Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA) affiliation
ASTA brings together the state associations. It acts on national issues, such as submissions to Government agencies, and liaises with industries and government bodies. In conjunction with the state associations, ASTA is also responsible for convening CONASTA, the annual national conference. Further, ASTA convenes a Primary Science Network that enables national sharing of ideas about primary science. ASTA also co-ordinates member involvement in research projects, National P.D. opportunities and curriculum development.
Members also receive the national science teachers' journal. The journal contains excellent, relevant articles and ideas that are most applicable for teachers of science.
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Discount on STAWA materials
STAWA produces and stocks many popular publications for student and teacher use including the popular Primary Investigations range of books. We also sell microlasers, magnaprobes and associated software, and produce and sell worked solutions for TEE examinations. Members get a 10% discount off the standard prices for most of these items. Volume sales permit greater discounts in some instances.
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Professional Development opportunities
In addition to CONSTAWA and PRISSEM, STAWA's Professional Development Committee conducts a comprehensive in-service program throughout the year. A range of sessions, which include whole day, half day and evening meetings, is offered. Significant price reductions are available to STAWA members. We also provide tailor-made programs for individual science departments or school network groups. Programs are available from the office and elsewhere on this site.
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Four issues of the STAWA newsletter
The Primary Science committee provides a range of activities that support and help science teaching and teachers in primary schools. Obviously, PRISSEM is the professional and social centrepiece of the primary science activities. However, the Committee also produces PRISCI PIN-UPS that illustrate exciting science activities for teachers and students, and coordinates a primary professional development program. Primary schools are also able to join as Institutional Members of STAWA.
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Four issues of the STAWA journal (SCIOS) & STAWA Newsletter
SCIOS is STAWA's own journal. It contains reports of STAWA activities, articles of interest to every teacher of science, teaching ideas, and book and software reviews. SCIOS aims to highlight science teaching as a profession and to strengthen science, education and industry links by providing our members with a forum for sharing their expertise.
The Primary Science committee provides a range of activities that support and help science teaching and teachers in primary schools. Obviously, PRISSEM is the professional and social centrepiece of the primary science activities. However, the Committee also produces PRISCI PIN-UPS that illustrate exciting science activities for teachers and students, and coordinates a primary professional development program. Primary schools are also able to join as Institutional Members of STAWA.
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National Science Week
This project aims to promote equitable access in science education and to raise the level of awareness of science in schools and in the wider community. STAWA helps schools and members by presenting a range of activities and making available promotional materials. These stimulate interest in science during Science Week.
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Science Talent Search - 2006
This quest encourages both participation and excellence from students. The sponsorship and prizes are wide-ranging and students benefit considerably from their participation in the Search. Teachers have the opportunity to use STS to extend and motivate their students. Information is sent to schools in March and on-line entries operate from May to August. This year students who enter an investigation into the Science Talent Search will be eligible for entry into the BHP Billiton Science Awards.
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Student Activities
STAWA offers a range of activities specially designed to enthuse, and provide opportunity for, science students. These activities include Physics Students' Day at Adventure World and S-Kids. Notice of various activities is provided through the STAWA Newsletter and other direct mailings to members.
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PRISSEM
This Primary Science Seminar is the week-end conference mainly for primary teachers of science. The conference, to be held on March 25-26 at The Novotel Vines Resort, has many exciting, interactive sessions. New ideas are shared as colleagues present workshop sessions. The topics include aspects both of science (including technology and the environment) and science teaching. Past PRISSEMs have been of great professional and social value to participants.This year's theme is "Investigate This!".
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CONSTAWA
Join us to celebrate the 27th annual conference of the association at Muresk Agricultural College. May 26–28, 2006. The conference provides excellent seminars on topics such as classroom practice, curriculum development, scientific and technological issues and science content. This conference caters mainly for secondary teachers of science although teachers of primary science and laboratory technicians have always commended its great professional and social value. This year CONSTAWA will have a Course of Study stream that will allow participants to to undertake detailed planning and preparation for 2007 implementation.
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A united professional voice
It is important that science teachers maintain their sense of unity and professional standing. STAWA is the professional association that will maintain an independent voice in representing teachers of science. The Association is continually involved with Government departments, tertiary institutions and other professional associations on matters related to science, science education and science teaching. STAWA members have a voice on Curriculum Council science syllabus and course of study committees through their STAWA representatives. Other organisations regularly approach STAWA for advice on teaching and curriculum issues.
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