Membership

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.

Discount on STAWA materials

STAWA produces and stocks many publications for student and teacher use including the popular Primary Investigations range of books. We also sell hand-held microscopes and electronics kits. Members get a 10% discount off the standard prices for most of these items.

Professional Development opportunities

In addition to CONSTAWA, Primary Science Conference and Future Science Conference, 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 on request to STAWA and current PD’s are listed on www.stawa.net

Four issues of the STAWA PRISCI PIN-UPS

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.

Four issues of the STAWA journal (SCIOS)

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. STAWA members can access past copies online by downloading PDF’s at www.stawa.net

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.

Science Talent Search

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. Students who enter an investigation into the Science Talent Search will be eligible for entry into the BHP Billiton Science Awards.

Student Activities

STAWA offers a range of activities specially designed to enthuse, and provide opportunity for, science students. These activities include Physics Day@Adventure World and S-Kids Activity Day. Notice of various activities is provided through the STAWA SCIOS, www.stawa.net and other direct mailings to members.

Primary Science Conference 2012

This STAWA Primary Science Conference is a week-end conference mainly for primary teachers of science. The conference, to be held on the 17th & 18th March 2012 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 Primary Science Conferences have been of great professional and networking value to participants. Places are limited and sell out quickly.

CONSTAWA 2012

The annual STAWA conference has traditionally been held at Muresk, but since 2010 the location has changed.  2011 saw CONSTAWA hosted at the Univeristy of Notre Dame, Fremantle and the Esplanade Hotel Fremantle.  The 2012 conference will be held at Curtin University and the Australis Hotel, Margaret River. 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. Registration will be open shortly.Check back on the events page for further details.

Future Science 2012

The STAWA Future Science Conference has in the past been held at Murdoch University.  The 1 day conference held at the start of December / end of November, has always been well supported with over 250delegates in attendance in 2011.  2012 will see Future Science hosted by the University of Western Australia on Friday 30th November 2012.  The program will be packed with informative and educational workshops and further information will available during 2012.

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.