Session 1 Workshop 1
Engaging Girls in STEM – STEM Ed Talk & Squawk
Presenters: Nikyetta Pencheff, Ellen MacDonald, Maria Milward, Hilary Schubert-Jones, Binaisha Daruwalla
Synopsis: Join us for the inspiring ‘STEM Ed Talk & Squawk’ workshop, focusing on engaging girls in STEM. In this interactive session, STEM Project Officers from the renowned SISP program will showcase successful initiatives from their Academies of STEM Excellence, aimed at empowering and engaging girls in STEM fields. The workshop will feature prominent programs that have made a significant impact in promoting gender equity in STEM, including The Orbispace Program and the SISP program. Participants will engage in discussions with the panel and exchange experiences in implementing these inclusive programs in their schools and regions. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with STEM professionals and explore the potential of fostering a diverse and equitable STEM education environment!
Recommended Stages ES1-6
Presenter
Nikyetta Pencheff
STEM Project Officer
Presenter
Ellen Macdonald
STEM Project Officer – Lower Baaka Academy of STEM Excellence
Presenter
Maria Millward
Program Director
Presenter
Hilary Schubert-Jones
Program Manager Future You; Diversity and Inclusion Ninja
Presenter
Binaisha Daruwalla
Head Corporate Social Responsibility –Tata Consultancy Services
Session 1 Workshop 2
Virtual STEM Enrichment – STEM Ed Talk & Squawk
Presenters: Ian Preston, Wendy Bode
Synopsis: Join us for the inspiring ‘STEM Ed Talk & Squawk’ workshop, focusing on virtual STEM enrichment programs.’ In this interactive session, awarded STEM experts will showcase the NSW and Australian Virtual STEM Academy, and the Australian-New Zealand STEM Alliance, emphasising their impact on advancing STEM education. Participants will engage in discussions with the panel and exchange experiences in implementing these cutting-edge programs in their schools and regions. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with STEM professionals and explore the potential of fostering a progressive STEM education environment using virtual, hybrid, and blended learning strategies!
Recommended Stages 3-5
Presenter
Ian Preston
Deputy Principal
Presenter
Wendy Bode
Deputy Principal – Virtual Learning, Queensland Department of Education
Session 1 Workshop 3
MTA Learning Through Experience – Where the impossible becomes a (virtual) reality!
Presenter: Joel Agostino
Synopsis:
Learning Through Experience with Class VR
Walk with dinosaurs. Come face to face with sharks. Experience historical events. With content designed specifically for the classroom, ClassVR headsets guide students through hundreds of VR experiences – 360-degree images, videos, 3D models and explorable scenes. ClassVR now aligns to the Australian curriculum and can be used to support engagement across all subject areas, from improving creative writing to understanding science and maths topics through enhanced visualisation, immersion and retention.
Take a trip with Avantis World
Imagine being able to take your students to the moon, float through a blood vessel, or time travel and meet dinosaurs, no matter where they are or what device they have. Avantis World is a revolutionary “theme park” experience, where the impossible becomes a (virtual) reality! Avantis World is split into lands, with learning scenes for students to explore independently on any device. Every learning scene provides a fully immersive experience where students can discover, investigate and research as if they were there in person.
Recommended Stages 4-5
Presenter
Joel Agostino
Secondary Mathematics Teacher and Digital Learning and Development Specialist
Session 1 Workshop 4
Using data sets in science teaching and learning
Presenters: Chris Bormann and Sham Nair
Synopsis: Datasets are powerful tools in many areas of human enterprise. Modern scientific research generates and uses large datasets for inquiry. This one-hour session focuses on using CSIRO data sets in science education and aims to provide science teachers with an understanding of the value and importance of using authentic data sets in the classroom. The session will explore the various CSIRO data sets available to educators and provide strategies for integrating them into their science curriculum. The session will also provide examples of how to scaffold and support students’ use of data sets in their scientific inquiry.
