SPOTLIGHT SEPTEMBER 2026
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STAWA Updates
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What’s on at STAWA
See Change Storytelling to teach the Ovulatory Menstrual Cycle Science Starting in STEM: Teaching with Empathy, Place and Purpose Incorporating First Nations Contributions to Science Chemical Registers, Legal Compliance, SDSs and Risk Assess Using the New WA Science Curriculum to Develop Programs and Investigation Assessments
STAWA Store STAWA Socials Student Activities Physics Day ScienceIQ Teacher Activities & Professional Learning Future Science 2026 Strategies and Tools for Using Classroom Ready Science Data The Science Inside Us
Become A Member STAWA membership provides science teachers with professional learning, teaching resources, curriculum support, networking opportunities, and discounts on events and materials. Members gain access to a supportive science education community that helps save time, strengthen teaching practice, and stay connected with current science education developments. Free membership is also available for all pre-service teachers.
Join Us Today
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External Events External Teaching Activities & Opportunities
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STAWA Team
STAWA UPDATES
SHOP THE STAWA STORE Browse and purchase science textbooks through the STAWA online store. Our growing collection is designed to support science educators and students across Western Australia.
Click To Visit The Store
CONNECT WITH STAWA SOCIALS Join our growing community of science educators. Follow STAWA for the latest events, professional learning, classroom inspiration and science education updates. Click the icons below to follow STAWA and stay up to date with the latest news, events and opportunities. Click the icons below to access STAWA Socials.
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SPOTLIGHT SEPTEMBER 2026
RA A E H A N N WA T U O B A E K JO UM? PO TA SSI
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WHAT’S ON AT STAWA
STUDENT ACTIVITIES P H Y S I C S D AY @ Adventure World
Registrations are now open for STAWA Physics Day 2026, an exciting annual event held at Adventure World for Year 10–12 Physics students. Physics Day has been inspiring more than 1,000 students from across Western Australia for over 30 years, making it one of STAWA's flagship student events. Students will bring classroom theory to life as they investigate motion, forces, energy and circular motion using Adventure World's iconic rides. Equipped with wearable accelerometers, participants will collect and analyse real-world data while completing curriculum-aligned physics activities in a unique, hands-on learning environment. Date: Thursday September 24 FURTHER DETAILS AND REGISTRATION Time: 9:30AM - 3:00PM Location: Adventure World Join us on Thursday 24 September at Adventure World and discover how physics comes to life.
Challenge your students with ScienceIQ, STAWA's exciting online, team-based science competition designed to build collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving skills through engaging science challenges. Proudly supported by the Royal Society of Western Australia, ScienceIQ provides a fun and flexible way for students to apply their scientific knowledge beyond the classroom. Students compete in teams of up to four, completing two rounds of curriculum-aligned science questions and problems over consecutive weeks. Teachers can choose when their students complete each round, making ScienceIQ easy to fit into the school timetable. Teams are ranked on both accuracy and completion time, with prizes awarded to the top-performing schools in each year group.
LEARN MORE
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REGISTER NOW
TEACHER ACTIVITIES & PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Join science educators from across Western Australia at Future Science 2026, STAWA's flagship secondary science conference, taking place 30 November – 1 December at Murdoch University. This expanded two-day event features keynote presentations, practical workshops and curriculum-focused sessions aligned with the revised SCSA Science Curriculum. New for 2026 are a dedicated leadership stream, off-site excursions, a full-day primary science safety stream and STAWA's inaugural Quiz Night. Whether you're looking for fresh classroom ideas, practical resources or opportunities to connect with fellow educators, Future Science 2026 has something for everyone. Registrations are now open. CLICK TO REGISTER
STRATEGIES AND TOOLS FOR USING CLASSROOM-READY SCIENCE DATA October 2026 | 4:00–5:00 PM | Online
Bring real-world science data into your classroom with confidence! This practical session, presented with the Australian Academy of Science, explores classroom-ready strategies and Science Connections resources designed to strengthen scientific inquiry, critical thinking and conceptual understanding while supporting diverse learners. Keep an eye out for registration soon!
