Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.
Image description

March 2025

The Annual Conference program is here—take a look and register now! We’d also love to see you at our Term 1 Members Networking & Nibbles on Friday 28 March for a relaxed evening of catching up with fellow members.



And don’t forget to scroll down and check out the latest news from the science community—there are plenty of grants and events coming up in March that you won’t want to miss!



We’re loving all the fascinating science facts you’re sharing! We’ll be featuring them on social media throughout the year—submit yours here



If you haven't had a chance to renew your SASTA membership for 2025 yet, visit the website here​We'd love to have you as a part of our science community again this year!

SASTA AGM & Call for Board Nominations

The 2025 Annual General Meeting of members of the South Australia Science Teachers Association Inc. will be held on Tuesday 15 April.



All members of SASTA are hereby notified of a call for nominations for 3 positions on the SASTA Board. If you are interested or would like more information please visit the 'Board Elections' section in the Members Area of the website

2025 SASTA Awards

It's not too late to nominate for an Award - nominations close 10 March!



Do you know a colleague who inspires others or serves as a role model? Or would you like to share your own achievements? Now is your chance! Nominations are free, and a range of awards are available exclusively for SASTA members. Learn more about the awards, past winners, and how to nominate yourself or a colleague here

Professional Learning

2025 SASTA Annual Conference

PROGRAM & REGISTRATION NOW AVAILABLE!



The 2025 SASTA Annual Conference theme, "Decoding Science," invites educators to uncover the tools and techniques that make scientific principles accessible, understandable, and engaging for students at all levels. Find out more here

MEMBERS FREE Webinars

Utilising the School Environment for Learning in Science - Wednesday 5 March

Learn how to bring science to life by exploring the school environment—whether it’s using pulleys on the playground, engaging students in citizen science with binoculars and ID charts, or embedding Indigenous perspectives into a nature play space.

    Image description

    Friday 14 March

    Harnessing the Power of AI to Enhance Teaching & Learning Workshops

    Revolutionise your teaching with Artificial Intelligence (AI) in this hands-on, one-day workshop designed for educators of all levels. Discover how AI tools can streamline your lesson planning, support differentiated learning, and help you design rigorous assessments and feedback systems. Whether you're new to AI or already familiar with its potential, this workshop will equip you with the skills to effectively integrate AI into your teaching practice.

    Image description

    Monday 24 March

    Teaching Biology Topics AC 7-10 Workshop

    

    Not a biology specialist? No worries! Middle school science covers a huge range of topics, and it's common to teach subjects outside your specialty. This hands-on workshop is designed for teachers who want to build confidence in biology content and practical lesson delivery. Learn how to plan engaging lessons, run experiments, and assess effectively—even if biology isn't your main area!

    Register for Professional Learning

    Oliphant Science Awards

    Image description

    The 2025 Information Booklet is available and can be downloaded here.

    New & Country School Incentives

    Country Schools Bursary
    Country Schools can apply for a bursary of up to $500 per school to support the cost of student registration fees, courier/transport costs for the delivery and pick up of projects and project materials. Find out more here. Applications close 23 March.

    New Schools Incentive

    Schools who have not participated in the past five years needing assistance for participation in the Oliphant Science Awards are eligible to apply for support.

    Recipients will have the opportunity to enter the Oliphant Science Awards with the provision of up to $200.00 allocated towards entry project registration fees.
    Find out more. Applications close 23 March.

    Resources

    For all resources available from SASTA visit the website.

    Image description

    SASTA Study Guides are the complete resource for students preparing for Stage 2 SACE exams. These guides include questions with worked solutions covering each topic of the Subject Outline and address all sections of the exam. Pre-order online now. 

    SASTA’s Topic Tests and Exam Packs provide high-quality assessment resources for Stage 1 and Stage 2 Biology, Chemistry & Physics. Designed to align with the SACE curriculum, these fully editable tests and exams help teachers assess student understanding and prepare them for final assessments. 

    

    Topic Tests focus on specific subject areas, while Trial Exams offer full-length practice exams. Resources include detailed solutions. Orders can be placed via purchase order to [email protected]. Ensure your students are well-prepared with SASTA’s trusted assessment materials.

    Contributions from the science community

    Professional Learning in the Riverland & Murraylands

    Looking for Science & STEM Professional Learning in your region? There are fantastic upcoming workshops in the Riverland and Murraylands to help you connect with other educators and gain hands-on strategies to bring back to your classroom.

    

    Riverland Science & STEM PL
    Wednesday, 5 March
    Barmera Primary School, SA
    Details & Registration

    

    Murraylands Science & STEM PL
    Thursday, 13 March
    Paiwalla Wetland, Burdett, SA
    Details & Registration

    

    These workshops are a great chance to build connections, exchange ideas, and bring fresh STEM activities into your classroom.

    Science Assist Photo Competition

    Science Assist subscribers, get your cameras ready! We’re looking for inspiring photos of students engaging in science and promoting safety—whether in the lab, outdoors, or the classroom. The winning entry will receive a free one-year Science Assist subscription, and selected photos may be featured on the ASTA website and in marketing materials. Entries close at 5 pm on Friday 28 March. Find details and consent forms at asta.edu.au and submit your photos to [email protected].

