Tasmanian Association of Laboratory Managers
www.talm.org.au
President: Miriam McFarlane
Secretary and Database Manager: Sally Williamson
Website Manager: Andrew Hull
Treasurer: Mel Gleeson
Vice President North: Jo Barfield
Vice President North-west: Ben Hurkett
Archivist and SETA Rep: William Hardman
Immediate Past President: Coen Smit
SETA Rep: Lisa Norris
Co-Newsletter Editors: Tanya Adams and Janaya Banks
TALM is using Trybooking.com to take registrations and payments: https://www.trybooking.com/BMEVM. The cost of this event is $35. If you want to pay your 2021 membership ($30) there is an option in the booking process for this. Please check with your school or college for professional development funds and apply for leave to attend this professional development.
The Tasmanian Association of Laboratory Managers invites you to a
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY on Monday 23rd of November 2020
9.30am – 3.30pm at Ross Town Hall, 12 Bridge St, Ross.
PROGRAM:
9.30-10am Registration
10-10.45 Supporting the teaching of STEM in schools – Rosemary Anderson, Principal Education Officer, Science, Department of Education.
10.45 – 11.30 An overview of Professional Standards for Australian School Science Laboratory Technicians – William Hardman, Newstead College and Tasmanian Representative on Science Education Technicians Australia (SETA) committee.
11.30-12.30 TALM Annual General Meeting and Open Executive Meeting (All can discuss topics. Members can vote on motions.)
12.30-1.20 Lunch (provided in the hall)
1.20-2.30 Tour of the Midlands Regeneration Project – Nel Smit, Education Co-ordinator, Greening Australia
2.30 Developing a closer link with the Science Teacher Association of Tasmania (STAT) – discussion
2.45 Professional development initiatives TALM can develop – discussion
3.00 AEU Branch Council report – Tanya Adams, Ulverstone Secondary College
3.10 How to organise a combined schools chemical disposal – Maree Lawes, Launceston Christian School
3.20 Closing ceremony
3.30 Good bye!
Please note: there is NO WiFi at the venue.
COST $35
TO REGISTER AND PAY: https://www.trybooking.com/BMEVM by Wednesday 18 November.
Your school probably has funds for this event, so it’s worth asking. Alternatively you can claim it on your tax return as a work-related expense.
SPECIAL REQUEST:
As part of the ongoing COVID 19 restrictions the Midlands Council and TALM, as part of its sustainable philosophy, request that you bring along your own drinking utensil. We will have a small supply of disposable cups and associated paraphernalia available.
DETAILS OF SESSIONS:
SUPPORTING THE TEACHING OF STEM IN SCHOOLS
STEM has been a focus in schools for a while. This session will attempt to address the questions, what has worked or hasn’t worked and secondly, what is the education sector’s position on what ought to be taught. It is intended that this session is open ended, and all participants are encouraged to contribute, as well as bring examples of student’s work along if possible.
AN OVERVIEW OF PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS FOR AUSTRALIAN SCHOOL SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNICIANS 2019
This session will familiarise everyone with what is in the standards, which are written by technicians for technicians. The standards are intended to foster consistency of technical support throughout Australia. They articulate the status, skills and training necessary to provide effective technical support for school science programs. The standards are NOT intended to replace any existing industrial award, however the scope of the standards is to inform technicians of their obligations and to facilitate negotiations between employee and employer about skills, classification and employment conditions.
You can find the standards on SETA’s website: https://seta.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Professional-Standards-for-Australian-School-Science-Laboratory-Technicians-July-2019-FINAL.pdf
TALM ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The AGM will be held to elect office bearers for 2021. Therefore, if you are eager to seek higher office please come along. Similarly, if you are eager to avoid higher office, come along anyway to make sure you are not dragooned into a position in absentia.
The following positions will become vacant. If you would like to nominate yourself or another person, please contact Sally Williamson, Secretary, on sally.williamson(is a dancing llama)education.tas.gov.au or 6431 2744.
· Secretary
Appointments (not elected):
· (2) SETA Rep appointments
OPEN EXECUTIVE MEETING:
This session will take on board general concerns members may wish to bring to the Executive’s attention and will also develop an overview for the 2021 Conference and its organising committee. The option of holding executive meetings online will also be considered at this time.
