Contact Vol 24 No 9 October 2009Contact • Vol 24 No 9 • October 2009 3 Contact October 2009Project Oﬃ cer’s Report It’s nearing the time of year when school ﬁ nances get

ContactNewsletter of the Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.

Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.Patron: Prof Peter Rathjen B.Sc (Hons) D. Phil. (Oxon) ABN 32 004 748 118 • ISSN 0311-0605 Registered by Australia Post - Print Post Publication No. PP 342676/0050Member of Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA)

Vol 24 No 9 October 2009

Conferences/Events The STAV 2009 event calendar which includes all PD/conferences and science activities for the year is available on the website: www.stav.org.au

Science Talent Search 2009Exhibition and Presentation Day Wednesday 4 November 2009.For further information go to:www.sciencevictoria.com.au/sts/index.html

STAVCON Registration26 - 27 November at La Trobe University, Bundoora.You can download a copy of the registration book from the website. Register now. Go to www.stav.org.au or www.sciencevictoria.com.au/STAVCON.html

Physics WorkshopsModelling electricity and Newton’s laws of motion.See page 8 for more information.

Latest events >>For the latest events and conference information go toSTAV’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

3 Project Offi cer’s report

4 STS report

5 STS dates

5 National Science Week dates

5 New members

6 Conference information

11 STAV important dates

Address by the Governor of VictoriaProf David de Kretsner AC

Friday 3.30pm – 4pm at The Eagle Bar, situated Lower Level of the Union Building,

La Trobe University, Bundoora

followed by the

President’s Reception and closing of STAVCON 2009 by

Soula Bennett, President of Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.

You are welcome to join the President for refreshments.

STAVCON 2009 26-27 November

2 Contact • Vol 24 No 9 • October 2009

Newsletter of the Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.

Life MembersDavid CohenRod FawnsDick Gunstone

Ken MappinJim StevensonGretta WilkinsonDon LuggMark Learmonth

STAV is now an Inc.STAV has sucessfully migrated from a company regulated by ASIC to an incorporated association regulated by Victoria’s Department of Justice. This change was approved at the 2006 AGM. The change simplifi es the laws governing STAV and reduces regulatory costs. It has no other substantial impact.

STAV CouncilSoula BennettPresidentNorthcote High [email protected]

Joanna AlexanderVice President and TreasurerBalwyn High [email protected]

Joanne RobertsHonorary SecretaryTempleton Primary [email protected]

Catherine ZerbeHonorary SecretaryAlexandra Secondary [email protected]

Suzanne O’ShannessyPublic Offi [email protected]

John McDonaldLa Trobe [email protected]

Beginning ScienceTeachers’ NetworkPeter MorganBeaconhills [email protected]

Psychology Sub-CommitteePosition Vacant

STS Co-DirectorsJosie CrisaraAitken [email protected]

Peter CraigMt Waverley [email protected]

Leonie [email protected]

Viv EckersleyAitken [email protected]

Miranda McKellarHoppers Crossing Secondary [email protected]

Ellen FinlaySTS Project Offi cer

Science Drama DirectorJan CampionePascoe Vale Girls [email protected]

STAV Journal EditorsEllen FinlayManaging [email protected]@stav.vic.edu.au

Barb BrookLet’s Find [email protected]

STAV Business CentreSuzanne O’ShannessyExecutive DirectorPh: 9385 [email protected]

Anne HeardReceptionistPh: 9385 [email protected]

Kerry GledhillAccounts Offi cerPh: 9385 [email protected]

Ellen FinlaySTAV PublishingPh: 9385 [email protected]@stav.vic.edu.au

Kellie JacksonDesktop PublisherPh: 9385 [email protected]

Annette McKennaOffi ce AssistantPh: 9385 3904 [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 Offi cer phone: (03) 9385 3903 or email: [email protected]

Contact newsletter is also accessible in an electronic version via email as a PDF. The electronic version is available up to 1 week earlier than the distribution of the printed copies of Contact.