Recommended Stages 4-6
Presenter
Chris Bormann
Science Curriculum Officer 7-12
Presenter
Sham Nair
Science Advisor, 7-12
Session 1 Workshop 5
Creating a thinking STEM classroom
Presenters: Meagan Rodda, Renee Wells
Synopsis: Much of how classrooms look and much of what happens in them today is guided by institutional norms – norms that have not changed since the inception of an industrial-age model of public education.” (Peter Liljedahl)
During this session, participants will reflect on many of the norms that exist in their classrooms and whether these contribute to active, engaged students who are willing to think deeply about STEM. Participants will examine a toolkit of simple strategies that they can use to encourage thinking in their STEM classrooms.
Recommended Stages 3-6
Presenter
Meagan Rodda
Mathematics Advisor 7-12
Presenter
Renee Wells
Mathematics Curriculum Support Officer 7-12
Session 1 Workshop 6
Using public data in Stage 3 and 4
Presenters: Stephen Clayton and Laura Profilio
Synopsis: Data Analysis is an essential skill for students and is a feature of many syllabuses K-12 including the Technology Mandatory syllabus. Cloud based computing has exponentially increased the amount of data generated and stored on the Internet. Governments and organisations have adopted policies for the transparency and public access to a variety of datasets. In this session, participants will locate and explore public datasets that are relevant to student interests and learn about the tools available to interpret this data to make informed decisions. Participants will need to bring a computer with access to a spreadsheet application.
Recommended Stages 3-4
Presenter
Stephen Clayton
SEO1 TAS 7-12 Consultant
Presenter
Laura Profilio
TAS Curriculum Officer
Session 1 Workshop 7
Introduction to the ProtoSat – a cubesat STEM unit
Presenters: Andrew O’Brien, Chris Sandoval, Peter Stephens
Synopsis: Access to space is expensive, right? That certainly was the case during the moonshots of the 1960s, however thanks to miniaturisation of technologies and advances in materials we can now hold a cubesat satellite in the palm of our hand. In this workshop, participants will work through digital technology based activities from the Department of Education’s ProtoSat unit, developed with input from experts from the space industry. Participants will engage with hands on activities developing skills in coding microcontrollers and sensors to record weather data for later analysis and will need to bring a laptop with Python and Thonny installed. Other equipment will be provided.
Recommended Stages 4-5
Presenter
Andrew O’Brien
STEM Curriculum Advisor 7-12
Presenter
Christopher Sandoval
STEM Curriculum implementation officer 7-12
Presenter
Peter Stephens
TAS Secondary School Teacher, Stage 4 STEM coordinator
Session 1 Workshop 8
Mathematical tools and representations
Presenters: Phil Hollins, Sarah Bryce
Synopsis: The 2022 Mathematics syllabus K-10 highlights specific mathematical tools and representations. This workshop will dive into effective and engaging use of number lines, bar models, arrays, linear models for fractions, the area model for multiplication, table of values and ratio tables. We’ll use concrete materials (including course participants!), virtual manipulatives and online tools to explore their teaching and learning power.
Recommended Stages ES1-3
Presenter
Phil Hollins
Curriculum Support Teaching and Learning Advisor, K-6.
Curriculum Early Years Primary Learners.
Presenter
Sarah Bryce
Curriculum Implementation Officer
Session 1 Workshop 9
Building STEM skills through inquiry-based learning
Presenters: Shelley Wilson
Synopsis: Inquiry-based learning can be effectively structured to support student engagement and deep learning in STEM. The workshop will provide insight into how and why the SMART Program have utilised an inquiry-based approach to STEM for 25 years. We’ll share our tips for planning, scaffolding, and assessment, and provide examples from our work with preschool, primary school, and high school students. Workshop participants will take part in hands-on activities, reflective discussions, and consider opportunities and challenges for their contexts. Come along to build your understanding of free exploration, guided inquiry, and teacher-led demonstration.