THE SCIENCE INSIDE US Thursday 1 October | 4:00–5:00 PM | STAWA Office, Willetton
Take a hands-on journey through the human digestive system using Vernier scientific equipment. Explore digestion, enzymes, absorption, fibre and microbial fermentation through engaging practical activities, and leave with fresh ideas for bringing inquiry-based human physiology into your science classroom. CLICK TO REGISTER
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PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES SEE CHANGE - PROMOTING EYE HEALTH AND INCLUSION IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS Monday 5 October | 4:00–5:00 PM | STAWA Office, Willetton Discover practical ways to bring eye health, vision awareness and inclusion into the primary classroom. This session introduces free curriculum-aligned resources, hands-on STEM activities and accessible teaching strategies that help students understand their vision and develop healthy lifelong habits. CLICK TO REGISTER
STORYTELLING TO TEACH THE OVULATORY MENSTRUAL CYCLE SCIENCE Wednesday 7 October | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | STAWA Office, Willetton Reimagine how menstrual cycle science is taught through storytelling and engaging, evidence-informed learning. Presented with My Vital Cycles, this interactive half-day workshop provides educators with practical approaches for teaching the ovulatory menstrual cycle in a clear, meaningful and accessible way.
CLICK TO REGISTER STARTING IN STEM: TEACHING WITH EMPATHY, PLACE AND PURPOSE Thursday 8 October | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | STAWA Office, Willetton Explore a fresh approach to STEM education that begins with empathy, real-world challenges and local contexts. This free, hands-on workshop with Questacon will help educators create meaningful STEM experiences that engage students while developing critical and creative thinking skills.
CLICK TO REGISTER
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PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES INCORPORATING FIRST NATIONS CONTRIBUTIONS TO SCIENCE Tuesday 27 October | 4:00–5:00 PM | Online Explore practical approaches for authentically incorporating Indigenous perspectives and First Nations contributions into science education. This online workshop will examine curriculum programs and assessment approaches that support meaningful learning while strengthening student academic outcomes. CLICK TO REGISTER
CHEMICAL REGISTERS, LEGAL COMPLIANCE, SDSS AND RISKASSESS Wednesday 28 October | 4:00–5:00 PM | Online Get across the practical requirements of chemical management in WA schools. RiskAssess will unpack chemical registers, Safety Data Sheets and WHS obligations, while demonstrating tools that can simplify registers, SDS management, emergency access and chemical stocktaking. CLICK TO REGISTER
USING THE NEW WA SCIENCE CURRICULUM TO CREATE INVESTIGATION ASSESSMENTS Tuesday 3 November | 4:00–5:00 PM | Online Get practical guidance on using the new WA Years 7–10 Science curriculum to develop effective science programs and investigation assessments. This session focuses on creating purposeful assessment opportunities that support meaningful learning and strong academic outcomes. CLICK TO REGISTER
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CoRE Learning Foundation Inspire students through real-world STEM learning for PP-Year 12 teachers
CoRE Learning brings SCSA-approved, industry-aligned hands-on projects to your classroom. Over a semester, trimester or a term you and your students experience: Immersive field trips Student-centered learning Industry career connections and pathways Free professional development and support Project-based learning tied to real-world problems
Primary Flyer - PP - Year 6 Secondary Flyer - Year 7 - 12
Bring immersive experiences into your classroom CoRE Schools connects the WA curriculum with resources sector experiences and careers, through FREE, project-based, hands-on STEM projects. Want to bring CoRE learning into your classroom next Semester? Let's Talk! Learn more about CoRE Schools: Here Email us: info@corefoundation.com.au
SPOTLIGHT SEPTEMBER 2026
WHICH MINERA IS A LW L A Y HU NGR S Y?
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EXTERNAL EVENTS
EXTERNAL TEACHING ACTIVITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES STAVCON 2026 - BEYOND THE CURRICULUM
CANOEING ON THE CANNING – PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
STAVCON 2026 brings science educators together to explore the future of science teaching and learning. Held on 27 October at the University of Melbourne, the conference will feature workshops, demonstrations and discussions spanning future-focused pedagogies, technology, sustainability, equity, Indigenous Science and authentic real-world learning. Attend in person or virtually and connect with educators while discovering practical, evidence-based approaches to take back to the classroom. Register now and access early bird pricing while available!
