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November 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’s a lot happening at SASTA as we wrap up the year. We’ll be farewelling our long-standing Executive Officer, Kate Dilger, at a relaxed end-of-year gathering with drinks and light refreshments on Friday 5 December. We’d love to see those who’ve worked with Kate come together to celebrate her incredible contribution and wish her well for her next adventure. You’ll also find two exciting opportunities to join the SASTA team, with current positions now open on our website.



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 Dilger's retirement

After 40 years in science education – 27 as a teacher and 13 at SASTA – Kate Dilger is retiring! We invite all who have worked with Kate throughout her inspiring career to join us in celebrating her contribution to science education in South Australia.



Come along to share stories, reconnect with colleagues and wish Kate well for her next adventure at the Mile End Hotel on Friday, 5 December. 



We’re also 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. Don't forget to send your video to [email protected] by 21 November!

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We'd love to see you there. Find out more and register here.

2026 SASTA Membership

It's official! SASTA Membership for 2026 is now open! We're excited to build on our progress from this year and invite you to be part of our science community for 2026! You can also check out the 2026 Professional Learning calendar, there is so much already confirmed and more to come.

Positions Vacant at SASTA

We also have two opportunities to join the SASTA team. Applications are open for the Education Officer (0.5 FTE, permanent) via SEEK, closing Monday 17 November 2025. Expressions of interest are also open for the SASTA Journal Editor role, closing Thursday 5 December. Find details and how to apply on our Positions Vacant page.

Professional Learning

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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.

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

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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
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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.

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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.

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Practical and Laboratory Work - Building Capacity and Confidence Workshop

Thursday 15 January



In this workshop attendees will look at a variety of themes which concern early career and pre-service teachers with regard to successful planning and execution of laboratory practical sessions. Teachers will be guided through a typical laboratory lesson including the planning of the lesson, safety concerns, equipment use and managing risk whilst students are working.

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Psychology Summer Conference

Friday 16 January

SAVE THE DATE! 

More details and the full program to come. 

Resources

For all resources available from SASTA visit the website.

SASTA Stage 1 Workbooks - 4th Edition

The Fourth Edition of the popular SASTA Stage 1 Workbooks set students on the path to success in their study of science through their clear and engaging narrative, innovative use of art and photos, and superior contextual questions that enhance teaching and learning.

Biology & Physics now available!

Contributions from the science community

Australian Science and Engineering Fair (AUSSEF)

AUSSEF is calling for the top Year 9–12 STEM projects from across Australia. There’s no entry fee, and the top nine projects will win an all-expenses-paid trip to Phoenix, Arizona, to represent Australia at the 2026 International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).



Teachers are also invited to join the online judging panel — a great PD opportunity to explore student STEM innovation.



Entries close Wednesday 12 November 2025. Find out more. 

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Archaeology Taster Session

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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Turtle Nest Surveys – Teacher PD Opportunity

It’s turtle nesting season, and teachers are invited to join local surveys to help identify nesting hotspots for South Australia’s freshwater turtles. Learn how to use the TurtleSAT app, collect data, and bring turtle conservation into your classroom.



Lake Bonney, Barmera – Thursday 20 November, 4–7 pm
Murrundi Wetland Reserve, Wellington – Wednesday 3 December, 4–7 pm



A PD certificate will be provided for teachers. Find out more here. 

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Murray’s Mission – Free Educational Video Series

Take your students on a journey along the River Murray with Murray’s Mission — a free, curriculum-linked video series for early learners (R–Y2). Through storytelling, songs and nature-based fun, students explore water, ecosystems and caring for Country.

Developed by SeaStar Rock in partnership with AAEE SA, the teacher resource pack includes lesson plans, discussion prompts and hands-on activities. Find out more.

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ConASTA 73 - Call for Abstracts

The Call for Abstracts is now open for ConASTA 73 in Brisbane, hosted by STAQ from 7–10 July 2026.



If you're a classroom teacher, lab technician, or resource developer involved in science education, you're invited to submit a presentation that:

  • Links to the Australian Curriculum: Science
  • Provides practical ideas for teachers and students

Presenters will receive a discounted registration rate, access to key deadlines, and a slide template for their session.



Submit your abstract here: https://bit.ly/3X9Ba3E  

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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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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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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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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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Nominations open for the 2026 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science

Celebrate Australia’s leading scientists, innovators and teachers through the 2026 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science. The awards honour outstanding contributions to science, innovation, and science teaching, including two national prizes for excellence in primary and secondary science education.



Recognise a teacher who inspires curiosity, fosters scientific thinking and makes a lasting impact on their students and school community.



Nominations close 8 pm (AEDT) Tuesday 11 February 2026.

Find out more and submit a nomination.

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