S P O T L I G H T MAY 2026
CONTENTS
STAWA Updates
New STAWA Store
STAWA Socials
Whats's on at STAWA
Secondary Science Teachers
Coffee Catch-ups
Teaching Electricity in Year 6
ScienceIQ
Science Talent Search
STEMXXSisters 2026
Early Career & Pre-Service
Teachers STEM Conference
Psychology Teachers
Convention
Curtin University - Get Into STEM
RACI Titration Competition
ConASTA 73
RACI 2026 - National Congress
AQWA Turtle Quest
RACI 2026 - Perth Young Scientist Tournament
Agriculture Connect
Primary Safety
Science Teacher Opportunity 2026 Schools Summit
STAWAmembershipprovidesscienceteacherswithprofessionallearning,teaching resources,curriculumsupport,networkingopportunities,anddiscountsonevents andmaterials.Membersgainaccesstoasupportivescienceeducationcommunity thathelpssavetime,strengthenteachingpractice,andstayconnectedwithcurrent scienceeducationdevelopments.Freemembershipisalsoavailableforallpreserviceteachers.
WE HAVE A NEW STORE STAWA is proud to introduce our new online store, created to better support science educators across Western Australia. Teachers can now conveniently access a growing collection of textbooks, classroom resources, and teaching materials through one central platform.
STAWASOCIALS NEW STAWA SOCIALS ARE OFFICIALLY LIVE ARE YOU FOLLOWING YET?
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S P O T L I G H T
What’s on at STAWA SecondaryScienceTeachers CoffeeCatch-ups Description:
STAWA invites secondary science teachers from across Western Australia to join us for a relaxed afternoon of connection, conversation, and collaboration with fellow educators. These free coffee catch-up events provide an opportunity for teachers to come together in an informal setting to share ideas, discuss classroom experiences, build professional connections, and enjoy a bite to eat with colleagues who understand the unique joys and challenges of teaching science.
To help make the event accessible to more teachers, two separate catch-up sessions will be held across Perth:
• North of the River June 11th 3:30pm onwards at Dome Café Warwick
• South of the River June 24th 3:30pm onwards at Dome Café Gosnells
Whether you are looking to expand your professional network, exchange teaching strategies, or simply connect with other secondary science teachers in a supportive environment, we would love to see you there. Places are free, so register below to secure your spot.
TeachingElectricityin Year6 Event Details:
Date: Thursday, 11th June 2026
Time: 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
Location: South Thornlie Primary School - 20 Ovens Rd, Thornlie WA 6108
Description:
Teaching electricity can be both exciting and challenging. This professional learning workshop is designed to support teachers with practical strategies and engaging lesson ideas to develop students' understanding of electrical circuits and energy transfer in meaningful and age-appropriate ways.
Participants will explore hands-on investigations, classroom demonstrations, and discussion-based approaches that support conceptual understanding of electricity, including energy transformation and transfer, circuit components, conductors and insulators, and safe use of electrical devices. The workshop will examine the Year 6 Science curriculum, including recent updates, and consider how these requirements can be addressed through effective lesson sequencing and assessment.
This workshop will support teachers to:
Develop confidence in teaching electricity concepts
Implement practical, inquiry-based learning experiences
Address common student misconceptions about electricity
Align teaching and assessment with Year 6 curriculum expectations This session is ideal for teachers seeking classroom-ready ideas and strategies to enhance student engagement and understanding of electricity.
Cost: STAWA Members: $25
Non-members: $50
Light refreshments provided
ScienceTeachers’AssociationofWesternAustralia,supportedbytheRoyalSocietyof WesternAustralia,developedScienceIQasanonline,team-basedsciencelearning resourcedesignedforteacherstoenhanceclassroomengagementandstudent collaboration.Itprovidesstructuredquizzesthatencouragestudentstoworktogether whilebuildingscienceknowledgeandinquiryskillsacrossabroadrangeoftopics.
EachScienceIQcompetitionconsistsoftworoundsheldaweekapart,withteams givenonehourperroundtocomplete12scienceproblems,testingunderstanding, skills,andscientificreasoning.Teamscompeteforaccuracyandspeed,withtop performersearningrecognitionandprizesforfirst,second,andthirdplaceineachyear group,andentrycosts$25(+GST)peryeargroupperschool,invoicedafter registration.
