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STAWA Spotlight June

Page 1


STAWA Updates

STAWA Store

STAWA Socials

Whats's on at STAWA

Professional Learning Student Events

Physics Day

ScienceIQ

Science Talent Search

STEMXXSisters 2026

Conferences

Early Career & Pre-Service

Teachers

STEM Conference

Psychology Teachers Convention

Conferences

ConASTA 73

GeoSciEd X

STAVCON 2026

Competitions

Breakthrough Junior Challenge

Solar Car Challenge

STEM Marine Championships

Primary

Agriculture Connect Careers With STEM

Coral Watch

Great Barrier Reef Challenge

Junior Dolphin Watch

Native Seed Box

Secondary

School Summit

WA Universitites Foundation Program

2027 NYSF Year 12 Program

Both

Citizen Science

CSIRO STEM Resources

Global Education Resources

PhET Interactive Simulations

External Events and News Our Team

They Did What? Competition

Become A Member

Primezone

Stem Larning Project

Two-way Science Initiative

Who’s Talking In My Backyard? ROWE Scientific

Teachers

Mentors for Pre-Service Teachers

Voice Health Research

UWA Farm Ridgefield Open Day

STAWAmembershipprovidesscienceteacherswithprofessionallearning,teachingresources, curriculumsupport,networkingopportunities,anddiscountsoneventsandmaterials Members gainaccesstoasupportivescienceeducationcommunitythathelpssavetime,strengthen teachingpractice,andstayconnectedwithcurrentscienceeducationdevelopments.Free membershipisalsoavailableforallpre-serviceteachers

STAWAStore

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.

S P O T L I G H T

Science Jokes of the Month:

Why can’t you trust an atom? Because they make up everything

Why did the physicist break up with the biologist? There was no chemistry

WHAT’S ON AT WHAT’S ON AT STAWA STAWA

Exploreplanninginvestigations,developing testablequestionsandpredictions,fair testing,datacollectionandorganisation, graphing,andbasicdataanalysis.

Wednesday,15thJuly2026

9:00AM-3:30PM In-PersonattheSTAWAOffice

TheScienceTalentSearch(STS)isastatewidecompetitionfor studentsfromKindergartentoYear12toexplorescience, engineeringandscientificcommunicationthroughcreative, curriculum-alignedprojects Studentscanshowcasetheirideas, developtheirSTEMskills,andcompeteforcashprizesand specialawards.

AustralianAcademyof ScienceWorkshop

DiscoverhowtheLIAFrameworkcanguide effectivelessondesignandpromote evidence-basedreasoningineveryday classroompractice.

PrimaryScienceCoffee Catch-UpNOR

Joinusforarelaxedafternoonof connection,conversationandcollaboration withfellowsecondaryscienceteachers.

Wednesday,1July2026

3:30PM-Onwards DomeCafeScarborough PsychologyTeachersConvention

Joinpractical,curriculum-aligned workshops,connectwithpsychology teachers,sharestrategiesandmore.

Friday,04September2026 UniversityofWesternAustralia

STEMXXSistersisafree,fullycateredSTEMeventforYear5–9 girlsfromtheSouthWest,heldatBunburyCatholicCollegeon Saturday,29August2026 Throughhands-onworkshopsand activities,studentscanexploreSTEMcareers,connectwith industryprofessionalsandbeinspiredbyfemalerolemodels.

The Inaugural Early Career STEM Conference is a free, fully catered event designed for preservice teachers, early career educators,andteachersnewtoSTEM

Date:Tuesday,21July2026

Time:8:00am–3:30pm

Location:Scitech

STAWAPhysicsDayisanannualeventforYear10–12 PhysicsstudentsheldatAdventureWorldwherestudents inquireandexploreSTEMconcepts

Date:Thursday,24September2026

Time:9:30am–3:00pm

Location:AdventureWorld,BibraLakeWA

ScienceIQisanonline,team-basedsciencecompetition thathelpsstudentsbuildtheirscienceknowledge, problem-solvingskillsandteamwork Studentsworkin teamstocompletetworoundsofsciencequizzes, competingforprizesandrecognition.

S P O T L I G H T

Guess the Australian Animal:

I am a mammal.

I lay eggs instead of giving birth to young.

I can detect electrical signals produced by other animals.