If you prefer to receive Contact newsletter by email rather than the printed version please email STAV: [email protected]

Contact • Vol 24 No 9 • October 2009 3

Contact October 2009

Project Offi cer’s ReportIt’s nearing the time of year when school fi nances get closed off. If you are looking for good ideas to spend any remaining money from your budget go to the STAV Publishing website and have a look at

our products. For VCE Biology Unit 3 remember the ImmuKnow kits – they have been very popular. There are also Brainbox electronics kits, portable illuminated microscopes and a range of publications. There’s a 10% discount on Concept Cartoons due to the strong Australian dollar. If your school is likely to be employing new graduates to teach science you might want to purchase the Beginning Science Teachers’ Handbook for your faculty shelf. Similarly, if there’s likely to be a new Science Coordinator, the Science Coordinator’s Handbook is a good reference to have available.

The other books that are very popular are our recent creations – Science Circles. If you’re looking for some different activities and approaches to supplement your text books for years 7 & 8, have a look at these two books. We also have a good range of books and resources for primary science.

Go to www.sciencevictoria.com.au/stavpublishing/publications.html to view information about the resources.

If you want to view any of the publications or resources prior to purchase there’s always an opportunity at STAVCON when STAV Publishing has a display table in the foyer area near reception. You can look through books, ‘play’ with the Brainbox and microscopes and have a good look at the ImmuKnow kit components and information booklets.

Ellen Finlay

Project Offi cer, STAV Publishing

Phone: 9385 3999

Fax: 9386 6722

email: [email protected]

President’s ReportThe new Science and Mathematics StrategyThe Minister, Bronwyn Pike launched the new ‘Strategy for Science and Mathematics’ at Williamstown High

School. The strategy is focussing on four key areas:

1. Infrastructure including three new Science Specialist Schools.

2. Strategic Partnerships encouraging schools to build and sustain partnerships with industry, tertiary institutes and business.

3. Workforce Capacity to increase support and learning opportunities for existing teachers.

4. Resources to support contemporary curriculum with an investment is ICT Infrastructure and outreach programs.

http://www.education.vic.gov.au/edulibrary/public/govrel/Policy/energising-scimaths-ed.pdf

National Curriculum UpdateA number of workshops were organised by ACARA in September seeking feedback from various stakeholders from around the country. This feedback was then passed on to the Curriculum Writers and the Advisory Panel for consideration. For the latest information regarding the progress and publications of the National Curriculum, please visit the following website: www.stav.org.au/natcurric.html

The Young Tall Poppy Science AwardsThe awards recognise the outstanding professional and personal commitment of young Victorian and Tasmanian researchers from all fi elds of science.

For selection, an individual must show excellence in academic achievement in science or medical research, justifi ed by a track record or by clearly demonstrated potential, whilst also providing defi ned excellence in community engagement. STAV congratulates all recipients. Please visit the following website for a detailed list of the award winners atwww.aips.net.au/203_2.html

Soula Bennett

STAV President



Swinburne is a major sponsor of the 2009 Science Talent Search.

STAVCON 2009 – accommodation arrangementsThursday 26th – Friday 27th November 2009 at La Trobe University, BundooraImportant: Changes to accommodationThere will be no accommodation available on campus at La Trobe University for STAVCON 2009.Bookings will be made at Rydges/Bell City by the Science Teachers’ Association, but there is a limited number of rooms available.All hotel bookings must be pre-paid (entire amount $112 per night) before the booking will be made. This booking is non-refundable. The cut off date for booking a hotel room will be 26th October.Further details including the program will be on the website as they become available: www.stav.org.au

WHO KNEW THAT EMU BUSH COULD LIVES?Swinburne Bioscience Researchers.

Our Bioscience students recently discovered this native plant could save lives by preventing infection. Subscribe to Swinburne Magazine for more fascinating science stories to share with your students. CR

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SCIENCE AT SWINBURNEswinburne.edu.au/studyscience

Science Talent Search Report

Thank you to the Science Talent Search committee members for the work they did organising judging day and collating and recording all of the results. We had about 3,500 students enter the competition this

year, submitting more than 2000 projects.