Term 2: Years 5 & 7
Term 3: Years 6 & 9
Term 4: Year 8
Round 1 starts week of Monday, 18th May 2026
Round 2 starts week of Monday, 25th May 2026
Round 1 starts week of Monday, 10th Aug 2026
Round 2 starts week of Monday, 17th Aug 2026
Round 1 starts week of Monday, 2nd Nov 2026
Round 2 starts week of Monday, 10th Nov 2026
PromotingcreativeprojectworkinSciencesince1958 TheScienceTeachers’AssociationofWesternAustralia(STAWA),invites primaryandsecondarystudentstoparticipateintheScienceTalentSearch (STS)competition.
TheScienceTalentSearchisawonderfulopportunityforstudentsfrom KindergartentoYear12todeveloptheirinterestsinSciencethrougha competitionwitharangeofcategoriestosuitawidevarietyofabilitiesand interests.TheScienceTalentSearchalsoprovidesstudentswithan opportunitytoexpandtheirscientificliteracy,byshowinginterestand understandingintheworldaroundthemandengagingindiscussionsabout Science.TheScienceTalentSearchcategoriesarecurriculumbasedandlink directlytoWesternAustraliancurriculum.
Thecompetitionrecognisestheexcellentworkofstudentsinthethreeentry categories:
ScienceInvestigation
Engineering
ScienceCommunication(whichincludesSciencePoster,ScienceVideo andSciencePhotography)
EMPOWERING GIRLS IN STEM EMPOWERING GIRLS IN STEM EMPOWERING GIRLS STEM ACROSS THE SOUTH WEST ACROSS THE SOUTH WEST ACROSS THE SOUTH WEST STEMXXSistershasbeencreatedtoinspiregirlstoexplorefuturepathwaysin Science,Technology,EngineeringandMathematics(STEM)andtobuild confidenceinpursuingSTEMsubjectsthroughsecondaryschool,tertiary studyandbeyond.
Theeventrecognisesthatmanyyoungwomeninregionalareasdonotalways havethesameaccesstoSTEMworkshops,competitions,clubsandcareer showcaseeventsasstudentsinmetropolitanareas.STEMXXSistershelps bridgethatgapbybringingtheseopportunitiesdirectlytostudentsinthe SouthWest.
HeldonaSaturday,theeventisdesignedtomaximiseparticipationwithout impactingschoolattendance,whileprovidingacentrallocationforfamilies acrosstheregion.
EventDetails:
Venue:BunburyCatholicCollege
Date:Saturday,29August2026
ForStudents:Years5–9girlsfromtheSouthWestregion
EARLYCAREER& STEMCONFERENCE CallingallEarlycareers &teachers inanewlearningarea
�� Tuesday,21July2026
⏰ 8:00am–3:30pm
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Beginningyourteachingcareercanbebothexcitingandchallenging.Fromplanninglessons and managing classrooms to finding quality resources and building confidence in STEM teaching,thefirstfewyearscanfeellikeasteeplearningcurve.
STAWA is excited to present the Inaugural Early Career STEM Conference — a free, fully catered, full-day event created specifically for preservice teachers and early career educatorsacrossprimaryandsecondaryeducation.
The day will feature a keynote presentation from Professor Peter Klinken AC. The day will continue with a range of practical workshops, mentor sessions and networking opportunities.
Throughouttheconference,youwillhavetheopportunityto:
•ConnectwithSTEMAssociationsandexperiencededucators
•Networkwithfellowearlycareerteachers
• Discover STEM resources, teaching tools, excursion opportunities and classroom materials fromleadingproviders
•Participateinhands-onworkshopsthatbuildconfidenceacrossSTEMdisciplines
• Learn from mentor teachers who understand the realities of beginning teaching and can supportyoualongtheway
•Thedayconcludeswitharelaxingsundownerwithdrinks,nibblesandprizestobewon!
Spacesarefillingfastsecureyourplacetoday.
Callingmentorsregisteryourinteresthere.
PsychologyTeachers Convention S P O T L I G H T
RACITitration Competition EveryyeartheChemicalEducationGroupoftheWABranchoftheRoyalAustralian ChemicalInstitute(RACI)runaTitrationCompetitionforWAstudents.TheTitration CompetitionaimstoinspirehighschoolstudentswithapassionforChemistry, especiallyitshands-onaspects,toenhancetheirscientificabilitiesand comprehension.ThiscompetitionistargetedatYear12studentsandoffers participantsthechancetoengageinexperimentalworkwithinauniversitylaboratory orevenintheirownschool.