Recommended Stages ES1-3
Presenter
Shelley Wilson
Team Leader, SMART Program, The University of Newcastle
Session 1 Workshop 10
Infinity and beyond
Presenters: Dave Watson and Colleen Worton
Synopsis: How cold does it get far away from the sun? How old would you be if you lived on a different planet? How long would it take to get to a far away star? From before stage 4 right through secondary school, the universe provides limitless beautiful mathematics. In this session we explore opportunities for teachers to use things beyond our world to understand and apply mathematical properties from stage 4 and 5.
Recommended Stages 4-5
Presenter
David Watson
Mathematics Curriculum Support Advisor
Presenter
Colleen Worton
Curriculum Advisor Mathematics
Session 1 Workshop 11
Using proportional reasoning inside a STEM lesson
Presenters: Sally Gorman and Jeff Mills
Synopsis: This workshop is designed to breakdown how the mathematical skill of proportional reasoning is used in scale models. A scaffolded approach beginning with 1D, then 2D, then 3D is used to recreate a local indigenous landscape. Focus: Embedding Mathematical “teachable moments” into the Design Thinking Process to provide students with a toolkit of skills.
Recommended Stage 5
Presenter
Sally Gorman
Trainer, Mathematics Growth Team
Presenter
Jeff Mills
Trainer, Mathematics Growth Team
Session 1 Workshop 12
A short sample project for M in STEM
Presenters: Jacqui Lyon, Peter O’Neill
Synopsis: This workshop will consider the new syllabus inclusion of Networks into Stage 5. Using a sample problem (phone network failing) to explore the components of the syllabus.
Recommended Stage 5
Presenter
Jacqui Lyon
Mathematics Growth Team Trainer
Presenter
Peter O’Neill
Mathematics Growth Team Trainer
Session 1 Workshop 13
MTA Expo
Synopsis: The “Expo” workshop at the 2023 STEM Conference is designed for those interested in the latest STEM advancements. Targeting STEM educators and school leaders it provides an opportunity to further explore and engage directly with vendors and innovators, fostering a deeper understanding through extended, meaningful conversations. Delegates will gain first hand insights into cutting-edge STEM technologies, resources, and programs, and discover new opportunities in the field. From innovative STEM equipment to transformative educational materials, education programs, and exciting career paths, “Expo” encapsulates the spectrum of STEM’s evolving landscape.
Recommended Stages ES1-6
Session 2 Workshop 1
Establishing Effective STEM Learning Communities – STEM Ed Talk & Squawk
Presenters: Nikyetta Pencheff, Zane Van Der Berg, Karen Ramsey, Liz Edwards, Mark Wiggins, Anna Kemp
Synopsis:Join us for the engaging ‘STEM Ed Talk & Squawk’ workshop, focusing on ‘Establishing Effective STEM Learning Communities.’ In this interactive session, STEM Project Officers from the award-winning SISP program, representing Central Coast, Lismore, Crookwell, and Kingscliff, will share successful practices from their Academies of STEM Excellence. Conference delegates will engage in discussions with the panel and share their own experiences in creating and nurturing STEM learning communities in their schools and regions. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with STEM professionals and explore strategies for building impactful STEM learning communities and programs!
Recommended Stages ES1-6
Presenter
Nikyetta Pencheff
STEM Project Officer
Presenter
Zane Van Der Berg
STEM Project Officer
Presenter
Karen Ramsay
STEM Project Officer
Presenter
Liz Edwards
Primary Project Officer/Stage 3 teacher
Presenter
Mark Wiggins
Secondary STEM Project Officer – Coastal Academy of STEM Excellence, HT Industrial Arts & Computing Studies – Kingscliff High School
Presenter
Anna Kemp
STEM Project Officer
Session 2 Workshop 2
Establishing Effective STEM Industry Partnerships – STEM Ed Talk & Squawk
Presenters: Russ Taunton, Simon Took, Southern Cross University
Synopsis: Join us for the engaging ‘STEM Ed Talk & Squawk’ workshop, focusing on ‘Establishing Effective STEM Industry Partnerships.’ In this interactive session, STEM experts from the award-winning SISP program will share successful practice and provide practical advice. Conference delegates will engage in discussions with the panel and share their own experiences in creating and nurturing STEM partnerships in their schools and regions. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with STEM professionals and explore strategies for building impactful STEM partnerships.