Join SERCUL during National Water Week for a day of walking and kayaking through Canning River Regional Park. Explore local ecosystems, river health, climate change, Noongar connections to Country and environmental education opportunities for the classroom.
REGISTER HERE
EXPERIENCED PHYSICS TEACHER? JOIN CARMEL SCHOOL Carmel School is seeking an experienced Physics Teacher to join its supportive teaching team. With small class sizes, the opportunity to teach within your area of expertise, and flexibility for either a part-time or full-time ongoing position, this is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced educator looking for their next role. Interested teachers are warmly invited to visit the school, meet the team and learn more about what makes Carmel a rewarding place to teach. To arrange a visit or find out more, contact Chris Quelch at chris.quelch@carmel.wa.edu.au
Friday 23 October 2026 | Canning River Eco Education Centre, Wilson | $130 + GST No kayaking experience required. Places are limited. REGISTER HERE
SALTWATER SCHOOLS – OCEAN EDUCATION RESOURCES Bring ocean learning into the classroom with Saltwater Schools, a collection of free teaching resources from the Marine Stewardship Council. Designed for Australian educators, the program offers Australian Curriculum v9aligned lesson plans, videos, activities, games and quizzes exploring marine ecosystems, ocean sustainability, climate change, sustainable fishing and more. With resources available across Years 3–12, Saltwater Schools provides engaging, ready-to-use materials to help students understand our oceans and the importance of protecting them. Explore the free Saltwater Schools resources online. VIEW NOW
LANGUAGE USE IN AUSTRALIAN SECONDARY CLASSROOMS Researchers are seeking WA secondary Science teachers to participate in a national study exploring language use in Australian secondary school classrooms and teachers’ views on students’ heritage languages. The research aims to capture perspectives from teachers across Australia, with input from WA Science educators helping to ensure their experiences are represented in the national study.
PARTICIPATE NOW
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WONDER – THE PLANET EARTH PODCAST Discover the wonders of our planet with Wonder, a video podcast from GeoCo hosted by geologists Holly Cooke and Dr Anthony Reid. Combining scientific expertise with engaging storytelling, the series explores Earth’s geological history, landscapes, natural wonders and the processes that have shaped our planet VIEW NOW
EXTERNAL TEACHING ACTIVITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES WHERE PRAWNS GROW RESOURCE
BIG BANG COSMOLOGY FOR YEAR 10
Explore the fascinating ecosystems of Exmouth Gulf with Where Prawns Grow, a free education resource from the Marine Stewardship Council. Students can discover how mangroves, seagrass and marine habitats support prawn populations, explore the prawn life cycle and investigate the connections between healthy ecosystems and sustainable fisheries. A great resource for bringing WA marine science and sustainability into the classroom. Explore the free resource online.
Join Einstein-First at UWA for a free professional development workshop designed for Year 9–10 Science teachers. Explore an engaging, hands-on Big Bang Cosmology learning module aligned with the new WA Year 10 Science Curriculum, with practical activities covering the expanding universe, stars, black holes, planetary systems and more. Participants will receive lesson plans, PowerPoints, activity videos and supporting resources ready for classroom use.
VIEW NOW
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF YEAR 10? Griffith University is inviting secondary teachers and school leaders across Australia to take part in a national study exploring how Year 10 is understood, organised and supported in schools, and its role in the transition to senior secondary education. The anonymous survey takes approximately 10–15 minutes, and participants can enter the draw to win one of three $150 Myer e-gift cards.