Exhibition and Presentation day is on Wednesday 4th November. Details about the day will arrive with Schools Pack 3 on the fi rst day of term 4. Pack 3 also includes student results and certifi cates.

We look forward to another successful Exhibition and presentation day and hope that many schools will start planning to participate in Science Talent Search next year. Note that there will be STS workshops at STAVCON – program details are in this newsletter.

Dates for 2010 will be in November Contact and on the STS website. Judging day is on Saturday 14th August – other dates will be announced once fi nalised.

Leonie Lang

STS Co-Director

STAV Science Drama Awards 2009

On Friday September 11, six state fi nalists performed in the Victorian Science Drama Awards. The event was staged in McMillan Hall, Canterbury Girls’ Secondary College. The schools selected to perform their entry

on the night were:

Cheltenham Secondary College, ‘Archimedes – We Can Move the World’

Lyndale Primary School, ‘The True Story of ‘Charlie’ Darwin’

Kew High School, ‘The Evolution of Man’

Canterbury Girls’ Secondary College, ‘Mummy My Tummy Hurts!’

St. Leonard’s College, ‘The Food Chain’

Nanneella Estate Primary School, ‘Power Wars’.

Two awards were presented:The Aristotle Award – Outstanding Performance by a Secondary School to Canterbury Girls’ Secondary College and The Archimedes Award – Outstanding Performance by a Primary School to Nanneella Estate Primary School. These awards included a cheque for $1000.

The judging panel – Katrina Fleming Producer, Writer, Director and Performer for fi lm and musical comedy, David Trotter, National CSIROSEC Manager and Aimee Sanderson, Marketing and Communications Manager, Australian Stem Cell Centre commended all the state fi nalists for their creativity, performance and science learning! Each fi nalist was presented with a trophy and a prize box of books and assorted materials for school libraries. Congratulations to all schools that entered the competition, all fi nalists and the eventual winners.

Jan Campione, Science Drama Director



Science Talent Search 20092009 Theme: Astronomy: Science without limits Check the Science Talent Search websitefor information about the competitionwww.sciencevictoria.com.au/sts.html

Exhibition & Presentation Day:Wednesday 4th November 2009

Important dates 2009: Monday 5 October - School Pack 3 sent to schoolsWednesday 4 November - Exhibition and Presentation Day

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is proud to be the major sponsor for the Science Talent Search.

National Science WeekTheme: Australian BiodiversityDates: 14 - 22 August 2010

For more information about National Science Week 2010 Go to: www.stav.org.au/html/studentActivities.html

or the National Science Week website: www.scienceweek.gov.au

International Year of Astronomy 2009For information about events go to: http://iya.aao.gov.au/astronomy2009

Science Drama AwardsFor information go to: www.sciencevictoria.com.au and click on Science Drama Awards

New MembersWelcome to the following new individual members of STAV

STAV Membership 2009STAV Individual Membership fees:Individual Primary $125Indivdual Secondary $140Individual both Primary/Secondary $175Laboratory 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.

Laura CassarCharles JamesonRohan JengerAndria Loughnan

Karissa SextonAstrid FordSandra Mancini

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 offi ce 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 co-ordinators 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

Website address for STAVTo visit the site go to:

www.stav.org.au



Upcoming Conferences – dates & rates

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.htmlThese programs can also be found on the Pdi search engine – all listed programs reference the standards of professional practice for renewal of VIT registration www.vit.pdi.vic.edu.au

STAVCON 200926 - 27 November 2009 at La Trobe University.Theme: Into the Future Register Now

Conference ratesSTAV Individual membersone day .......................................................................$180two days .....................................................................$260

STAV school subscribers/non-membersone day .......................................................................$280two days .....................................................................$410