Recommended Stages 3-6
Presenter
Russ Taunton
STEM Project Officer
Presenter
Simone Bloom
Associate Lecturer, Faculty of Education Sothern Cross University
Presenter
Simon Took
Manager Hot Mills – BlueScope Australian Steel Products
Session 2 Workshop 3
Innovate your classroom with LEGO® Education Spike Essentials
Presenters: James Dwyer and Joanne Knight
Synopsis: Welcome to the LEGO Education SPIKE Essential workshop, designed especially for primary school teachers! In this hands-on workshop, you will learn how to integrate coding and robotics into your classroom using the innovative SPIKE Essential tool.
SPIKE Essential is an easy-to-use platform that allows you to introduce coding and robotics to your students in a fun and engaging way. The workshop will cover the basics of coding, robotics, and engineering design, using SPIKE Essential.
You will have the opportunity to build and program robots, and explore coding concepts such as sequencing, loops, and conditional statements. You will also learn how to integrate SPIKE Essential into your curriculum and use it to enhance learning across subjects such as science, math, and language arts.
Throughout the workshop, you will work in teams to complete challenges and projects that reinforce the concepts you learn. You will also collaborate with other teachers and share best practices.
At the end of the workshop, you will walk away with the skills and knowledge to bring coding and robotics into your classroom and inspire your students to explore the exciting world of technology. So come join us and let’s have some fun with LEGO Education SPIKE Essential!
Recommended Stages 2-4
Presenter
James Dwyer
LEGO Education STEM & Robotics Lead
Presenter
Joanne Knight
Business Development Manager-STEAM and Robotics
Session 2 Workshop 4
Integrating technology into science lessons
Presenters: Lewanna Kenton and Lidija Radovancevic
Synopsis: This session focuses on incorporating data logging technology in scientific investigations to support the development of scientific inquiry skills. It is designed specifically for educators who are eager to enhance their teaching practices and enable students to collect, report, and analyse data effectively. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the use of data loggers and learn practical techniques for integrating them into the classroom.
Recommended Stages 4-6
Presenter
Lewanna Kenton
Science Curriculum Implementation Officer
Presenter
Lidija Radovancevic
Curriculum Advisor – Chemistry
Session 2 Workshop 5
Where is the M in Stage 4 STEM?
Presenters: Sally Cassilles, Daniela Elford and Simon Borgert
Synopsis: Join us on a “Where’s Wally” inspired search for the Mathematics concepts and skills in Stage 4 STEM subjects with a particular focus on the Science and Technology Mandatory syllabuses. In this session, you will learn when to expect Stage 4 students to be learning about specific mathematical concepts within the Mathematics syllabus, to better support your students in STEM subjects. We will also explore how to integrate Mathematics into your teaching, using models that promote conceptual understanding, and consistent metalanguage, promoting consistency of practices and terminology across subject areas.
Recommended Stages 4-5
Presenter
Sally Cassilles
Trainer, Mathematics Growth Team
Presenter
Daniela Elford
Trainer, Mathematics Growth Team
Presenter
Simon Borgert
Trainer, Mathematics Growth Team
Session 2 Workshop 6
Data numeracy and food
Presenters: Laura Profilio and Ellie Singleton
Synopsis: Explore how to incorporate numeracy learning and data analysis into your food technology lessons. Discover practical techniques for using recipe conversions, measurements, data analysis and representation to strengthen students’ numeracy skills, enhance your teaching and help your students develop essential life skills.
