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May 2025

Welcome back for Term 2!

We hope the break gave you a chance to catch your breath (and maybe even your inbox). The SASTA team was hard at work during the holidays with the Annual Conference. A big thank you to everyone who came along, presented, or helped make the event such a success!

In other exciting news, our Study Guides are starting to roll into the office. We’re packing up pre-orders as we speak, so keep an eye on your mailbox—and if you haven’t ordered yet, they’re available to order online now!



Keep scrolling to explore a range of opportunities this term—from professional learning and National Science Week grants to school programs, events and job openings in the science education community.

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May Events

June Events

SASTA Events Calendar
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April Blog Posts

Congratulations to Pete Turnbull, who was awarded Honorary Life Membership at this year’s SASTA AGM!



Pete has been a passionate advocate for science education in South Australia for decades, and this award recognises his incredible contributions to our community. From the classroom to curriculum development and beyond, his impact has been far-reaching and deeply appreciated.



We’re so proud to honour Pete and celebrate the role he’s played in inspiring both educators and students.



Read more about Pete and the 2025 SASTA Award Winners

Ediacaran Teacher Scholarship - Applications close 11 May

Looking for a truly unforgettable PD experience? We’re offering nine teachers a fully funded, four-day adventure (7–10 July) to the incredible Nilpena Ediacara National Park in the Flinders Ranges.



You’ll explore the world’s earliest animal fossils, work alongside leading researchers, and gather practical ideas to bring South Australia’s deep geological history into your classroom. It’s hands-on, and set in one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the state.
Spots are limited—apply now!

ConASTA 72 – Registrations Open!

7–10 July 2025 | Pan Pacific Hotel, Perth



Join science educators from across Australia and beyond at ConASTA 72: Eyes to the Future—the national conference for science teachers, lab technicians, and STEM professionals.



With over 200 workshops and sessions, this year’s program explores everything from quantum science to forensic chemistry, psychology, agriculture and space. Discover the latest in science education, engage with world-class researchers and keynote speakers, and connect with a vibrant community of passionate educators.

Whether you're from a metro school or the bush, K–12 or beyond—there’s something for everyone. View the full program and register now

Professional Learning

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MEMBERS FREE Webinars

AI Hacks - Wednesday 7 May

In a field where Artificial Intelligence is interjecting in a range of teaching and learning spaces, it helps to have a better understanding of how it’s being used. More importantly, strategies to not only manage challenges in AI but to get ahead of the game and use it to our advantage as educators. This workshop will focus on ways teachers can use AI to save time, plan, report and differentiate for learning.



Fostering Engagement: Strategies to Minimise Classroom Disruption - Wednesday 21 May

This workshop will explore some of the reasons children and young people disengage from learning and become disruptive in the classroom. With an understanding of these in mind, the workshop will explain a series of teacher-centred strategies that can be put in place to encourage engagement in learning and minimise the potential for disruptive and anti-social behaviour

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    Monday 16 June

    NEW DATE!

    Design & Deconstruct Workshop

    This workshop is aimed at people who want to further their skills in setting, assessment and providing feedback on the D&D + practical report task. It also will cover the writing and marking of practical questions for tests and exams as well. There will be time to examine your own student work and participate in some cross-moderation and marking of work/drafts.

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    Early Career Teachers Conference

    Call for workshop presenters now open!

    

    This one-day conference provides graduates and teachers in the first few years of their career with an opportunity to share and reflect on their professional identity, professional practice, wellbeing, and to develop connections with other early career educators.

    

    Is there something that's working in your classroom that you'd like to share? Find out more here.

    Register for Professional Learning

    Oliphant Science Awards

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

    Project Registrations close on Sunday 18 May!

    Have you registered as a coordinator for 2025? And submitted all your student project registration forms? Find out all the details on the website here. 

    

    Judging Registrations

    We're still looking for more judges to be involved! We have a number of new judges this year, so we're looking for our experienced judges to sign up again to help them through the process. Register here. 

    Resources

    For all resources available from SASTA visit the website.

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    Order Now

    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. Order online now. 

    Stage 1 & 2 Topic Tests and Exam Packs

    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

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    The 2025 School Resource Book of Ideas for National Science Week is now live! Download the resource book and student journal here.

    Annual Hump(back) Day whale-y fun webinar

    Date: Wednesday 7 May 2025, 1.30pm
    Format: Free online webinar
    Audience: Kindergarten to Year 6
    Includes: Live Q&A with the presenters

    

    Celebrate the return of whales to Australian waters with the inaugural Annual Hump(back) Day webinar. Join marine biologist Dr Vanessa Pirotta and CSIRO’s Dr Ben Arthur as they dive into the world of whales—from the Antarctic to the tropics. Students will learn how scientists study whale snot, poo and migration to better understand these incredible marine mammals.

    

    A fun, fascinating and interactive session for students, with plenty of time to ask their biggest questions about whales and ocean science.

    

    Limited spots—register now.

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    Fossil Rock - Now with Free Teacher Resources

    Take your students on a time-travelling adventure to meet the first animals on Earth! Our Fossil Rock videos now come with FREE curriculum-linked teacher resources including activities, discussion prompts, and creative extensions for R-3.