STAV school subscribers (more than 3 teachers)If you send more than 3 teachers from your schoolSpecial rate for 4th & subsequent teachers:one day .......................................................................$190two days ....................................................................$300

Primary teachers (Friday only)STAV Individual members ...................................$130STAV school subscribers/non-members .........$160

Student teachers one day ........................................................................ $75two days .....................................................................$150

VCE Conference Series 2010Physics – Friday 5 February at Monash University, ClaytonConference ratesSTAV individual members .....................................$154STAV school subscribers/non members .........$289Evening rate STAV individual members ............ $80Evening rate STAV school subscribers/non members ...................................................................$100Retired Teacher/Student rate ................................ $78

Chemistry – Friday 12 February at La Trobe University, BundooraBiology – Friday 19 February at La Trobe University, BundooraConference ratesSTAV individual members .....................................$154STAV school subscribers/non members .........$289Retired Teacher/Student rate ................................ $78

Environmental Science – Friday 19 February at La Trobe University, BundooraConference ratesSTAV individual members ....................................... $70STAV school subscribers/non members .........$100

Psychology – 2010 rates TBA

Beginning Science Teachers Conference 201022 March 2010 at Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre.

Primary Science Teachers Conference 201028 May 2010 at Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre.

Science Co-ordinators ConferenceThis bi-annual conference will be held in 2010.Further information TBA.

ICT in science conference 2010 Further information TBA.

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

•STAVCON • Register now: www.sciencevictoria.

com.au/STAVCON.html



Concept cartoonsin science education

This is a 200 page blackline masters book consisting of science concept cartoons covering topics such as: • ecology• materials• electricity and magnetism• forces and motion• light• sound• the Earth and beyond• energy resources• energy transferThe cartoons can be used at primary and secondary levels. They are supported by teacher notes which include concise explanations of each concept as well as suggested strategies on how to use them effectively. The materials can be copied for educational purposes by the purchaser.$80 (Inc. GST) STAV Individual members $92 (inc GST) School subscribers/Non-members Postage and handling $8.00

For enquiries contact: Ellen Finlay(03) 9385 3999 or email [email protected]

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-Rom containing useful templates, samples and other tools.

Cost$33 Members$44 Subscribers/non-members

For further information contact STAV PublishingPh: (03) 9385 3999 orEmail: [email protected]

BrainBox Electronics kit for Primaryand Lower Secondary Brainbox 188 modelThe Brainbox 188 kit includes 188 ideas for constructing circuits to activate lights, sounds and a small propeller.$38 Members/subscribers$45 Non-members10% discount for 5+ kits.

For enquiries please contact:STAV Publishing PO Box 109 Coburg VIC 3058Telephone (03) 9385 3999Email: [email protected]

More Information: www.sciencevictoria.com.au/stavpublishing/publications

and Lower Secondary

activate lights, sounds and

Members/subscribers NewThe Brainbox kits now include ideas

for classroom activities. If you have already

purchased the product you can download the

activities from the website.

Our Night Sky is Changing

Through CitiPower and Powercor trials now underway in suburban Fitzroy, we’re encouraging municipalities to reduce their carbon footprint by choosing energy-wise public lighting.

By sponsoring the 58th Science Talent Search we hope to encourage further innovation in environmental responsibility.

www.citipower.com.auwww.powercor.com.au

The cartoons can be used at primary and secondary

Special Off erDeduct 10% off the price

during October



Publications for Primary Science!!Discovering Science: Instant LessonsWritten by STAV Publishing Published by Blake Education

Three titles for lower primary (Prep to Grade 3)Instant Lessons in Discovering Science Book 1, Book 2 and Book 3

Three titles for upper primary (Grades 4 to 6)Instant Lessons in Discovering Science Book 4, Book 5 and Book 6

Activities are grouped into small units of work, which can be covered in their entirety, or as stand alone activities. Each activity requires minimal preparation. Suffi cient support information is provided to enable teachers with only basic science knowledge to conduct or supervise each activity with confi dence.