Recommended Stages 4-5
Presenter
Laura Profilio
TAS Curriculum Officer
Presenter
Ellie Singleton
TAS Curriculum Implementation Officer
Session 2 Workshop 7
Critical thinking: Promoting purposeful thinking
Presenters: Hardeep Phull and Sham Nair
Synopsis: All critical thinking can be considered a part of problem-based learning, but all not problem-based learning is critical thinking. So, what is the difference? What is critical thinking? How do I assess and teach it? This session will explore these questions and get you thinking about thinking. We will explore teaching strategies to help create an engaging learning environment to promote critical thinking in your students. Tools such as Socratic questioning, Toulmin’s model of argumentation and Claims-Evidence-Reasoning (CER) scaffolding will be showcased against a range of topic areas. These tools will help create lessons that challenge students’ thinking and bring their reasoning skills to life. By the end of the session, you will have started the journey towards understanding your thinking and the thinking of others as well.
Recommended Stage 5
Presenter
Hardeep Phull
Curriculum Support Officer
Presenter
Sham Nair
Science Advisor, 7-12
Session 2 Workshop 8
Mathematical tools and representations
Presenters: Phil Hollis and Sarah Bryce
Synopsis:The 2022 Mathematics syllabus K-10 highlights specific mathematical tools and representations. This workshop will dive into effective and engaging use of number lines, bar models, arrays, linear models for fractions, the area model for multiplication, table of values and ratio tables. We’ll use concrete materials (including course participants!), virtual manipulatives and online tools to explore their teaching and learning power.
Recommended Stages ES1-3
Presenter
Phil Hollins
Curriculum Support Teaching and Learning Advisor, K-6.
Curriculum Early Years Primary Learners.
Presenter
Sarah Bryce
Curriculum Implementation Officer
Session 2 Workshop 9
Building STEM skills through inquiry-based learning
Presenters: Shelley Wilson
Synopsis: Inquiry-based learning can be effectively structured to support student engagement and deep learning in STEM. The workshop will provide insight into how and why the SMART Program have utilised an inquiry-based approach to STEM for 25 years. We’ll share our tips for planning, scaffolding, and assessment, and provide examples from our work with preschool, primary school, and high school students. Workshop participants will take part in hands-on activities, reflective discussions, and consider opportunities and challenges for their contexts. Come along to build your understanding of free exploration, guided inquiry, and teacher-led demonstration.
Recommended Stages ES1-3
Presenter
Shelley Wilson
Team Leader, SMART Program, The University of Newcastle
Session 2 Workshop 10
Show of strength
Presenters: Brendan Passmore and Sam Houda
Synopsis: In this workshop, participants will take part in designing and engineering creative solutions and engaging in collaborative teams. The session investigates shapes and dimensions of columns to obtain the greatest strength, whilst collecting and analysing data to inform decision-making. Explorations include observing modes of failure and Euler’s critical load, trialling various materials to observe the effect of friction, and considering how many columns are required to hold certain loads. This session demonstrates a project that could be used in a classroom setting.
Recommended Stages 3-5
Presenter
Brendan Passmore
Mathematics Curriculum Officer 7-12
Presenter
Sam Houda
Mathematics 7-12 Curriculum Implementation Officer
Session 2 Workshop 11
What do ants prefer to eat?
Presenters: Meagan Rodda and Corinne Towns
Synopsis: What ants eat at different times of the year and in different places around the world tells us what might be missing in their environment and how climate change could impact ant populations. Together we will be using a free, web-based tool called CODAP to help us analyse and interpret data that has been collected from around the world so we can answer this vital question, and others. This session will focus on using technology to promote higher order thinking skills and to develop a conceptual understanding of the concepts in the data.
Recommended Stages 4-6
Presenter
Meagan Rodda
Mathematics Advisor 7-12
Presenter
Corrine Towns
Mathematics Curriculum Officer
Session 2 Workshop 12
Analysing data with technology: Thrills, skills and spills… a crime mystery
Presenters: Thomas Pollard, Matthew Whight and Kuldip Khehra
Synopsis: This workshop caters to teachers with limited confidence or existing skills in utilising spreadsheet technology to analyse datasets. Participants must attend with a laptop as we will be utilising Microsoft Excel for data analysis. We will be collecting data from participants to collate, analyse and make predictions to build a case to determine our prime criminal suspect. Participants should be prepared to be up and about as we collect and explore our data!