REGISTER NOW
QUESTACON WA STEM EDUCATOR COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE Celebrate Earth Science Week with Questacon and STEM educators from across WA. This free session offers the chance to connect with fellow educators, explore classroom-ready Earth science activities and resources, share ideas and discover opportunities to bring Earth science learning to life in the classroom. Tuesday 15 September 2026 | 4:00–5:30 pm AWST | Scitech, West Perth or online REGISTER NOW
PARTICIPATE NOW
KIDS FOR THE REEF – SCHOOL EXCURSION REBATES The Australian Government’s Kids for the Reef program is helping eligible schools and home educators take Year 4– 12 students on educational excursions to the Great Barrier Reef. Rebates generally provide up to $400 per student, with additional loadings potentially increasing support for eligible schools based on factors including remoteness and ICSEA. Excursions must include an overnight stay and use an approved operator. LEARN MORE
COSMIC CROPS – BRINGING SPACE SCIENCE INTO THE CLASSROOM Bring Australian space research to life with Cosmic Crops, a STEM education program from the Plants for Space ARC Centre of Excellence. Teachers can access free, curriculum-aligned classroom resources, authentic research data and hands-on investigations exploring space food, future plants, sustainable agriculture and the LEARN MORE technologies needed to support life beyond Earth.
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TEACHING RESOURCES & STUDENT ACTIVITIES CALLING EXPERIENCED SECONDARY SCIENCE EDUCATORS Curtin University is seeking experienced secondary science educators to help prepare the next generation of science teachers. Opportunities are available to mentor preservice teachers, deliver guest workshops or laboratory sessions, take on sessional teaching roles, and assist with marking and assessment. Commitments can be flexible around school timetables, with induction, resources and ongoing support provided. This is a great opportunity to share your classroom expertise and contribute directly to the development of future science educators. Interested? Contact the Curtin Education Sessional Coordinator at Education.Sessional.Coordinator@curtin.edu.au
LABORATORY PRODUCTS FOR SCHOOLS CHEMICALS • Acids • Bases • Salts • Ethanol • Solvents • Buffers
SUPPORT THE NEXT GENERATION OF SCIENCE TEACHERS ON PRAC
EDUCATION
Curtin University is seeking experienced secondary Science teachers to support preservice teachers during upcoming professional placements, with current placement needs across Science, Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology, Physics and Psychology.
INSTRUMENTS
• PreparedSlides • Models • Specimens
Teachers are currently needed in: Bennett Springs, Bentley, Bibra Lake, Booragoon, Brabham, Burswood, Byford, Cannington, Como, Duncraig, Falcon, Forrestfield, Gosnells, Harrisdale, Henley Brook, Hilton, Kallaroo, Karawara, Kensington, Kingsley, Lake Coogee, Lynwood, Madora Bay, Marangaroo, Maylands, Meadow Springs, Midland, Morley, Mount Lawley, Nedlands, North Beach, Parkwood, Ravenswood, Rivervale, Scarborough, Secret Harbour, Seville Grove, South Fremantle, Spearwood, Stirling, Thornlie, Wembley and Willetton.
• Balances • Hotplates • Stirrers • pH Meters • Waterbaths • Ovens • Incubators
If you or your school can support a preservice Science teacher, please contact billie.thomas@curtin.edu.au
www.rowe.com.au
Discover more at:
Western Australia Ph: (08) 9302 1911 rowewa@rowe.com.au
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STAWA Team TEAM STAWA STAWA Board President: Dr. Siew Yap Treasurer: Joanne Thompson Secretary: Mady Colquhoun Alex Berentzen Bailey Brown
Catherine Donaldson David Wood Heather Brocklehurst Nathan Curnow Sarah Langley
STAWA Operations CEO: Johanna Stalley Email: ceo@stawa.net Office Administrator: Matthew Walford Email: admin@stawa.net
Events & Engagement Coordinators: Laura & Renee Email: events@stawa.net Accounts Officer: Mikaela Email: accounts@stawa.net
Professional Learning & Engagement Officer: SCIOS Publisher: Tullulah Symonds Jamie Email: professional.learning@stawa.net Email:scios@stawa.net
Phone: (08) 9244 1987 Address: Unit 1/7 Gympie Way, Willetton, WA 6155
If you would like to contribute to a future newsletter, please contact Tullulah Symonds at professional.learning@stawa.net. Submit Jokes & Feedback
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