TOUR OF THE MIDLANDS REGENERATION PROJECT:
This is an ongoing initiative by Greening Australia to undertake remedial work in the midlands. The midlands area has been identified as one of Australia’s 15 biodiversity “hotspots” and the midlands project is aimed at addressing the ecosystem’s degradation resulting from human activity. This project has direct links to the Australian Curriculum, year 9 Biology (Ecosystems) and year 11/12 Environmental Science and Society. This is an opportunity to familiarise yourself with this important work and to acquire additional skills to support the teaching of this subject in your respective schools.
DEVELOPING A CLOSER LINK WITH THE SCIENCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION OF TASMANIA
STAT is seeking a TALM member to represent us in planning meetings for creating the next CONSTAT one-day conference on 20th March, 2021. Together we may create stronger and broader – reaching professional learning events. In this session we will look at what ways we could work in with STAT.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES:
This session will examine the kinds of professional development members would like to see made available in future. This could feasibly include a mixture of sessions lead by members with particular expertise, as well as arranging outside providers. We will be looking at aspects such as timing, costing and minimum numbers for such initiatives.
AEU BRANCH COUNCIL REPORT
Tanya Adams will report to AEU members on her role on Branch Council of the AEU.
HOW TO ORGANISE A COMBINED SCHOOLS’ CHEMICAL DISPOSAL
Maree Lawes will describe the process she goes through to arrange regular chemical disposals where several schools dispose of their un-wanted waste in one collection and share the cost.
CLOSING CEREMONY
Thank you’s and celebrating laboratory technicians who are retiring/retired this year.
COST $35. TO REGISTER AND PAY: https://www.trybooking.com/BMEVM by Wednesday 18 November.
Your school probably has funds for this event, so it’s worth asking. Alternatively you can claim it on your tax return as a work-related expense.
Please note: there is NO WiFi at the venue.
TALM is using Trybooking.com to take registrations and payments: https://www.trybooking.com/BMEVM. The cost of this event is $35. If you want to pay your 2021 membership ($30) there is an option in the booking process for this. Please check with your school or college for professional development funds and apply for leave to attend this professional development.
The Tasmanian Association of Laboratory Managers invites you to a
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY on Monday 23rd of November 2020
9.30am – 3.30pm at Ross Town Hall, 12 Bridge St, Ross.
PROGRAM:
9.30-10am Registration
10-10.45 Supporting the teaching of STEM in schools – Rosemary Anderson, Principal Education Officer, Science, Department of Education.
10.45 – 11.30 An overview of Professional Standards for Australian School Science Laboratory Technicians – William Hardman, Newstead College and Tasmanian Representative on Science Education Technicians Australia (SETA) committee.
11.30-12.30 TALM Annual General Meeting and Open Executive Meeting (All can discuss topics. Members can vote on motions.)
12.30-1.20 Lunch (provided in the hall)
1.20-2.30 Tour of the Midlands Regeneration Project – Nel Smit, Education Co-ordinator, Greening Australia
2.30 Developing a closer link with the Science Teacher Association of Tasmania (STAT) – discussion
2.45 Professional development initiatives TALM can develop – discussion
3.00 AEU Branch Council report – Tanya Adams, Ulverstone Secondary College
3.10 How to organise a combined schools chemical disposal – Maree Lawes, Launceston Christian School
3.20 Closing ceremony
3.30 Good bye!
Please note: there is NO WiFi at the venue.
COST $35
TO REGISTER AND PAY: https://www.trybooking.com/BMEVM by Wednesday 18 November.
Your school probably has funds for this event, so it’s worth asking. Alternatively you can claim it on your tax return as a work-related expense.
SPECIAL REQUEST:
As part of the ongoing COVID 19 restrictions the Midlands Council and TALM, as part of its sustainable philosophy, request that you bring along your own drinking utensil. We will have a small supply of disposable cups and associated paraphernalia available.