Recommended Stages 4-6
Presenter
Thomas Pollard
Trainer, Mathematics Growth Team
Presenter
Matthew Wright
Trainer
Presenter
Kuldip Khehra
Trainer, Mathematics Growth Team
Session 2 Workshop 13
MTA Expo
Synopsis: The “Expo” workshop at the 2023 STEM Conference is designed for those interested in the latest STEM advancements. Targeting STEM educators and school leaders it provides an opportunity to further explore and engage directly with vendors and innovators, fostering a deeper understanding through extended, meaningful conversations. Delegates will gain first hand insights into cutting-edge STEM technologies, resources, and programs, and discover new opportunities in the field. From innovative STEM equipment to transformative educational materials, education programs, and exciting career paths, “Expo” encapsulates the spectrum of STEM’s evolving landscape.
Recommended Stages ES1-6
Session 3 Workshop 1
Engaging Girls in STEM – STEM Ed Talk & Squawk
Presenters: Nikyetta Pencheff, Ellen MacDonald, Maria Milward, Hilary Schubert-Jones, Binaisha Daruwalla
Synopsis: Join us for the inspiring ‘STEM Ed Talk & Squawk’ workshop, focusing on engaging girls in STEM. In this interactive session, STEM Project Officers from the renowned SISP program will showcase successful initiatives from their Academies of STEM Excellence, aimed at empowering and engaging girls in STEM fields. The workshop will feature prominent programs that have made a significant impact in promoting gender equity in STEM, including The Orbispace Program and the SISP program. Participants will engage in discussions with the panel and exchange experiences in implementing these inclusive programs in their schools and regions. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with STEM professionals and explore the potential of fostering a diverse and equitable STEM education environment!
Recommended Stages ES1-6
Presenter
Nikyetta Pencheff
STEM Project Officer
Presenter
Ellen Macdonald
STEM Project Officer – Lower Baaka Academy of STEM Excellence
Presenter
Maria Millward
Program Director
Presenter
Hilary Schubert-Jones
Program Manager Future You; Diversity and Inclusion Ninja
Presenter
Binaisha Daruwalla
Head Corporate Social Responsibility –Tata Consultancy Services
Session 3 Workshop 2
Space Programs – STEM Ed Talk & Squawk STEM
Presenters: Shane Dryden, Ben Moore, Warren Reynolds, Sophie Poisel (PHM), Sarah Reeves (PHM), Sophie Poisel, Dr Sarah Reeves
Synopsis: Join us for the dynamic ‘STEM Ed Talk & Squawk’ workshop, focusing on ‘STEM Space Programs.’ In this interactive session, STEM Project Officers from the renowned SISP program will highlight successful space related projects from their Academies of STEM Excellence and they will also be joined by the Powerhouse Museum. The workshop will feature prominent partnership initiatives, including Cyber Cities, Aldrin Maps, and the Powerhouse1 Space Program. Participants will engage in discussions with the panel and exchange experiences in implementing these collaborative programs in their schools and regions. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with STEM professionals and explore the potential of space-driven STEM education!
Recommended Stage 3-5
Presenter
Shane Dryden
STEM Project Officer
Presenter
Ben Moore
TAS Teacher/Newcastle Academy of STEM Excellence Project Officer
Presenter
Dr Scott Sleap
STEM Curriculum Support Advisor 7 – 12, Curriculum Secondary Learners, Curriculum and Reform Directorate STEM Industry School Partnerships (SISP) Program
Presenter
Warren Reynolds
STEM Project Officer
Presenter
Sophie Poisel
Head, Lang Walker Academy, Powerhouse Parramatta
Presenter
Dr Sarah Reeves
Science Curator, Powerhouse
Session 3 Workshop 3
Bric Q- Force and Motion meets LEGO® Education
Presenters: James Dwyer and Joanne Knight
Synopsis:
Welcome to the LEGO Education BricQ Motion workshop! In this engaging and hands-on workshop, you will learn about the science of motion and forces using LEGO bricks.