    Download your free Classroom Pack

    

    We’re thrilled to share that Fossil Rock (A007561) is now available on Scootle, making it even easier for Australian educators to access through your school login.

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    New Year 10 Climate Change Resources from Geoscience Pathways

    Geoscience Pathways has released a comprehensive set of free, curriculum-aligned resources for Year 10 Science, designed to support deep understanding of climate change through Earth and environmental science.

    

    Covering topics like the greenhouse effect, sea level rise, ocean currents, and traditional fire management practices, the materials integrate systems thinking, chemistry, biology, and Indigenous knowledge.

    

    Each unit is aligned to the Australian Curriculum and includes lesson ideas, student tasks and background content.
    Access the full resource pack here

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    Job Opportunity – Inspire STEM Education Installer

    Inspire STEM Education is looking for a passionate and reliable individual to deliver and install the NewSpec Learning Lab—featuring a TM4000 Desktop Scanning Electron Microscope—into South Australian schools.

    

    This hands-on role involves setting up equipment, providing basic teacher training, and supporting schools to make the most of their STEM experience. If you're organised, confident with tech, and love the idea of being a STEM ambassador, this could be for you!

    

    Find out more. To apply, email your resume to [email protected] or call Tea Christou on (08) 8463 1967.

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    National Youth Science Forum

    Apply for the NYSF Year 12 Program

    

    The NYSF Year 12 Program applications have opened for January 2026. The NYSF invites students from all across Australia with an enthusiasm for STEM to join us in exploring their STEM future.

    

    Join us in January at The Australian National University or the University of Queensland. You'll go on tours of STEM facilities, learn what comes after year 12, meet hundreds of other students from across Australia, and get hands-on with STEM you didn't know existed.

    

    Applications are currently open for current year 11 students. Visit nysf.edu.au for more information on the NYSF Year 12 Program, including dates, opportunities for financial support, and how to apply to the program.

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    National Science Week Grants

    Planning a science fair, community night, or hands-on activity for National Science Week? You could be eligible for up to $3,500 in funding to bring your event to life! The SA National Science Week Committee is offering grants to support engaging, community-led science events during National Science Week.

    • Up to $3,000 for metro Adelaide events

    • Up to $3,500 for regional and remote events

    Perfect for schools, educators, and community groups looking to connect people with science in creative and meaningful ways.

    

    Applications close 5:00 pm, Thursday 15 May. View full details and apply

    RSSA May Meeting & Scientific Presentation

    Thursday 8 May | 6:00–8:00 pm ACST
    Royal Society Rooms, Adelaide & Online via Zoom

    

    Join the Royal Society of South Australia for a night of science, storytelling, and discovery. This month’s guest speaker is Associate Professor S. Topa Petit (UniSA), presenting “The adventurous discovery of a new bat pollination system.”

    

    Travel (virtually!) to Fiji and uncover the fascinating tale of a plant that defies botanical expectations—pollinated not by bees, but bats!

    

    Includes pre-meeting nibbles, networking, and a live-stream option for remote attendees. Registrations are essential – register here

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    Space for STEM 7-8 Program

    Ignite curiosity and connect students to the cosmos with the Space for STEM 7–8 Program! This free initiative supports middle years educators in South Australian government sites, to deliver engaging, space-themed lessons aligned with the Australian Curriculum. Teachers receive a curriculum-aligned unit plan, practical classroom resources, and access to professional learning designed to build confidence in teaching space science. Developed in partnership with industry experts, the program helps students explore real-world STEM applications while highlighting careers in Australia’s growing space sector.

    

    Limited places available—don’t miss out! Learn more and apply

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    Junior Science Olympiad Exams

    Are you ready to empower junior scientists for a bright future! Start with the JSO Exam, a fantastic way to challenge your students in a range of science topics, such as biology, chemistry, Earth and environmental science, and physics.

    

    The JSO Exam is held once a year - hosted online, right from your school. Register your students now.

    Australian high school students in Years 7 to 10 can sit the JSO Exam.

    

    This year, the exam dates are:

    Years 9 and 10 - Wednesday 11 June

    Years 7 and 8 - Friday 13 June

    Registrations must come via schools, registered home schools or distance education facilities.

    

    You don't need all the students' details when you register, just the numbers for each year level. Not sure of the student numbers? Register now, you can add more later! Regos close 5 June 2025.

    

    Want to know more about the JSO Exam and the next stages of the JSO program? Details can be found here. 

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    Young Women in STEM - 20th Anniversary

    24 or 25 June + 1 or 2 July | North Terrace Campus | Free

    

    Adelaide University invites schools to register up to 15 Year 9/10 girls for a full day of hands-on STEM workshops, led by women in science, tech, engineering and maths.

    

    New in 2025 – students will also attend a half-day career skills session focused on personal branding, networking, and identifying their strengths.

    

    Spaces are limited – book now!
    For more info, contact: [email protected]

    Energy, Mining & Resources School Outreach – 2025 Opportunities

    The EMRSO program is offering a fantastic line-up of free events and activities to connect students with future study and career pathways in STEM and beyond.

    On Campus Days – Register Your Interest:

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