DETAILS OF SESSIONS:
SUPPORTING THE TEACHING OF STEM IN SCHOOLS
STEM has been a focus in schools for a while. This session will attempt to address the questions, what has worked or hasn’t worked and secondly, what is the education sector’s position on what ought to be taught. It is intended that this session is open ended, and all participants are encouraged to contribute, as well as bring examples of student’s work along if possible.
AN OVERVIEW OF PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS FOR AUSTRALIAN SCHOOL SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNICIANS 2019
This session will familiarise everyone with what is in the standards, which are written by technicians for technicians. The standards are intended to foster consistency of technical support throughout Australia. They articulate the status, skills and training necessary to provide effective technical support for school science programs. The standards are NOT intended to replace any existing industrial award, however the scope of the standards is to inform technicians of their obligations and to facilitate negotiations between employee and employer about skills, classification and employment conditions.
You can find the standards on SETA’s website: https://seta.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Professional-Standards-for-Australian-School-Science-Laboratory-Technicians-July-2019-FINAL.pdf
TALM ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The AGM will be held to elect office bearers for 2021. Therefore, if you are eager to seek higher office please come along. Similarly, if you are eager to avoid higher office, come along anyway to make sure you are not dragooned into a position in absentia.
The following positions will become vacant. If you would like to nominate yourself or another person, please contact Sally Williamson, Secretary, on sally.williamson(is a dancing llama)education.tas.gov.au or 6431 2744.
· Secretary
Appointments (not elected):
· (2) SETA Rep appointments
OPEN EXECUTIVE MEETING:
This session will take on board general concerns members may wish to bring to the Executive’s attention and will also develop an overview for the 2021 Conference and its organising committee. The option of holding executive meetings online will also be considered at this time.
TOUR OF THE MIDLANDS REGENERATION PROJECT:
This is an ongoing initiative by Greening Australia to undertake remedial work in the midlands. The midlands area has been identified as one of Australia’s 15 biodiversity “hotspots” and the midlands project is aimed at addressing the ecosystem’s degradation resulting from human activity. This project has direct links to the Australian Curriculum, year 9 Biology (Ecosystems) and year 11/12 Environmental Science and Society. This is an opportunity to familiarise yourself with this important work and to acquire additional skills to support the teaching of this subject in your respective schools.
DEVELOPING A CLOSER LINK WITH THE SCIENCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION OF TASMANIA
STAT is seeking a TALM member to represent us in planning meetings for creating the next CONSTAT one-day conference on 20th March, 2021. Together we may create stronger and broader – reaching professional learning events. In this session we will look at what ways we could work in with STAT.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES:
This session will examine the kinds of professional development members would like to see made available in future. This could feasibly include a mixture of sessions lead by members with particular expertise, as well as arranging outside providers. We will be looking at aspects such as timing, costing and minimum numbers for such initiatives.
AEU BRANCH COUNCIL REPORT
Tanya Adams will report to AEU members on her role on Branch Council of the AEU.
HOW TO ORGANISE A COMBINED SCHOOLS’ CHEMICAL DISPOSAL
Maree Lawes will describe the process she goes through to arrange regular chemical disposals where several schools dispose of their un-wanted waste in one collection and share the cost.
CLOSING CEREMONY
Thank you’s and celebrating laboratory technicians who are retiring/retired this year.
COST $35. TO REGISTER AND PAY: https://www.trybooking.com/BMEVM by Wednesday 18 November.
Your school probably has funds for this event, so it’s worth asking. Alternatively you can claim it on your tax return as a work-related expense.
Please note: there is NO WiFi at the venue.
TALM is using Trybooking.com to take registrations and payments: https://www.trybooking.com/BMEVM. The cost of this event is $35. If you want to pay your 2021 membership ($30) there is an option in the booking process for this. Please check with your school or college for professional development funds and apply for leave to attend this professional development.
The Tasmanian Association of Laboratory Managers invites you to a
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY on Monday 23rd of November 2020
9.30am – 3.30pm at Ross Town Hall, 12 Bridge St, Ross.
PROGRAM:
9.30-10am Registration
10-10.45 Supporting the teaching of STEM in schools – Rosemary Anderson, Principal Education Officer, Science, Department of Education.
