Spring 2004

Talking Science

Staying in Touch Through an STA

Every State and Territory has its own Science Teachers’ Association (STA). The Western Australian STA has been going strong since 1943. As IAN SANDERS reports, its activities to support science educators range far and wide.

SCIENCE, IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, impacts on all our lives. One day we might be told Shampoo X, with its neutral pH, is best for our rapidly thinning and greying hair. Or the revolutionary new Centurion diet will make us look younger, live longer and lose weight—while eating chocolate, pizzas and chips. Then there’s the ‘gee whiz’ snippets at the end of the nightly news where we are told ‘scientists’ have identified the gene for rudeness or landed a robot on some uninviting chunk of the solar system.

We also expect science to provide lots of answers to the ‘why’ questions of our lives. Even more important are the ‘what if?’ questions and the process of scientific investigation because from this come the cures, inventions, processes and solutions which can make life better for everyone.

Australia has produced some remarkable scientists and achievements. Many groups, including governments, have recognised that developing and applauding these achievements is vital in continuing the flow of innovation that brings improvement and prosperity to Australia.

More recently, the role of teachers in getting our future world-beaters interested in science in the first place has been acknowledged. A range of programs has been developed to allow teachers to rub shoulders with prominent scientists, access cutting edge research and equipment, and earn recognition and prizes. Allied with this is the task of helping all students develop the skills to better comprehend the world around them and to apply science in their everyday activities.

To achieve these goals we need enthusiastic, well-informed and well-resourced teachers of science. Cue science teacher associations (STAs)! Though I speak from the perspective of the Science Teachers’ Association of Western Australia (STAWA), an STA exists in each State and territory, and they are affiliated under the Australian Science Teachers’ Association (ASTA). Each STA has the primary aim of supporting science teachers as resources and needs directly.

STAWA came into being in 1943. As with a foundation football club, though, it’s valid to say, ‘The memorabilia is impressive, but what have you done lately?’ The answer is: ‘Lots!’ As a result of dynamic leadership over a long period, forward thinking and considerable collective effort, STAWA continues to provide professional leadership to science educators at all levels and across all sectors.

Professional learning

STAWA runs three conferences per year. PRISSEM is directed to teachers of Primary School Science. CONSTAWA is our annual State event. Future Science aims to present cutting edge insights pertaining to education and scientific research. At each of these, teachers are exposed to new methodologies, networking opportunities and a social program that reminds teachers they’re allowed to have fun.

We have run regional professional development programs in Geraldton and the State’s North West. There is also an ongoing program of PD sessions based around current issues and areas of need.

Publications

STAWA has developed an enviable reputation for producing inexpensive, quality teaching resources.

These are regularly reviewed and adapted to take account of changing course requirements.

A quarterly professional journal, SCIOS, and newsletter keep teachers informed and provide a venue for the exchange of ideas.

PriSci Pinups are attractive double A3-sided sheets focussing on a theme and are produced four times a year. ‘Investigate This!’ is being developed by the Primary Science committee. This will eventually consist of a series of publications themed for each of the four content strands of Western Australia’s Curriculum Framework and designed for each of the three stages of primary student development.

Online resources

STAWA has invested in the development of online resources to assist teachers. These include a comprehensive website (www.stawa.asn.au) with news, information and links of interest to science teachers. It also contains the Teachers’ Survival Kit, a repository of programs, tests, assessments, etc written by teachers for colleagues to freely download and use. Catalist is our e-mail list server via which urgent notices can be broadcast, opportunities promoted and help sought from colleagues. The online resources have proved especially valuable for remote teachers and help to overcome isolation.

Awards

The Association was quite proactive in recognising the work of science teachers. These annual awards (de Laeter, Innovation and Excellence, Service to STAWA and various conference awards) provide the recognition due to our leaders in the field of science education. This recognition can re-enthuse and provides the opportunity to attend conferences when attendance might not otherwise be possible.

Student activities

Physics Day at Adventure World is a chance for students to apply physics concepts they have learnt to a real-life setting of an adventure park. They get to have fun, too. The Science Talent Search is in its 46th year and invites students to investigate, invent, photograph and now, to design websites with a science theme. Thanks to State government sponsorship, entry is free and valuable prizes are on offer. The Primary Science committee is working on a Science for Kids (SKIDS) Day aimed at primary students. In addition, a range of opportunities provided by third parties is promoted via our various channels.

Representing science teachers

STAWA continues to lobby government and industry for support with issues pertaining to science teaching. Having identified a shortage of teachers, especially in the physical sciences, it is pleasing to see the State government’s encouragement of students and graduates into this area.

Similarly, STAWA has endeavoured to represent its members with the processes of implementing the Post Compulsory review and will strive to provide resources and professional development as these courses come on stream in 2007.

The challenges

As with every voluntary body, there is more to do and fewer to do it! Teachers of all varieties have greater calls on their time for administration and the myriad other roles asked of teachers in today’s society. Yet STAWA remains optimistic that enough talent and commitment exists within the association to see it continue for another 61 years. I hope to have moved on before then, though …

Ian Sanders has been the executive officer of STAWA for over three years. He was a science teacher for 18 years.

The author owns the copyright in this article. For information related to the reuse of this work in any form please contact the publisher denise.quinn@curriculum.edu.au