BricQ Motion is designed to encourage students to explore the fundamentals of physics and engineering by designing and building their own models. The workshop will cover the basics of motion, force, and energy, as well as scientific concepts such as friction, momentum, and gravity.
You will have the opportunity to build and test a variety of models to gain a better understanding of how they move and interact with different forces. Throughout the workshop, you will work in teams to complete challenges and projects that reinforce the concepts you learn. You will also share your creations with other teams.
At the end of the workshop, you will walk away with a deeper understanding of the science of motion and forces, as well as the skills and knowledge to continue exploring the exciting world of physics and engineering using LEGO bricks. So come join us and let’s get building!
Recommended Stages 2-4
Presenter
James Dwyer
LEGO Education STEM & Robotics Lead
Presenter
Joanne Knight
Business Development Manager-STEAM and Robotics
Session 3 Workshop 4
Science at your fingertips: Using mobile devices to teach with sensors, simulations, and virtual labs
Presenters: Maninder Kaur and Bronwyn Gilmore
Synopsis: Join our 1-hour workshop on using your mobile device to teach science with sensors, simulations, and virtual labs. Discover how these tools can benefit your students by providing flexible, interactive, relevant real-world activities. Hands-on learning and discussions will teach you how to incorporate these tools into your teaching to promote inquiry-based learning and prepare your students for the technology-driven future. So get ready to engage your students with meaningful and exciting learning experiences!
Recommended Stages 4-5
Presenter
Maninder Kaur
Science Curriculum Officer 7-12
Presenter
Bronwyn Gilmore
Science Curriculum Implementation Officer
Session 3 Workshop 5
Creating a thinking STEM classroom
Presenters: Meagan Rodda, Renee Wells
Synopsis: Much of how classrooms look and much of what happens in them today is guided by institutional norms – norms that have not changed since the inception of an industrial-age model of public education.” (Peter Liljedahl)
During this session, participants will reflect on many of the norms that exist in their classrooms and whether these contribute to active, engaged students who are willing to think deeply about STEM. Participants will examine a toolkit of simple strategies that they can use to encourage thinking in their STEM classrooms.
Recommended Stages 3-6
Presenter
Meagan Rodda
Mathematics Advisor 7-12
Presenter
Renee Wells
Mathematics Curriculum Support Officer 7-12
Session 3 Workshop 6
Safety in the STEM classroom
Presenters: Dan Rytmeister and Mark Tyler
Synopsis: The practical application of tools and techniques is at the core of many STEM projects in schools. This session will provide information to teachers K-12 about safe work practices, policies and procedures that exist in the NSW Department of Education to protect staff and students when using equipment. The session will highlight advice from Equipment Safety in Schools and showcase the resources being developed to support safe work procedures. This workshop is ideal for any K-12 teachers using equipment (including in food preparation) or working out of field in TAS subjects.
Recommended Stages E1-6
Presenter
Dan Rytmeister
TAS Advisor
Presenter
Mark Tyler
TAS Curriculum Implementation Officer
Session 3 Workshop 7
The Philosophy in STEM
Presenters: Sue McDonald
Synopsis: By analysing complex arguments and theories, students of philosophy can develop their ability to deliver logical arguments, communicate clearly and coherently, appreciate different perspectives, and solve problems. In this module, participants will consider how tools of philosophy may be applied to building the critical thinking skills needed by STEM students. Participants will discuss thought experiments, complete a practical activity based on the ship of Theseus and engage in a community of inquiry on whether a human partly controlled by AI is still a human.