10.45 – 11.30 An overview of Professional Standards for Australian School Science Laboratory Technicians – William Hardman, Newstead College and Tasmanian Representative on Science Education Technicians Australia (SETA) committee.
11.30-12.30 TALM Annual General Meeting and Open Executive Meeting (All can discuss topics. Members can vote on motions.)
12.30-1.20 Lunch (provided in the hall)
1.20-2.30 Tour of the Midlands Regeneration Project – Nel Smit, Education Co-ordinator, Greening Australia
2.30 Developing a closer link with the Science Teacher Association of Tasmania (STAT) – discussion
2.45 Professional development initiatives TALM can develop – discussion
3.00 AEU Branch Council report – Tanya Adams, Ulverstone Secondary College
3.10 How to organise a combined schools chemical disposal – Maree Lawes, Launceston Christian School
3.20 Closing ceremony
3.30 Good bye!
Please note: there is NO WiFi at the venue.
COST $35
TO REGISTER AND PAY: https://www.trybooking.com/BMEVM by Wednesday 18 November.
Your school probably has funds for this event, so it’s worth asking. Alternatively you can claim it on your tax return as a work-related expense.
SPECIAL REQUEST:
As part of the ongoing COVID 19 restrictions the Midlands Council and TALM, as part of its sustainable philosophy, request that you bring along your own drinking utensil. We will have a small supply of disposable cups and associated paraphernalia available.
DETAILS OF SESSIONS:
SUPPORTING THE TEACHING OF STEM IN SCHOOLS
STEM has been a focus in schools for a while. This session will attempt to address the questions, what has worked or hasn’t worked and secondly, what is the education sector’s position on what ought to be taught. It is intended that this session is open ended, and all participants are encouraged to contribute, as well as bring examples of student’s work along if possible.
AN OVERVIEW OF PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS FOR AUSTRALIAN SCHOOL SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNICIANS 2019
This session will familiarise everyone with what is in the standards, which are written by technicians for technicians. The standards are intended to foster consistency of technical support throughout Australia. They articulate the status, skills and training necessary to provide effective technical support for school science programs. The standards are NOT intended to replace any existing industrial award, however the scope of the standards is to inform technicians of their obligations and to facilitate negotiations between employee and employer about skills, classification and employment conditions.
You can find the standards on SETA’s website: https://seta.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Professional-Standards-for-Australian-School-Science-Laboratory-Technicians-July-2019-FINAL.pdf
TALM ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The AGM will be held to elect office bearers for 2021. Therefore, if you are eager to seek higher office please come along. Similarly, if you are eager to avoid higher office, come along anyway to make sure you are not dragooned into a position in absentia.
The following positions will become vacant. If you would like to nominate yourself or another person, please contact Sally Williamson, Secretary, on sally.williamson(is a dancing llama)education.tas.gov.au or 6431 2744.
· Secretary
Appointments (not elected):
· (2) SETA Rep appointments
OPEN EXECUTIVE MEETING:
This session will take on board general concerns members may wish to bring to the Executive’s attention and will also develop an overview for the 2021 Conference and its organising committee. The option of holding executive meetings online will also be considered at this time.
TOUR OF THE MIDLANDS REGENERATION PROJECT:
This is an ongoing initiative by Greening Australia to undertake remedial work in the midlands. The midlands area has been identified as one of Australia’s 15 biodiversity “hotspots” and the midlands project is aimed at addressing the ecosystem’s degradation resulting from human activity. This project has direct links to the Australian Curriculum, year 9 Biology (Ecosystems) and year 11/12 Environmental Science and Society. This is an opportunity to familiarise yourself with this important work and to acquire additional skills to support the teaching of this subject in your respective schools.
DEVELOPING A CLOSER LINK WITH THE SCIENCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION OF TASMANIA
STAT is seeking a TALM member to represent us in planning meetings for creating the next CONSTAT one-day conference on 20th March, 2021. Together we may create stronger and broader – reaching professional learning events. In this session we will look at what ways we could work in with STAT.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES:
This session will examine the kinds of professional development members would like to see made available in future. This could feasibly include a mixture of sessions lead by members with particular expertise, as well as arranging outside providers. We will be looking at aspects such as timing, costing and minimum numbers for such initiatives.