StaytunedasmoredatesmaybeannouncedatKalgoorlieandMurdoch University.
Welookforwardtoseeingwhowillcomeoutontopinthisyear'scompetition! Shouldyouhaveanyquestionsorissueswithregistration,pleasecontactChairof theChemicalEducationGroupWABranch,NathanCurnowbyemail, nathan.curnow@education.wa.edu.au
WelcometoConASTA73,tobeheld7–10July2026inBrisbane(Meanjin),onthe landsoftheTurrbalandJagera(Juggerra)peoples.HostedbytheScienceTeachers AssociationofQueensland(STAQ),ConASTA73bringstogetherscienceteachers andlaboratorytechniciansfromacrossAustraliatoconnect,learn,andreflectata momentwhenscience andtheworlditseekstounderstand ischangingfaster thanever.
UnderthethemeScienceinaTimeofRapidChange:SupportingSustainability,the conferencewillexplorehowscienceeducationcanrespondthoughtfullyand effectivelytoacceleratingenvironmental,technological,andsocialchange.From climatescienceandbiodiversitytoemergingtechnologies,curriculumreform,and laboratorypractice,ConASTA73willfocusonhoweducatorsandtechnicianscan supportstudentstothinkcritically,actethically,andengagewithscienceasatoolfor sustainingbothpeopleandplanet.
Theprogramwillfeaturekeynotespeakers,hands-onworkshops,symposia,and practicalsessionsdesignedtosupportclassroomteachingandlaboratorywork acrossprimaryandsecondarycontexts.Strongemphasiswillbeplacedon collaboration,sharingofpractice,andtheintegrationofsustainabilityperspectives includingIndigenousknowledges,place-basedlearning,andlong-termwaysof thinkingaboutscienceandstewardship.
SetinsubtropicalBrisbaneinmid-winter,ConASTA73offersnotonlyrich professionallearning,butalsospacetoreconnectwithcolleagues,renewpurpose, andimaginetheroleofscienceeducationinshapingasustainablefuture.
TEACHER SPOTLIGHT DAY TurtleQuest FEATURED SPEAKERS Prof. Joanne Jamie (Macquarie University)
Empowering communities through chemistry: A model for STEM leadership and inclusive practice
Dr. Cally Jetta (Curtin University)
Rediscovering chemistry through an Aboriginal lens
Sally Harban (John Curtin College of the Arts)
Authentic, valid and reliable assessment of Year 11 and 12 chemistry practical classes
Dr. Brodie Reid (Christ Church Grammar School)
Cultivating Potential: Shaping the future of gifted chemistry education across Australia
AQWAandtheNorthWestShelfFlatbackTurtleConservationProgram(basedatthe DepartmentofBiodiversity,ConservationandAttractions)areteaminguptoprovidea specialexperienceforstudentsthisWorldSeaTurtleDay–Tuesday16June2026!
EventDetails:
When:Tuesday16June2026,8.45am/10.45am–2.15pm
Where:AQWA
Who:Upto210primaryschoolagedstudents(Year3+)acrossthreegroupsduringthe day(max70pergroup).
What:Studentswillparticipateinthe“TurtleQuestChallenge”,exploringthenew turtleeducationandinterpretationproductsscientistsandAQWAhavedeveloped aboutturtleswhilecompletingtheir“TurtleQuest”.Groupswillrotatebetweenthe TurtleQuestandResearcherActivitySessionswithrealmarinescientistswhohave dedicatedtheirlivestoturtleconservation.
Thisisanopportunityforyourstudentstotalktorealscientistsandlearnmoreabouttheir importantworkandturtlebiologyandecology.
RACI2026 ThePerthYoungScientistTournamentisaninquiry-basedsciencecompetition inspiredbyinternationalformatssuchastheInternationalYoungPhysicists’ Tournament(IYPT).Itspurposeistoengagestudentsinauthenticscientific investigation,wheretheyexploreopen-endedproblems,developexperimental approaches,andpresentanddefendtheirfindingsinaanexcitingdebateformat.
