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July 2026

As we head into the final days of Term 2, there's plenty happening across the SASTA community. With National Science Week just around the corner, the upcoming break is the perfect opportunity to start planning engaging science experiences for your students, and we'd love to see what you have planned in your classroom!


If you haven't already, now is the time to order your 2026 Stage 1 and 2 Trial Exams and Topic Tests. These curriculum-aligned resources are designed to support student learning throughout the year and help prepare students for end-of-year assessment.


In this edition, you'll find upcoming professional learning, resources, competition opportunities and community news to support your teaching through Term 3 and beyond. Don't forget, workshop proposals for the Early Career Teachers Conference close on 9 July, so there's still time to share your ideas and inspire the next generation of science educators.


Thanks for being part of the SASTA community. We hope you have a restful break and look forward to connecting with you in Term 3.

Science Alive! Volunteers

We're looking for volunteers to help in the Oliphant Science Awards space from Friday 7 August - Sunday 9 August! If you're interested in being involved, please complete the volunteer form here

Professional Learning

Early Career Teachers Conference

Last chance to share your experience! Call for Workshops close 9 July.


We’re seeking presenters for our 2026 Early Career Teachers Conference, taking place on Friday 9 October. If you have practical strategies, ideas or experiences to share, we’d love to hear from you and have you contribute to this supportive and engaging professional learning opportunity.

MEMBERS FREE Webinar Series

  • Digital Tools to Engage the Modern Learner

  • Embedding Aboriginal Contexts: A STEM Approach toward Cultural Inclusivity and Scientific Inquiry

  • Moderating with ACARA 101

  • SHE Task

  • Design & Deconstruct

Full details available here. 

7-10 Australian Curriculum Science Workshop: How can we design and assess differentiated tasks?

This session will only focus on Australian Curriculum 7-10 Science courses – these are so critical for making sure we are retaining students in Science in the senior years. It is essential that we equip students in these year levels with confidence and the skills needed to explain, analyse and be critical.

Marking & Moderation Workshops

These workshops will provide an opportunity for teachers to discuss assessment and the application of the performance standards to samples of work, as well having invaluable professional input with their own student samples. An opportunity to readjust marking standards prior to final moderation.

  • Physics & Psychology - Monday 24 August

  • Biology - Monday 31 August

  • Chemistry & Nutrition - Friday 4 September

Oliphant Science Awards

Science Alive! | 8 - 9 August

The Oliphant Science Awards is excited to be hosting our entire Open Day at Science Alive! again in 2026! On display will be all the Models & Inventions projects plus the winning entries from all the other categories including Crystal Investigations, Games, Multimedia, Photography, Posters, Programming Apps & Robotics (including electronic games), Science Investigations (formerly Scientific Inquiry) and Science Writing.


We are giving all our Oliphant Science Award families a discount of 30% on any ticket purchased in one transaction. Apply for your discount code here and join in all the fun of the Oliphant Science Awards at Science Alive!


You will need the 7-digit App code that appears above (cover sheet) or below (sticky label) your child's unique QR code.

Resources

For all resources available from SASTA visit the website.

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Stage 1 & 2 Topic Tests & Trial Exams

New editions of SASTA’s Stage 1 & 2 Trial Exams and Topic Tests are now available! All Stage 2 Subject Trial Exams are available. 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

Launch your students into space!

The Andy Thomas Space Foundation is offering South Australian students free access to the Space Passport Program at the 19th Australian Space Forum (21–22 July, Adelaide Convention Centre). In a dedicated one-hour session, students will meet leading space organisations, explore interactive exhibits, discover STEM career pathways, and collect stamps to win prizes. Sponsored by SASIC and coordinated by Hamilton Secondary College, this unique program provides valuable insight into Australia's growing space industry. Find out more and register here.

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SACAE UniSA Reunion

Did you study or teach Teacher Education at the Salisbury campus of UniSA (formerly SACAE)?


We're holding a reunion on August 15th 2026 in North Adelaide and we'd love you to join us. Join us as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the closure of the Salisbury campus both through its SACAE and UniSA years.


This is your chance to get together, catch up with old friends, and reminisce about the good old days.


Tickets cost $35 each and include food platters and drinks at bar prices.

Partners are welcome. Purchase your tickets here.