Recommended Stage 5
Presenter
Sue McDonald
Curriculum Implementation Advisor
Session 3 Workshop 8
Mathematical tools and representations
Presenters: Phil Hollins and Sarah Bryce
Synopsis:The 2022 Mathematics syllabus K-10 highlights specific mathematical tools and representations. This workshop will dive into effective and engaging use of number lines, bar models, arrays, linear models for fractions, the area model for multiplication, table of values and ratio tables. We’ll use concrete materials (including course participants!), virtual manipulatives and online tools to explore their teaching and learning power.
Recommended Stages ES1-3
Presenter
Phil Hollins
Curriculum Support Teaching and Learning Advisor, K-6.
Curriculum Early Years Primary Learners.
Presenter
Sarah Bryce
Curriculum Implementation Officer
Session 3 Workshop 9
Building STEM skills through inquiry-based learning
Presenters: Shelley Wilson
Synopsis: Inquiry-based learning can be effectively structured to support student engagement and deep learning in STEM. The workshop will provide insight into how and why the SMART Program have utilised an inquiry-based approach to STEM for 25 years. We’ll share our tips for planning, scaffolding, and assessment, and provide examples from our work with preschool, primary school, and high school students. Workshop participants will take part in hands-on activities, reflective discussions, and consider opportunities and challenges for their contexts. Come along to build your understanding of free exploration, guided inquiry, and teacher-led demonstration.
Recommended Stages ES1-3
Presenter
Shelley Wilson
Team Leader, SMART Program, The University of Newcastle
Session 3 Workshop 10
I can hear logarithms
Presenters: Dave Watson and Matt Fitzsimmons
Synopsis: Would you be able to tell the difference between the sound of 100 or 110 pins dropping? Could you predict which would be louder, a subway train or a busy construction site? The ear is an amazing tool and the human race has used some serious mathematics to make sound measurements understandable and comparable. In this session we look at how logarithmic scales can be introduced to students through applications to real scientific concepts.
Recommended Stage 5
Presenter
David Watson
Mathematics Curriculum Support Advisor
Presenter
Matthew Fitzsimmons
Mathematics Curriculum Implementation Officer 7-12
Session 3 Workshop 11
Making every drop count
Presenters: Leanne Hancock, Sarah Warry and Maria Quigley
Synopsis: In this workshop we will share ideas about implementing a whole school approach to bringing out the STEM in National Water Week (which runs October 2023). We will be encouraging students to be critically reflective of their access to quality drinking water and how that compares to people in other parts of Australia and around the world. Could they maintain their water usage elsewhere?
Recommended Stages 3-5
Presenter
Leanna Hancock
Trainer, Mathematics Growth Team
Presenter
Sarah Warry
Trainer, Mathematics Growth Team
Presenter
Maria Quigley
Trainer, Mathematics Growth Team
Session 3 Workshop 12
Analysing data with technology: Thrills, skills and spills… a crime mystery
Presenters: Thomas Pollard, Matthew Whight and Kuldip Khehra
Synopsis: This workshop caters to teachers with limited confidence or existing skills in utilising spreadsheet technology to analyse datasets. Participants must attend with a laptop as we will be utilising Microsoft Excel for data analysis. We will be collecting data from participants to collate, analyse and make predictions to build a case to determine our prime criminal suspect. Participants should be prepared to be up and about as we collect and explore our data!
Recommended Stages 4-6
Presenter
Thomas Pollard
Trainer, Mathematics Growth Team
Presenter
Matthew Wright
Trainer
Presenter
Kuldip Khehra
Trainer, Mathematics Growth Team
Session 3 Workshop 13
MTA Expo
Synopsis: The “Expo” workshop at the 2023 STEM Conference is designed for those interested in the latest STEM advancements. Targeting STEM educators and school leaders it provides an opportunity to further explore and engage directly with vendors and innovators, fostering a deeper understanding through extended, meaningful conversations. Delegates will gain first hand insights into cutting-edge STEM technologies, resources, and programs, and discover new opportunities in the field. From innovative STEM equipment to transformative educational materials, education programs, and exciting career paths, “Expo” encapsulates the spectrum of STEM’s evolving landscape.
Recommended Stages ES1-6