Thecompetitionaimstofostercriticalthinking,scientificcommunication,anda deeperappreciationofreal-worldsciencebeyondtheclassroom.Wehavechosen problemsfromeachofthedomainsofPhysics,ChemistryandBiology.Thereisa JuniorsectionforYear7/8studentsandaSeniorsectionforYear9/10students.
EventDetails:
Date:October24
Time:8:30am-4:30pm
Location:CareyBaptistCollege,51WrightRoad,HarrisdaleWA6112
Thetournamentissuitableforteamsoffivestudentseachandalignswellwith inquiry-basedSTEMlearningandextensionprograms.
Ifyourequireanyfurtherinformation,promotionalmaterials,orwouldliketo discusscollaborationopportunities,pleasefeelfreetocontactmedirectly.
ContactDetails:
Name:GideonChoo
Email:gideon.choo@carey.wa.edu.au
Phone:04212268022
Teacher Expressions Of Interest AgricultureConnectinvitesstudentcuriosityandbuildsunderstanding aboutthewaysagriculturetouchesourliveseverysingleday-through hands-on,agricultural-themedactivities.
TheAgricultureConnectIncursionisopentoMetropolitan,RuralandRegional schoolsacrossWesternAustralia.Schoolsthatregistertheirinterestwillbe consideredforselectioninthepilotprogramrunningTerm3&42026.
PrimaryScienceSafety:A–ZEssentialsisacomprehensive,practica designedtoequipprimaryschoolstaffwiththeconfidence,knowledge engagingsciencelessonswhilemaintainingasafelearningenvironmen
Alllearningresourcesaresupplied Morningteaandalightlunchareprovided.
PLEASENOTE:Weareunabletocaterforanyspecialdietaryr
Price:$133.67
Event1Details:
Where:CanningCollege,Bentley,WA
When:MondayJuly13 :9:00am-3:30pmth
Event2Details:
Where:MandurahCatholicCollege,WA
When:ThursdayJuly16 9:00am-3:30pm th:
ScienceTeacherOpportunity AgrowingChristianschoolinArmadaleisseekingapassionateScienceteachertojoin theirteam.Thisisanexcitingopportunityfortherightapplicanttohelpshapeandgrow Sciencedeliverywithintheschoolcommunity.ApplicantsmustbeactiveChristians committedtotheirfaith.
Formoreinformationandtoapply,pleaseviewthepositiononSEEK:
SchoolSummitisaneventforhighschoolstudents,parentsandteachersthatexplores emergingindustrieslikeAI,cybersecurity,theenergytransition,sustainability,modern media,purpose-ledcareersandmore.ItgivesyoungprofessionalsfromPerth’s businessandinnovationcommunitythestagetosharewithstudentswhattheydo,how theygottowheretheyare,andtheskillsneededtothriveinmoderncareers.School Summitisaneventforhighschoolstudents,parentsandteachersthatexplores emergingindustrieslikeAI,cybersecurity,theenergytransition,sustainability,modern media,purpose-ledcareersandmore.ItgivesyoungprofessionalsfromPerth’s businessandinnovationcommunitythestagetosharewithstudentswhattheydo,how theygottowheretheyare,andtheskillsneededtothriveinmoderncareers.
EventDetails:
Date:TuesdayJune30
Time:9:00am-3:00pm
Location:MurdochUniversity,WA
Earlybirdpricingisnowavailable,makesuretosecureyourplacetoday!
STAWAOperations Team STAWA Board President: Dr. Siew Yap
Treasurer: Joanne Thompson
Secretary: Mady Colquhoun
Alex Berentzen
Bailey Brown
STAWA Opperations
CEO:
Johanna Stalley
Email: ceo@stawa.net
Office Administrator: Matthew Walford
Email: admin@stawa.net
Catherine Donaldson
David Wood
Heather Brocklehurst
Nathan Curnow
Sarah Langley
Events & Engagement Coordinator: Mikayla D’Arrigo
Email: events@stawa.net
Accounts Officer: Angeline Loo-Ng
Email: accounts@stawa.net
Professional Learning & Engagement Officer: Tullulah Symonds
Email: professional.learning@stawa.net
Phone:
(08) 9244 1987
Address: Unit 1/7 Gympie Way, Willetton, Wa 6155
