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February 2026

Term 1 is in full swing—two weeks down! We hope you had a chance to recharge over the holidays and wish you all the best for a fantastic start to the year. Term 1 is jam packed with Professional Learning events. 


And don't forget, call for workshops is open for the Annual Conference!



If you haven't had a chance to renew your SASTA membership for 2026 yet, visit the website here. ​We'd love to have you as a part of our science community again this year!

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February Events


SASTA Events Calendar

March Events

SASTA AGM & Call for Board Nominations

The 2026 Annual General Meeting of members of the South Australia Science Teachers Association Inc. will be held on Tuesday 14 April.



All members of SASTA are hereby notified of a call for nominations for 2 positions on the SASTA Board. If you are interested or would like more information please visit the 'Board Elections' section in the Members Area of the website. 

Celebrate Excellence in Science Teaching!

SASTA proudly recognises outstanding educators making a difference in science education. Nominations are now open for the Credit Union SA / SASTA Outstanding Teacher Awards and the Helen Castle Memorial Scholarship.


Know a colleague who inspires, leads, or innovates in their teaching? Or want to share your own achievements? Now’s the time! Find out more here.

Adelaide Fringe 2026 – Exclusive SASTA Member Discounts

Looking for inspiring, science-themed Fringe shows? SASTA members can access 25% off tickets to two fantastic performances celebrating curiosity, discovery, and women in STEM!


A Curious Thing – The Story of Mary Anning
Take a musical journey into the life of pioneering fossil hunter Mary Anning, whose discoveries reshaped science in the 1800s. Back by popular demand after a sold-out 2023 season.
🔗 Book here | Use code: CuriousSASTA


The Dinosaur Hunters
Join all-female supergroup The Ammonites for a fun, family-friendly show full of music, dancing, storytelling, and prehistoric creatures. Science has never been this entertaining or empowering!
🔗 Book here | Use code: DinoSASTA


Perfect for educators, students, and families.

Professional Learning

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SASTA Annual Conference

We're still looking for workshop presenters!


 With the theme Cultivating Curiosity, we’re looking for presentations that inspire, engage and showcase practical strategies for sparking curiosity in science classrooms. If you have an idea, strategy or story to share, we’d love to hear from you! Applications close Thursday 12 February.

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Teachers New to Stage 2 Science

These workshops provide an overview, and guidance offered for planning, assessment and task design.

  • Physics & Biology - 6 February

  • Chemistry - 13 February

  • Psychology - 20 February

  • Nutrition - 23 February


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MEMBERS FREE Webinars

Running the Room: How to Manage Behaviour in the Labs - 18 February 
Oliwia Derda and Daniel Mawhinney share practical strategies for creating calm, safe, and engaging science labs through clear routines, proactive presence, and viewing behaviour as part of the curriculum.


How to teach Science in composite classrooms -
4 March

This webinar will present strategies for teaching composite classes across a site, backed by classroom-tested examples. Participants will also receive resources designed to assist in implementing these approaches within their own educational sites

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Dealing with AI in Science

Join us for a collaborative session exploring how AI tools like ChatGPT can reduce workload, support planning, and enhance student engagement.
Whether you're new to AI or looking to deepen your practice, you'll leave with hands-on examples, time-saving strategies, and ideas to boost your impact in the classroom

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Strategies for Metacognitive Thinking

This interactive professional development session explores how explicit teaching of metacognitive strategies can enhance student learning, engagement, and independence. You'll leave with classroom-ready ideas, plus follow-up support to refine your approach and share your practice.

Oliphant Science Awards

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The 2026 Information Booklet is available and can be downloaded here. 

Navigating the Oliphant Science Awards in your School Webinar - Monday 16 February



Looking for more information about getting your school involved in The Oliphant Science Awards? SASTA will be holding a FREE Webinar for teachers and school representatives interested in becoming School Coordinators for the 2026 Oliphant Science Awards.



This session will give you a chance to hear from the competition organisers, head judges and a panel of experienced school coordinators. Register here.



For a full list of changes to the 2026 competition please click here. 

Resources

For all resources available from SASTA visit the website.

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SASTA Study Guides

SASTA Study Guides are the complete resource for students preparing for Stage 2 SACE exams. These guides include questions with worked solutions covering each topic of the Subject Outline and address all sections of the exam. Pre-order online now. 

Stage 1 & 2 Topic Tests and Trial Exams

New editions of SASTA’s Stage 1 & 2 Trial Exams and Topic Tests are coming in early March! Developed by experienced educators and aligned with the SACE curriculum, these editable resources cover science understanding, inquiry skills, and science as a human endeavour. Trial Exams provide authentic assessment preparation, while Topic Tests support learning and track progress throughout the year. Bundle both to save and have everything ready to go from day one.

Contributions from the science community

MOD. Youth Board 2026

The MOD. Youth Board is a program for young people who are interested in testing, prototyping, and co-designing exciting new museum concepts, exhibitions, events, and experiences.


Please send a 1-page cover letter, detailing why you are interested in joining the MOD. Youth Board and an answer to the following question: What is one topic, theme or activity you’d like to see at MOD. and why? Find out more here. 

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RACI SA IUPAC Global Women’s Breakfast

Tuesday 10 February | 7:30–9:00 am | UniSA (Adelaide) and Online


Join SA RACI for an inspiring morning as part of the IUPAC Global Women’s Breakfast: Many Voices, One Science. A panel of dynamic women will share their diverse career journeys in chemistry—from research to industry and beyond. Whether attending in person or online, this is a valuable opportunity to connect, network, and celebrate women driving the future of science.


Registrations close Monday 9 February. Find out more. 

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Engineering is Elementary – Free STEM Workshops

Get hands-on with agricultural engineering through the Best of Bugs: Designing Hand Pollinators unit in these practical, curriculum-aligned workshops. You’ll explore effective STEM strategies, build confidence using the Engineering Design Process, and receive a free resource kit to implement in your classroom.

Two sessions available:
Renmark – Monday 23 March, 3:30–5:30 pm (Ramble Arts)
Salisbury – Wednesday 25 March, 9:00 am–3:00 pm (venue TBC)


Ideal for primary educators (adaptable for secondary), with catering provided.
Free, but places are limited – registration essential.
Find out more and register here

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Fee-Free PD: Teach Modern Science with Confidence

Einstein-First is transforming science education by replacing outdated models with engaging, age-appropriate activities based on Einsteinian physics—the foundation of today’s science and technology. Backed by over a decade of research and led by a national university collaboration, this innovative program supports educators teaching Years 3–10.


Thanks to funding from the Australian Department of Education, 40 fee-free places are available in a fully online micro-credential course for primary and secondary teachers. No prior science background needed!


Learn more or register by 16 February.

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Online Workshop: Scientific Uncertainty & Probabilistic Reasoning

Tuesday 10 February | 7:30–8:30 am ACDT
How can we help students understand uncertainty in science? This practical workshop explores classroom strategies for investigating claims about air quality, identifying errors in data, and applying probabilistic reasoning to make predictions. Students learn to recognise uncertainty, reduce error, and evaluate the impact of false positives and false negatives on scientific conclusions. Register to attend.

Country Tours for Pre-Service Teachers – Apply Now

Funded by the Department for Education, this fully funded two-day Country Tour offers pre-service teachers the chance to explore teaching in regional South Australia. Visit schools and preschools, observe classrooms, meet local educators, and experience the lifestyle of a country community.
Open to all pre-service teachers with a current WWCC. Travel, accommodation, and meals are covered.
Places are limited – apply now.
Learn more and submit your Expression of Interest

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