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October 2025

Welcome to Term 4! We hope you had a restful break and are feeling refreshed for the final term of the year. A special shoutout to all Year 12 teachers – we wish you and your students the very best as exams approach.



There are still plenty of opportunities this term to connect, learn and be inspired. The STEM Conference program is now live and registrations are open – don’t miss this chance to engage with fellow educators and explore innovative STEM practice. Registrations are also open for the SASTA Exam Post Mortems – a valuable opportunity to reflect and prepare for 2026.



Scroll down to explore more upcoming events, classroom resources, and opportunities from across the science education community.

Celebrating Kate’s contribution to SASTA

After 13 years at SASTA, Kate will be retiring at the end of November. Her warmth, generosity and passion for science education have shaped our community, and we’d love to celebrate that together.



We’re putting together a short farewell video and invite members, contributors and friends to share a quick message. It could be a memory, a thank you or a simple well wish.



Please send your video to [email protected] by 14 November. 

Professional Learning

STEM Conference

The program and registration is now available!



"STEM for a Changing World" explores how educators can equip students with the skills, adaptability, and creativity needed to thrive in an ever-evolving world. The conference will be a platform for future-focused learning, integrated practice, and real-world problem-solving through STEM.



Join us to connect, collaborate, and be inspired by innovative ideas that shape the future of STEM education. 

Years 7-10 Design Investigations: Time to play Workshop 

Friday 31 October



A hands-on practical session trialling different ideas for investigations suitable AC 9.0 from Years 7 -10.

    SACE Chemistry Design Investigations: Time to play Workshop

    Friday 21 November

    

    A hands-on practical session trialling different ideas for investigations suitable for Stage 1 and 2 Chemistry. The workshop will involve guidelines on supporting students to deconstruct and design appropriate investigations.

    Exam Post Mortems

    These FREE events will discuss the Stage 2 Science Exams and will be held via Zoom. A link to access the session will be sent closer to the date. 

    • Physics - 7 November
    • Biology - 11 November
    • Chemistry - 12 November

      Leading in Science Workshop

      Friday 14 November

      

      This session is intended for people who are current science department leaders or aspire to be one! Come along and network with other like-minded individuals whilst learning some new skills which might help you either in your current role, in the future or to further enhance the learning and teaching at your school.

      Resources

      For all resources available from SASTA visit the website.

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      Please note: 2025 Nutrition & Psychology Study Guides are sold out

      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. 

      

      Orders can be placed via purchase order to [email protected]

      Contributions from the science community

      Level Up Careers Fair

      Friday 31 October

      After a successful run in Brisbane, the Level Up Careers Fair, powered by the Australian Computer Society, is heading to Adelaide at the Adelaide Showgrounds. This free event invites secondary students and teachers to explore tech careers through four interactive stages—covering gaming, cyber security, VFX, space, media, the startup journey and more. Special guest Adam Spencer will be live on stage.

      

      Find out more here.

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      Edstart Achievement Awards Program

      The Edstart Achievement Awards Program celebrates student innovation and creativity across Australia, offering grants of up to $2,000 to support unique projects and learning goals.

      Students can apply under categories including Environmental and Social Impact, which recognises science, sustainability, and community-focused initiatives. It’s a great opportunity for young scientists to turn their classroom ideas into real-world projects that make a difference.

      Nominations close Friday 31 October 2025. Find out more and apply

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      ConASTA 73 - Save the Date

      ConASTA 73 will be held in Brisbane Tue 7 – Fri 10 July 2026.

      Click here to register your interest in attending, presenting or exhibiting.

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      Ingenuity 2025

      Take your Year 7–12 students to Ingenuity 2025—a free, hands-on STEM showcase hosted by the University of Adelaide. Students can explore projects in science, engineering, maths, architecture and computer science while engaging with current uni students and staff. Large groups welcome!

      Date: Wednesday 29 October 2025
      Location: Adelaide Convention Centre 

      Find out more here

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      2026 Adelaide Fringe Teachers Information Session

      Join the Adelaide Fringe team for an evening of inspiration and connection as they reveal what’s in store for the 2026 Fringe Schools Program. Be among the first to explore the new program, meet fellow teachers, and enjoy a sneak peek of the upcoming season.

      

      Thursday 13 November 2025, 5:00–7:00 pm (arrive from 4:30 pm)
      Goodwood Theatres & Studio, 166 Goodwood Rd, Goodwood

      

      RSVP by Thursday 7 November 2025.
      Find out more and register.

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      Porci’s Ocean Patrol – Marine Sustainability Program

      Interested in studying Archaeology or know a student who might be? Join Flinders University for a hands-on field school experience at Glenthorne National Park – Ityamaiitpinna Yarta. Participants will take part in real archaeological excavations, explore geophysics technology and artefact recording, and learn more about South Australia’s only dedicated archaeology degree.

      Thursday 13 November 2025  

      10:00 am – 3:00 pm
      Glenthorne National Park – Ityamaiitpinna Yarta

      

      Register now

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      2025 Geoscience Pathways Project AGM

      Join us online on Thursday 30 October, 4:00–5:00 pm for the 2025 Geoscience Pathways Project Annual General Meeting. Hear from 2019 STEM Educator of the Year, Dr Tom Raimondo, as he shares how Earth science and virtual reality can inspire students to explore our planet in new ways. Learn how the project can support your school with practical resources and engaging science opportunities.

      

      Find out more here. 

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      They Did What!? Video Competition

      Open to students in Years 5–9, this fun competition asks entrants to create a short video on a surprising scientific discovery. Videos should be under 3 minutes and judged on creativity, engagement and scientific accuracy. Run by the National STEM Communicators Network, the comp includes prizes and classroom resources to support participation. Entries close: 27 November. Find out more here

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      Great Southern BioBlitz

      As flowers bloom, insects emerge, birds sing their songs, and reptiles come out of hibernation, what better time to increase biodiversity awareness through Citizen Science.

      The Great Southern BioBlitz attempts to record and highlight the biodiversity spread of all the living species within across the Southern Hemisphere, while also engaging the public in science and nature learning.

      The #GSB25 will be held 24–27 October. Get involved and find out more here

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      Teacher Professional Development Day: Earth & Space Sciences

      Calling all middle school science teachers! Join us for a hands-on Professional Development Day designed to increase confidence in teaching Earth and Space Sciences subtopics in year 8 Science Classrooms.


      This PD will provide you with two ready-to-use 5-week lesson plan packs aligned to the new South Australian Curriculum and the Australian Curriculum v9, covering:

      • Plate tectonics
      • Rocks – their formation, properties, and use in society

      Participants will gain access to a complete suite of resources, including lesson plans, PowerPoint slide decks, and activity suggestions. You’ll also take part in the proposed classroom practicals yourself, ensuring you feel prepared and confident to deliver them back at school.

      The program includes a field experience in the Adelaide CBD, where we’ll explore local rock formations and examples in the built environment - providing inspiration for accessible excursions with your students.

      This is a valuable opportunity to boost your knowledge, build classroom-ready resources, and connect with other science educators. Program details will be provided via email closer to Wednesday, 26th of November. Find out more and register here

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      2026 National NAAE Conference

      The 2026 National NAAE Conference, Roots of Resilience: Growing Sustainable Agricultural Education, will be held from 12–14 January 2026 at the McIntosh Centre, Shepparton (VIC). Hosted by NAAE and VAAHE, the conference will feature practical classroom resources, inspiring keynotes, interactive workshops, and guided tours showcasing innovation in agricultural education. It’s a great opportunity to connect with educators from across Australia, share ideas, and build capability in teaching agriculture.

      

      Find out more and register

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