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They did what? Student Video Competition 2026

The They did what? Student Video Competition is back, inviting students to uncover and celebrate the stories of Australia’s unsung STEM stars. Students are encouraged to create a short video highlighting an inspiring Australian making a difference in STEM, either locally or overseas. The competition promotes creativity, curiosity and storytelling, while helping students explore real-world STEM careers and contributions. Free classroom resources are available to support participation, making it an engaging activity for classrooms across Australia. Entries close: 16 October 2026. Find out more here.

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Free Australian Institute of Physics Membership for Teachers

The Australian Institute of Physics (AIP) has introduced a new Teacher Associate Membership, available free to Australian school teachers. Members receive the AIP monthly newsletter, access to physics education resources and outreach opportunities, electronic access to Australian Physics magazine, and opportunities to connect with physicists and educators across the country. Eligible teachers must be currently teaching in an Australian school and register using their official school email address. Find out more and apply via the AIP website.

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2026 International Chemistry Quiz

The Royal Australian Chemical Institute’s International Chemistry Quiz (ICQ) is now open for registrations. Open to primary and secondary students worldwide, the ICQ is a fun and engaging way to challenge students’ chemistry knowledge and problem-solving skills through a supervised 60-minute online quiz. Questions are tailored to year levels and aligned with curriculum expectations, making the competition accessible for a wide range of learners. Participating students receive a certificate, with high-achieving students eligible for awards and prizes. The quiz will be held from 27 July to 7 August 2026, with registrations closing 24 July 2026. Find out more here.

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Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tours

Looking for an engaging way to take learning beyond the classroom? Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tours offers curriculum-aligned educational experiences that immerse students in Adelaide’s unique natural and cultural heritage.


Based at Garden Island in Port Adelaide, these guided kayaking tours explore the marine and riparian habitats of the iconic Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary. Programs can be tailored to meet the needs and learning goals of individual student groups and are led by qualified kayak instructors alongside an experienced Marine Biologist with an education background.


All kayaking equipment, classroom resources and curriculum-aligned materials are provided, with learning links across Science, HASS (Geography) and Health & Physical Education. Find out more here.

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Westminster School Junior Jumbucks Program

Students aged 14–18 are invited to experience the future of Australian agriculture at the Westminster School Junior Jumbucks Program, held as part of LambEx26 on Tuesday 7 July at the Adelaide Convention Centre. This free, hands-on event offers the chance to meet producers and industry leaders, explore career pathways in agriculture and agribusiness, develop teamwork and communication skills, and compete for prizes, including $500 for your school. Registration is essential. Find out more here.

National Science Week Booklet

The 2026 National Science Week Schools Resource Book is now available, supporting this year’s theme, “Seeds of Science: Nurturing knowledge for all”. Aligned with the United Nations International Year of Women Farmers and Rangelands and Pastoralists, the resource explores how agricultural practices have evolved to support food security, while highlighting the importance of growing scientific understanding in every classroom. Packed with hands-on activities, experiments, and curriculum-aligned lesson ideas, it’s a valuable tool to inspire curiosity and engagement in STEM. Download your copy here

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crcCARE High School Essay Competition

Students in Years 7–12 are invited to enter the 2026 crcCARE High School Essay Competition by responding to the question: How can artificial intelligence and data help us detect, understand and manage environmental contamination? Essays should be 500–1000 words. The winner will receive the prestigious Dr Roneal Naidu Award, a $1,000 cash prize, and an expenses-paid trip to Adelaide to attend the CleanUp 2026 Conference Gala Dinner, with prizes also awarded to the runner-up. Entries close 31 July 2026. Find out more here.

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2026 Australian Science
Olympiad Exams

Run the exams right from your school. Students can participate in one or more of the four disciplines.


In 2026, our Physics Exam will be delivered in a pen-and-paper format, while the Biology, Earth & Environmental Science, and Chemistry Exams will be conducted on the same trusted online platform used for the Big Science Competition - an integrated system we have utilised successfully for more than ten years.


Register your students today to give them an opportunity to be selected for the ASO Program, and potentially go on to represent Australia. Details here: https://asi.edu.au/program/australian-science-olympiads/

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Get tax-ready with industry tips

Need help with your deductions this tax time?

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) offers occupation specific guidance for almost every line of work.

Use these resources to understand:

  • deductions you can claim

  • income you need to declare

  • records you need to keep.

Find out more at ato.gov.au/teacher

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