I spend much of my time in freshwater creeks and rivers

Answer on page 12

EXTERNAL EVENTS EVENTS

EXTERNAL EVENTS

ConASTA73, from7–10July2026inBrisbane,will bringtogetherscienceteachersandlaboratory techniciansfromacrossAustraliatoexplorethe themeScienceinaTimeofRapidChange: SupportingSustainabilitythroughkeynote presentations,workshops,symposiaandpractical sessionsfocusedonrespondingtoenvironmental, technologicalandsocialchange,sharingbest practiceandmore.

AbstractsubmissionsarenowopenforSTAVCON 2026,themedBeyondtheCurriculum:Exploringthe FutureofScienceTeachingandLearning,inviting teachers,leaders,researchersandindustrypartners toshareinnovativepractices,research-informed approaches,STEMinitiativesandmore

AdelaidewillbethehostcityforGeoSciEdX,a3dayinternationalconferenceforgeoscience educators. Theconferenceinvolvesablendof excursions,workshopsandroundtablestodiscuss howwecansolvethisailingsectorthatis experiencingadeclineinstudentenrolments. Teacherscholarshipsareavailabletoattendfrom1416August

TheBreakthroughJuniorChallengeisaglobal sciencevideocompetitionforstudentsaged13–18thatinvitesparticipantstocreateacreative videooftwominutesorlessexplainingaphysics, lifesciencesormathematicsconcept. Submissionsdueby15September2026and prizestobewon!

Registrationsarenowopenforthe2026AIEPerth –AGL|PerthEnergyWASolarCarChallenge, takingplaceon29–30October2026.

STEMMarineChampionships

TheSTEMMarineSouthwestChampionships, heldinBusseltonon30October2026,isa regionalcompetitionwherestudentteams design,buildandoperateMiniROVs(remotely operatedvehicles)tocompleteunderwater problem-solvingchallenges.

TheTheyDidWhat?studentvideocompetition invitesFoundationtoYear10studentsacross Australiatocreateashortvideoofuptothree minutescelebratingtheachievementsofan unsungAustralianSTEMstar,encouraging creativity,curiosityandinclusiveSTEM engagementthroughfreeclassroom-ready resources,withprizesofupto$300availableand entriesclosingon16October2026.

AgricultureConnectinvitesstudentcuriosityandbuilds understandingaboutthewaysagriculturetouchesourlives everysingleday-throughhands-on,agricultural-themed activities.TheAgricultureConnectIncursionisopento Metropolitan,RuralandRegionalschoolsacrossWestern Australia.Schoolsthatregistertheirinterestwillbe consideredforselectioninthepilotprogramrunningTerm 3&42026.

Register

CareersWithSTEM

Win:a DeadlyScience prizepackfor yourschool,with Careerswith STEM:Primary

GreatBarrierReefChallenge Course

TheGreatBarrierReefChallengeCourseisafree educationalprogramforstudentsinYears3–9 thatexploresthesignificanceoftheGreatBarrier Reefandtheenvironmentalthreatsitfaces, engagingstudentsinhands-onactivities,videos, quizzes,designthinkingand3Dmodelling.

InfoandRegistration

WomeninSTEM:Weneed diversityinSTEM Women representjust15%ofallpeople workinginSTEMjobsinAustralia. Ontopofthat,researchshows thatunconsciousbiasand stereotypesinfluenceusfromas youngasnineyearsold

CoralWatchisagloballyrecognisedcitizenscience programthatenablesstudents,teachersand communitiestocontributetocoralreefmonitoring andconservationthroughhands-ondatacollection usingtheCoralHealthChart,helpingparticipants buildunderstandingofcoralecosystems,climate changeandcoralbleachingwhiledeveloping scientificinquiryskills,environmentalliteracyanda deeperappreciationofmarineenvironmentsthrough authenticresearchandcurriculum-linkededucational resources.

MoreInfo

JuniorDolphinWatch

The DBCA River Guardians Junior Dolphin Watch is a free, curriculum-linked incursion for students, primarily K–6, that introduces Perth’s urban dolphins and the importance of protecting their habitat in the Boorloo (Swan Canning) river system through engaging, hands-on learning experiences.