This is an exciting series of booklets that is well worth investigating.

Available from STAV Publishing at $29.95 per book (members/subscribers)

Order forms are available from the STAV Publishing website (www.sciencevictoria.com.au/stavpublishing) or Contact Ellen Finlay for an order form:Phone 9385 3999 • Fax: 9386 6722 • 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 scientifi c 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 $8.00For further information about this product contact:STAV Publishing PO Box 109 Coburg VIC 3058Telephone (03) 9385 3999 • Fax: (03) 9386 6722Email: [email protected]

Beginning Science Teachers’ Handbook The handbook contains ideas, information and advice on how to cope whilst at the same time improving your teaching and professional performance. What does it cost?$25 incl. GST Members $35 incl. GST Non members plus Postage & handling $8.00The content includes:• Learning the Science Faculty Ropes• Classroom Management• Teaching Classes of Mixed Abilities/Individual

Differences• Engaging and Extending Students in your Science Class• Professional Conduct and Standards of Practice• Science Safety• Getting Involved with your Professional Association• Getting the Best out of Extension Education• Developing a Science Assessment Toolbox• eLearning and Science• Resources and Websites List.How to order:Fax a purchase order to: STAV Publishing Fax: 9386 6722 For Enquiries phone: 9385 3999

Workshops are suitable for teachers of middle years 5 – 8 and also suitable for teachers inexperienced in teaching physics concepts (yrs 7 – 10).

Included: • Booklet of activities and ideas • CD of activities and ideas. • Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea for full day session.

To register, download a registration form from our website: www.stav.org.au/html/scienceEvents.html

Workshop 2Interactions: Making sense of Newton’s laws of motionWorkshop outlineNewton’s Laws of Motion epitomise the essence of physics: three simple statements that together account for all the mechanical interactions in our experiential world, and yield elegant mathematical predictions. Yet for many people they also represent everything that is most impenetrable and abstract in physics. In this workshop we will look for the meaning behind the archaic expressions of these laws, and explore their ramifications for understanding everyday experiences such as skateboard riding and trampoline jumps.Presenter: Christina HartVenue: STAV House, 5 Munro Street, CoburgDuration: 1 day Date: Friday 23 October 2009Time: 9.00am – 4.30pmRegistration fee: STAV Individual members/Subscribers: $100 Non-members: $120

Physics workshopsSTAV is offering physics workshops for teachers of middle years 5 – 8.

Workshop 1Modelling electricity: from batteries to power stations Workshop outlineStudents enjoy setting up electric circuits, but even simple circuits can raise curly conceptual questions. If teachers are apprehensive about such questions, they may resort to teaching equations that obscure the fascination and relevance of electricity in students’ lives. In this workshop we will explore some models that allow us to interpret what is happening and make simple predictions without using equations. The journey takes us from batteries to the state power-supply system. Presenter: Christina HartVenue: STAV House, 5 Munro Street, CoburgDuration: 1 day Dates: Friday 9 October 2009Time: 9.00am – 4.30pmRegistration fee: STAV Individual members/Subscribers: $100 Non-members: $120

• ICT in science • Science Talent Search • PhysicsWould your school benefi t from fl exible, in-house instruction or mentoring for ICT, Physics or Science Talent Search?STAV is offering opportunities for schools to participate in small group sessions of customised learning in one or all of these areas. You can form a small group of teachers within your own school or in partnership with a neighbouring school. You can participate in a short one or two hour session, a series of three or four sessions or have a mentor visit your classroom to assist you to apply new skills or ideas.After expressing your interest, STAV will negotiate your requirement, try to source an appropriate educator to suit your needs and develop an appropriate professional learning program. A small but affordable fee will apply and will be determined according to your requirement.Our aim is to assist both metropolitan and regional schools where possible.If you are interested in participating contact STAV to discuss your ideas: Phone: 9385 3901Email: [email protected]




Australian authorities must better prepare for ‘overdue’ volcano riskGeological Society of Australia (Victoria Division)

A signifi cant volcano eruption in Australia is ‘well overdue’ and emergency authorities must better prepare themselves and the wider community to respond to it, Internationally-respected Melbourne geologist Associate Professor Bernie Joyce has warned.

