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March 2026

The Annual Conference program is here—take a look and register now! We’d also love to see you at our Term 1 Members Networking & Nibbles on Friday 27 March for a relaxed evening of catching up with fellow members.


Still to come this term: Leading in Science, Dealing with AI in Science and Strategies for Metacognitive Thinking. Join us and take away practical strategies you can use straight away. Register now.



And don’t forget to scroll down and check out the latest news from the science community—there are plenty of grants and events coming up in March that you won’t want to miss! These can all be viewed on our Schools Hub too!


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!

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 at the SASTA Annual Conference.



All members of SASTA are hereby notified of a call for nominations for 3 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. Applications close Monday 9 March.


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.

Members Webinar Library

Explore the SASTA webinar library and catch up on 7 recorded sessions designed for busy science educators. From behaviour management in labs to using AI and outdoor learning, each webinar offers practical ideas you can take straight into the classroom. Members can watch anytime. Check it out here.

Professional Learning

SASTA Annual Conference

PROGRAM & REGISTRATION NOW AVAILABLE!


Join us for the 2026 SASTA Annual Conference and explore this year’s theme, Cultivating Curiosity. Discover practical strategies, innovative ideas and inspiring approaches to engage students and deepen scientific thinking across all year levels. Register now.

Leading in Science

Ready to deepen your leadership impact? This advanced workshop explores powerful strategies for pedagogical and staff leadership, supporting educators who want to guide colleagues and lead meaningful curriculum development.

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

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

New & Country School Incentives



Country Schools Bursary
Country Schools can apply for a bursary of up to $500 per school to support the cost of student registration fees, courier/transport costs for the delivery and pick up of projects and project materials. Find out more here. Applications close 22 March.

New Schools Incentive

Schools who have not participated in the past five years needing assistance for participation in the Oliphant Science Awards are eligible to apply for support.

Recipients will have the opportunity to enter the Oliphant Science Awards with the provision of up to $200.00 allocated towards entry project registration fees.
Find out more. Applications close 22 March.

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. 

Contributions from the science community

Food and Nutrition Education in Primary Schools

Australian primary school teachers are invited to contribute to a national study led by PhD candidate Estée Driscoll at Deakin University. The 10–15 minute anonymous survey explores which food and nutrition topics should be taught in primary schools, how they align with Key Learning Areas, and the most effective ways to deliver this content in the classroom.


Insights will help strengthen curriculum planning and support whole-school wellbeing approaches. Participants can also enter a draw to win one of four $100 vouchers. Find out more here

Sensory Friends Evening – South Australian Museum

In the lead up to World Autism Acceptance Month, the South Australian Museum is hosting a Sensory Friends Evening designed to provide a quieter, more accessible museum experience for families. Held Friday 27 March, 5:00–7:00 pm, the evening will include relaxed activities such as fossil painting with palaeo-artist Riley Foley, opportunities to chat with a museum palaeontologist, and time to explore the Discovery Centre. Entry is free for children under 18, concession and Companion Card holders, but bookings are essential as spaces are limited. Find out more here

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Think Science! 2026 – Bringing Science Skills Together

Think Science! returns in 2026, offering students an exciting opportunity to explore the many skills used in real-world science. Hosted by Flinders University, this interactive event connects students with scientists, researchers and STEM professionals through hands-on activities, demonstrations and career insights. Designed to highlight the diversity of science pathways, the program helps students see how classroom learning translates into future study and careers. It’s a fantastic chance to spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of scientists. Find out more here

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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

Apply Now: 2026 SA Science Excellence and Innovation Awards

Applications are now open for the 2026 SA Science Excellence and Innovation Awards, celebrating the outstanding achievements of South Australian scientists, educators, innovators and STEM leaders. These prestigious awards recognise individuals and teams making significant contributions to science, research, education and industry across the state. If you or someone you know is advancing science and innovation in South Australia, this is a great opportunity to showcase that impact. Applications close Friday 16 May 2026. Find out more here

2026 Churchill Fellowships – Applications Open

Applications are now open for the 2026 Churchill Fellowships, offering Australians the opportunity to travel overseas to investigate innovative ideas and practices not yet widely available in Australia. Fellows undertake international research and bring their insights back to benefit their communities, professions and industries. Educators, scientists and STEM leaders with projects that could strengthen learning, research or community impact are encouraged to apply. Applications close Thursday 1 May 2026. Find out more here. 

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Quantum Australia Open Day 2026

Teachers and students are invited to explore the exciting world of quantum science at the Quantum Australia Open Day, held at the Adelaide Convention Centre on 20 April. This engaging event introduces what quantum is, why it matters, and the wide range of study and career pathways emerging in the field. Designed to spark curiosity, the program includes inspiring talks followed by hands-on demonstrations and interactive exhibits from universities, research organisations and industry partners. It’s a great opportunity to connect classroom learning with cutting-edge science and future STEM careers. Find out more here

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Beyond Object-Based Learning: Professional Learning with SA Museum and History Trust SA

Friday 20 March | 8.45am - 3.30pm


Discover new ways to engage students with museum collections in this professional learning opportunity with the South Australian Museum and History Trust SA. Beyond Object-Based Learning explores how cultural and scientific collections can be used to deepen inquiry, spark curiosity and enrich classroom learning across the curriculum. Teachers will gain practical strategies and fresh perspectives for connecting students with real objects, stories and scientific knowledge through museum-inspired learning approaches. Find out more. 

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Nominations Open: Young Future Shapers

Do you know a curious student with a passion for STEM? Nominations are now open for the Young Future Shapers program, supporting students in Years 5–10 to explore science, technology, engineering and maths through personalised opportunities, events and experiences. The free program helps young people build confidence, develop new skills and connect with experts and peers who share their interests. Nominations close Tuesday 10 March 2026, so now is the time to recognise and encourage the next generation of innovators. Find out more here

2026 Early STEM Education Awards – Nominations Open

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Early STEM Education Awards, recognising educators, services and organisations making an outstanding contribution to STEM learning in the early years. The awards celebrate innovative programs and practices that inspire curiosity and build strong STEM foundations for young learners. If you know an educator or service creating meaningful STEM experiences for children, consider submitting a nomination. Nominations close 28 March 2026, with winners announced later in the year. Find out more here. 

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Australian Museum School Science Eureka Prize 2026

Entries are now open for the Australian Museum School Science Eureka Prize, one of Australia’s most prestigious science awards for students. Open to primary and secondary school students, the prize recognises outstanding scientific investigations that demonstrate curiosity, creativity and strong scientific thinking. It’s a fantastic opportunity for students to showcase their research skills and share their discoveries with a national audience. Entries close Friday 10 April 2026, with finalists and winners recognised as part of the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes. Find out more here

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Australian Rover Challenge 2026 – School Visits

The Australian Rover Challenge returns in 2026, with schools invited to visit this exciting robotics competition at the Adelaide Showground. Students can watch university teams from around the world design and operate rovers in a simulated Mars mission, showcasing engineering, robotics and space science in action. School visit sessions run Thursday 26 March and Friday 27 March (9:00–11:30 am or 1:00–3:00 pm), offering an inspiring opportunity for students to see real-world STEM innovation up close. Find out more here. 

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