SS)

Flipped education brings a slew of well documented benefits for learning outcomes, but producing the necessary materials is time intensive.  Joe and Ethan will talk about MeriSTEM, a project that makes flipping materials and distributes them freely.  They will share tips and tricks for teachers thinking about flipping their classes.

Presented by : Ethan Barden and Joe Hope, ANU

Early Learning STEM Australia (ELSA) (EC, LP)

ELSA is a play-based digital learning program for children in preschool. Using digital apps and play-based activities, the program is designed to help early childhood educators encourage their children to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). ELSA will be piloted in 2018, and CONSEA*ACT attendees will gain a preview of how ELSA could assist teachers in sharing STEM with their students.

Presented by : Rob Fitzgerald, University of Canberra 

Food and Fibre, The Original STEM (LP, UP)

Did you know that thanks to science we can produce more food using less water, less chemicals with more nutritional density than ever before? Primezone is the one stop web portal that provides teachers with hundreds of FREE resources to help you explore this through your science lessons. One lucky participant will win a free copy of the new primary Connections resource ‘Rising Salt’ produced with the support of Primezone.

Presented by : Ben Stockwin, PIEFA (Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia)

CLOSING SESSION