In a career spanning 45 years, Associate Professor Joyce has produced signifi cant research papers and assessments regarding volcanic risk and hazard in south-eastern Australia. He is currently studying the landforms of Western Victoria to see what they can reveal about future volcanic risk.

‘We can’t say with 100% certainty that a signifi cant volcano will strike tomorrow, next week, next year, or even 100 years down the track—but these geo-hazards are real and they must be given much more focus by emergency management authorities’ Associate Professor Joyce said.

There are around 400 volcanoes stretching from the Western District of Victoria into the Western Uplands around Ballarat and to the north of Melbourne around Kyneton and Kilmore, in some parts of the Eastern Uplands such as to the north of Benambra, and across to the South Australian border near Mt Gambier. A volcanic eruption in the Western Uplands could potentially see lava fl ows and ash falls impacting on Melbourne.

There is also similar volcano risk present in various provinces in Far North Queensland,

stretching from south-west of Townsville to near Cairns and up to Cooktown in the Far

North. There are more than 380 volcanoes in total across

this part of Queensland.

A future eruption in any of these regions

would be unlikely to come from

an existing volcano

(as the

volcanoes there are generally considered to be ‘once only’ erupters). Rather, future eruptions would occur at new sites nearby. The geological record shows that new volcanoes in these areas have erupted perhaps every 2000 years in the past 40,000 years—and given there has not been a major eruption there for the past 5000 years, a signifi cant eruption seems well overdue.

While any future volcanoes may discharge only small amounts of lava and ash, the real possibility remains that there could be a signifi cant eruption—and it makes sense that the population centres potentially affected should be well-prepared for that worst-case scenario. To this end, eruption response plans should be developed and publicised by the emergency management authorities.

It is telling that in New Zealand, which has volcano types similar to those in Australia, there is much more focus on the need to educate the public about volcano risk. For example, the Auckland Regional Council has a webpage devoted to volcano risk for that region alone, which has a history of earlier volcanoes very similar to those of Australia.

The risk from a volcano would not just be from the initial eruption. For example, its red-hot lava and explosive ash would be a major fi re hazard on the dry grassland plains of Western Victoria, and lava fl ows could continue for up to 20 years and for distances of more than 60 kilometres down river systems, cutting off essential water supplies and destroying infrastructure like towns, farming land, roads, railways and bridges. Ash falls could also continue for many years and an initial eruption could, in some circumstances, be followed by further volcanoes erupting near the fi rst eruption site, affecting a wider area for a longer period.

Eruptions can also produce a mix of toxic gases, including carbon dioxide that could collect in depressions in the surrounding land and asphyxiate those who came across it or were caught in it. An education process is needed to inform the community about how to avoid these situations if they arise.

The geological record shows us that up to 200,000 years ago there was not a high level of volcanic activity on the Australian continent, yet during the past 40,000 years there has been a cycle of increased activity—this may be pointing to future activity.

So it is much more likely to be a matter of when, rather than if, a signifi cant volcano occurs in Australia, and emergency authorities should be better preparing themselves and the wider community for that eventuality.”



Science Circles Books 1 and 2These exciting new 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. Scientifi c 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 scientifi cally 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.stav.org.au and click on Publications and Resources.

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

Book 8.30am to 4.30pm weekdays on 9392 4819scienceworks.museum.vic.gov.au/education

Available Semester One 2010Suitable for Years 3 – 8Going Places is an interactive science exhibition that explores the technology humans have developed for travel and the way it has shaped the social fabric of our time. Observe, understand and use an incredible range of travel technology to see how it makes our lives easier and get a glimpse of the future of transport.