MoreInfo

NativeSeedBoxprovideshands-onseedgrowingkitsforAustralianschoolsthatsupport science,sustainabilityandenvironmental educationbyenablingstudentstoinvestigate plantbiology,ecosystems,biodiversityand ecologicalsustainabilitythroughgrowingnative species,withcurriculum-alignedresourcesand themedactivitiescoveringtopicssuchas pollinatorscience,bushfireecology,bushtucker, andwaterandsoilsystems.

SECONDARY SECONDARY SCIENCE SCIENCE

2027NYSF Year12Program

Applications are now open for the 2027 National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) Year 12 Program for students who will be in Year 12 in 2027 (current Year 11 students), offering a nine-day residential STEM experience across Australia that has, for over 40 years, helped young Australians explore study and career pathways, connect with researchers and industry professionals, and build confidence through real-world STEM engagement and peer connection; the 2027 program will be held at the Australian National University in Canberra from 6–14 January and at the University of Queensland in Brisbane from 13–21 January, with participation supported by a strong Access & Equity Scholarship fund to ensure students from all backgrounds can take part.

InfoandRegistration

CLICK THE ICONS AND MAKE SURE YOU’RE FOLLOWING US TO STAY UP TO DATE

SchoolSummitisaneventforhighschoolstudents, parentsandteachersthatexploresemerging industriessuchasartificialintelligence,cybersecurity, sustainability,theenergytransitionandmodern media,whileconnectingparticipantswithyoung professionalsfromPerth’sbusinessandinnovation sectorswhoshareinsightsintotheircareers, pathwaysandtheskillsneededtosucceedina rapidlychangingworkforce

EventDetails:

Date:TuesdayJune30

Time:9:00am-3:00pm

Location:MurdochUniversity,WA Earlybirdpricingisnowavailable,makesureto secureyourplacetoday!

RegisterNow! Schedule Speakers

TISC:WesternAustralian UniversitiesFoundationProgram

TISCisinvitingexpressionsofinterestfromScience teacherstoset,check,and/ormarkexaminationsfor theWesternAustralianUniversitiesFoundation Program(WAUFP)in2026–27 Theprogramsupports internationalstudentsforwhomEnglishisanadditional languageandincludesATARUnits3&4subjectsin Chemistry,HumanBiology,Physics,andPsychology.

Rolesincludeexaminationsetters,whodevelop originalexampapersalignedtoWACEstandards; checkers,whoreviewpapersforsyllabuscoverage, clarity,andaccuracy;andmarkers,whoassessstudent scriptsusingamarkingguide,withdoublemarkingand reconciliationrequired.ExperiencewithYear12 assessmentorATARexaminationsispreferred ExpressionsofinterestcloseFriday28August2026 andshouldbeemailedtosullivanw@tisc edu au, includingpreferredsubjects,roles,andrelevant experience

Citizenscienceenablesstudentsandteachersto contributetorealscientificresearchwhiledeveloping scientificliteracy,criticalthinking,observationand dataanalysisskills.Bycollectingandsharingdata, participantssupportscientists,monitor environmentalchange,andhelpimprove understandingandstewardshipofthenaturalworld

CSIROSTEMEducationResources

CSIROEducationhasreleasednewIndigenous STEMresourcesforYears5–10,supporting educatorstoembedIndigenousKnowledgesand contextsintoSTEMlearning.Theresourcesinclude investigation-basedteachingmaterialsforTwo-way Scienceprogramsand“InvestigateandInnovate” unitsthatconnectstudentswithreal-worldscience andCSIROresearch,withcomprehensiveteacher andstudentsupportmaterialsprovided.

IndigenousSTEM Investigateand Innovate

GlobalEducationResources

GlobalEducationprovidescurriculum-alignedlesson plansforYears3–10thathelpteachersincorporate globalperspectivesintoHumanities,Scienceand DesignandTechnologies.Throughtopicssuchas sustainability,foodsecurityandAustralia’s relationshipswithintheIndo-Pacific,theresources supportstudentstodevelopanunderstandingof globalcitizenship d dcommunities

NativeSeedBoxprovideshands-onseed-growingkits thatsupportscience,sustainabilityandenvironmental educationthroughinquiry-basedlearning Bygrowing nativeAustralianplants,studentsexploreconcepts suchasplantbiology,biodiversity,ecosystemsand ecologicalsustainability,supportedbycurriculumalignedresourcesandthemedkitsthatconnectSTEM learningwithAustralia’snaturalenvironment

Primezoneprovidesfree,curriculum-aligned resourcesforprimaryandsecondaryclassroomsthat helpstudentsexploreAustralianagriculture,food, andfibreindustriesthroughinteractive,inquiry-based learningaboutsustainablefarming,foodproduction, agriculturalinnovation,andprimaryindustriesand more!