    Image description

    Australian Rover Challenge

    27 - 28 March

    

    Adelaide University would like to invite schools to the Australian Rover Challenge! Come and watch university students from across the globe battle it out in a full-scale Lunar mission, using semi-autonomous rovers that they have designed and built themselves. School groups will also have the opportunity to participate in a Robotics workshop and Roseworthy campus tour. To register, please fill out this form.

    Teacher Scholarships to PIEFA Conference!

    Cotton Australia is offering scholarships to support two (2) early career teachers with a passion for learning, who are interested in exposure to the Australian cotton industry and who want to attend the full PIEFA Conference in Canberra on 19-20 May 2025. Applications close 28 March 

    APPLY NOW

    Image description

    Prime Minister’s Prize for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems

    Do you know an inspiring project led by an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, team or community group solving a challenge through the practice of Australian Indigenous knowledge systems? Nominate them now for the 2025 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science.

    

    The Prime Minister’s Prize for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems recognises the contribution of Australian Indigenous peoples’ knowledge systems to science, our nation and humanity. It recognises solving a significant challenge through the practice and preservation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems.

    

    Nominations are open until 18 March 2025 at 5:00pm AEDT. Find out more by visiting industry.gov.au/PMPrizes

    Credit Union SA - School Impact Program

    Credit Union SA’s School Impact Program helps schools enhance student learning experiences and facilities—without the need for fundraising. School leadership teams can apply for funding to improve school facilities, support student wellbeing, or invest in educator development. The quick online application takes just 15 minutes!

    

    Applications are now open and close on 4 July 2025. Visit creditunionsa.com.au/SIP for more information and to apply!

    Image description

    In-Centre Schools in Space Program

    The Australian Space Discovery Centre offers free, exclusive In-Centre Schools in Space sessions for student groups.

    In these experiential workshops, students can test their creative thinking, decision-making skills, and even construct a rocket.

    Sessions are available throughout the school year and are tailored to various year levels. Don't miss this opportunity to inspire the next generation of space enthusiasts. Find out more and book online.

    A Global Treaty to Phase Out Fossil Fuels

    Join human rights and environmental justice activist Dr Kumi Naidoo and historian of science Professor Naomi Oreskes in conversation with The Hon Mike Rann on the growing push for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. Despite climate pledges, new coal, oil, and gas projects are still being approved. This event will explore how we can urgently transition away from fossil fuels. Join us on Tuesday 11 March at UniSA or via livestream. Register for this free event at unisa.edu.au.

    Nominate a Young Future Shaper!

    Do you know a student in Years 5-10 with an interest in STEM? Young Future Shapers is a free program designed to build confidence, spark curiosity, and open new opportunities. Selected students receive a personalised plan, attend virtual events, and choose from a STEM camp, local learning adventure, or a prize pack. We’re especially keen to support underrepresented students. Nominations close 16 March. Learn more and apply at Young Future Shapers.

    Inspire the Next Generation with a Grassroots Grant

    The Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board’s Grassroots Grants program funds projects that connect students with regional ecology and sustainability. Schools, early education providers, and childcare centres can apply for grants to support initiatives such as bush tucker gardens, wetland excursions, expert talks, and environmental projects. Funding is available in three tiers, with projects to be completed by 30 June 2026. Applications close 30 March 2025. Learn more and apply at www.landscape.sa.gov.au/mr.

    Image description

    Inspire Young Environmental Leaders!

    The Young Environmental Leaders (YEL) Program empowers Year 5/6 students to become champions for the environment. Through hands-on learning and real-world projects, students gain the tools and confidence to make a difference in their schools and communities. The 2025 program kicks off in Term 1, with forums at Monarto Safari Park (1 April) and Loxton (3 April). Gather your keen students and get involved! Learn more here.

    Ready to light a spark in your students in 2025? Australian Science Innovations presents:

    The Big Science Competition is our 50 minute, mixed format online competition testing science knowledge, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, open to students in Years 7 to 10 globally.


    The Junior Science Olympiad is a science enrichment program for highly motivated students in Australian high schools in Years 7 to 10. It starts by sitting the JSO Exam, which covers biology, chemistry, Earth and environmental science, and physics.

    The Australian Science Olympiads is a science enrichment program for highly motivated senior students in Australian high schools. The program covers four separate disciplines: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, and Physics. Students can sit one or more ASO Exams in any of the four disciplines offered.

    Find out how you can challenge your students and enhance their science education: https://www.asi.edu.au/

    Image description

    Explore the 2025 Kids & Schools Fringe Guide

    Get your markers and post-it notes out to circle all of the incredible shows you could see with your class or family in the 2025 Kids & Schools Guide.

    

    Flick between the Schools Program in one half of the guide, and the Kids & Family genre in the other. Inside you’ll also find a handy calendar to help you plan your season at a glance! Check it out here

    Image description

    Copyright © 2025 SASTA

    You are receiving this email as a SASTA member or e-news subscriber.

    If you would like to unsubscribe, please click here.