Going Places focuses on VELS Levels 3 – 5 of the science domain.

Entry is Free for students. A one-off $11 booking fee per school applies.Going Places: The Technology of Transportdeveloped by Scitech, Perth

COMING SOON to Scienceworks

Science Circles Books 1 and 2

Science circles contains a wide range of classroom activities designed to engage students in extensive discussion while exploring science topics. The



STAV Council meeting dates

Meetings will be held at STAV House commencing at 4.30pm

Important STAV DatesContact deadlines 2009November 12 October 2009

December 9 November 2009

20 October 18 November 8 December

Do you want to sell a science related product or promotea science event?Advertising is available in STAV Publications which are distributed to science teachers throughout Victoria.

STAV has 3 publications:

• CONTACT - monthly newsletter (x11 per year)• Let’s Find Out - primary science journal (x4 per year)• LabTalk - secondary science journal (x4 per year)

You can book an ad or provide inserts. Inserts can be fl iers, brochures or forms and we will insert these with the mailout of the publication you choose.

For further information regarding advertising bookings, rates and timelines for 2009 please contact the STAV Publications Offi cer on (03) 9385 3903 or email: [email protected]

Available from STAV Publishing www.stav.org.au

Learning for themselves: Pathways to independence in the classroomIn a world of rapidly changing knowledge requiring new and transferable skills, classrooms are increasingly being viewed as places where students learn how to learn. Central to this objective is developing students’ capacity to work independently and manage themselves as learners.

The learning tasks draw from commonly addressed topics in primary school curriculums and are designed to be adapted by students and teachers to suit particular interests and a range of teaching and learning goals.

The accompanying CD-ROM provides all learning task proformas as well as a further 28 proformas to assist teachers and students when planning, managing, monitoring and keeping records associated with independent learning.Author: Jeni Wilson and Kath MurdochPublisher: Curriculum CorporationDescription: 1 x CD-Rom, 128 pp bookMembers/subscribers $42.00 Non-members $45.00

VCE Trial exam papersSTAV Publishing produces VCE trial exams for:

Unit 2 Unit 4Physics PhysicsChemistry ChemistryBiology BiologyPsychology PsychologyCostsPapers $4.00; Solutions $2.00

Past Trial Exams are also available.How to orderDownload an order form from: www.sciencevictoria.com.au/stavpublishing/index.htmlorContact Ellen FinlaySTAV PublishingPh: 03 9385 3999Fax: 03 9386 6722 Email: [email protected]

Receive Contact as an eNewsletterAll STAV members and subscribers can choose to receive Contact monthly by email. How do you arrange to get Contact as an eNewsletter?Email STAV [email protected] and request that we add you to the eNewsletter distribution list. Make sure you specify the email address you wish to use. You’ll automatically receive the next edition by email. You will no longer receive a hardcopy version.

Contact NewsletterRegistered by Australia Post • Print Post publication No. PP 342676/0050 Printed by: Allanby Press Printers, 1 Crescent Rd, Camberwell VIC 3124 Mailhouse: Mercury Mailing, 125 New St, Brighton VIC 3186

Contact STAVPhone: (03) 9385 3999 • Fax: (03) 9386 6722

Email: [email protected] • Website: www.stav.org.auAddress: PO Box 109, Coburg VIC 3058 • 5 Munro Street Coburg, VIC 3058


Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.‘Advancing Science Education’

STAV Goals• establish and maintain both financial and intellectual

independence

• represent the collective voice of science educators in Victoria

• influence policy formulation in matters relating to Science Education

• support and maintain regional special interest groups within STAV

• provide a range of resources and services to support science educators

• provide for and encourage student participation in a range of challenging science activities

• promote the importance of Science Education to the community

• recognise significant contributions by STAV members to Science Education.


Documents

Contact Vol 24 No 9 October 2009Contact • Vol 24 No 9 • October 2009 3 Contact October 2009Project Oﬃ cer’s Report It’s nearing the time of year when school ﬁ nances get