The STEM Learning Project from the Western Australian Department of Education provides curriculum-aligned resources for Kindergarten to Year 12 that support teachers with ready-to-use modules and professional learning materials based on real-world challenges, encouraging students to collaborate, think critically, and apply learning in authentic contexts while developing STEM skills such as creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Two-wayScienceInitiative: NgaparrtjiNgaparrtji

The Two-way Science Initiative from the Western Australian Department of Education integrates Aboriginal knowledge systems with the Science curriculum for Kindergarten to Year 12, developed with Aboriginal communities and educators to support place-based learning on Country and in the classroom through both Western science and Aboriginal ways of knowing while improving student engagement and teacher confidence

WhoIsTalkingInMyBackyard?

Saffron Aid, an Australian not-for-profit, has launched the citizen science program “Who Is Talking in My Backyard?”, which uses acoustic monitoring and AI analysis to help schools and communities record wildlife sounds, contribute to a national biodiversity dataset, and access ecological insights and reports, while supporting curriculum-aligned learning that builds student skills.

LABORATORYPRODUCTSFORSCHOOLS

CHEMICALS

•Acids

•Bases

•Salts

•Ethanol

•Solvents

•Buffers

GLASSWARE

•Beakers

•TestTubes

•MeasuringCylinders

•WatchGlasses

•Desiccators

•LabBottles

•Slides

EDUCATION

•PreparedSlides

•Models

•Specimens

LIQUID HANDLING

•MicroPipettes

•BottleTop

Dispensers

•Pipettes

•Burettes

TEACHER TEACHER RESOURCES RESOURCES

MentorsforPre-Service ScienceTeachers

Curtin University are seeking Science teachers with 3 or more years of experience to mentor pre-service teachers during their Professional Experience placements. Some benefits of mentoring include: Remuneration of $30 per day Contributing to the development of future teachers

Engaging in professional reflection and leadership

If you are interested in mentoring a Curtin pre-service teacher, simply scan one or both QR codes below to learn more and register your interest for Term 3 and/or Term 4 2026 Your experience can make a lasting difference to the future of Science education in your school and beyond

Allmembersofthepublicareinvitedtoexploreinnovative researchprojectsattheUWAFarmRidgefield2026Open Day.

TheUWAInstituteofAgricultureisveryproudtohostthe UWAFarmRidgefield2026OpenDayonFriday,11 September2026 Thiseventisfreeandopentoall membersofthepublictoattend TheOpenDaywill featurein-fieldvisitsandprojectdemonstrationsthat showcasekeyUWAresearchrelatedtotheBestPractice FarmingSystemsProject.

Complementarylunchandafternoonteaisincluded.To ensurewecatertoallattendees,registrationvia Eventbriteisessential.IfyouarebasedinPerth,ashuttle buswillbeorganised.

Forallenquiries,contactTheUWAInstituteofAgriculture viaioa@uwa edu au

VoiceHealthResearch

EducationLeadersInvitedtoParticipateinVoice HealthResearch

SpeechPathologyHonoursstudentInezAngfrom FlindersUniversityisseekingAustralianeducationleaders toparticipateinresearchexploringteachervocalhealth andprofessionaldevelopment.Teachersareamongthe largestoccupationalvoiceusersandareathighriskof developingvoice-relatedproblems Thisstudyaimsto betterunderstandhowschoolssupportteachervocal healthandhowprofessionallearninginthisareacouldbe improved

Participationinvolvescompletingashorteligibility questionnaireandattendingafocusgroupdiscussion. Thestudyisopentoprincipals,deputyprincipalsand othereducationleadersinvolvedinteacherprofessional learning.

STAWATeam

STAWATEAM

STAWA

Board

President: Dr. Siew Yap

Treasurer: Joanne Thompson

Secretary: Mady Colquhoun

Alex Berentzen

Bailey Brown

STAWA Operations

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

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