AEU BRANCH COUNCIL REPORT
Tanya Adams will report to AEU members on her role on Branch Council of the AEU.
HOW TO ORGANISE A COMBINED SCHOOLS’ CHEMICAL DISPOSAL
Maree Lawes will describe the process she goes through to arrange regular chemical disposals where several schools dispose of their un-wanted waste in one collection and share the cost.
CLOSING CEREMONY
Thank you’s and celebrating laboratory technicians who are retiring/retired this year.
COST $35. TO REGISTER AND PAY: https://www.trybooking.com/BMEVM by Wednesday 18 November.
Your school probably has funds for this event, so it’s worth asking. Alternatively you can claim it on your tax return as a work-related expense.
Please note: there is NO WiFi at the venue.
Skill-building: Environmentally Friendly Practices
Program
Program is subject to change.
Day 1 – registration from 11.00am – 11.30am. Finish 4.30pm
Claremont College, 61 Claremont Link Road, Claremont
Day 2 – 8.30am – 4.00pm
Sustainability Learning Centre, Hobart College, and Mt Nelson Fire Station, Mt Nelson
Day 3 – 9.00am – 2.00pm
Claremont College, 61 Claremont Link Road, Claremont
Exchange Table
BYO
Please help us reduce waste by bringing
Bee collecting Manuka nectar. Courtesy Ross Gordon, grumpybee.com.au
View from the main entrance of the Sustainability Learning Centre, Mt. Nelson.
COVID-19 Safety measures
The conference will be guided by the current Tasmanian Government regulations current on the day.
TALM and our venues require the following:
Accommodation
Delegates will be responsible for arranging their own. See your school Business Manager for funding through the school P.L. budget.
Riverfront Motel & Villas are offering corporate ratesfor TALM conference delegates
Riverfront Motel & Villas
11 Strathaven Drive, Rosetta 7010 (HOBART) Tasmania
Phone: 03 6272 6721 Fax: 03 6273 1061
Please mention that you are part of the TALM conference to obtain the following rates:
– Budget Queen Rooms (queen bed): $84 per night
– Riverview Rooms (queen & single bed): $94 per night
– Two Bedroom Self Contained Villa (queen & 3 single beds): $129 per night for 1 person, each additional person $10 per night
Further information can be found here: https://riverfronthobart.com/stay/
The menu can be found here: https://riverfronthobart.com/eat/
Monday evening meal:
Fiona is organising a small group booking for interested conference delegates at the Riverfront Motel & Villas as they have a large dining room available. Delegates cover all their own costs for this meal. Please email Fiona asap if you are interested.
Tuesday evening – Conference Dinner
6.30pm at St. Albi, Moonah (venue to be confirmed).
Full registration includes the cost of the Conference Dinner – food only – purchase own drinks. Partners or family members also need to be paid in advance via the registration form below.
Conference enquiries
Fiona Hay, E: fiona.hay(is a dancing llama)education.tas.gov.au, T: 0409 435 750
Miriam McFarlane, E: miriam.mcfarlane(is a dancing llama)education.tas.gov.au">miriam.mcfarlane(is a dancing llama)education.tas.gov.au, T: 0468 540 025
Registration Form and Invoice
TALM is a non-profit organisation.
Thank you for your co-operation in this matter.
Delegate’s Name____________________________________________________________________
Delegate’s email address______________________________________________________________
School/College______________________________________________________________________
Dietary requirements
Gluten-free o Dairy-free o Vegan o Vegetarian o
Other (please specify):
Full registration
Full registration covers all day sessions, morning teas, lunches and Conference Dinner (purchase own drinks).
TALM member o $130
Non-member o $165
Part registration costs
TALM member: $50/day
non-member: $60/day
Dinner + Talk only: $60
Attending: Monday o Tuesday o Tuesday Dinner+Talk o Wednesday o
TOTAL payable: $
Payment options
1. Electronic:
The School/College finance staff:
please email confirmation of payment amount to:
mel.gleeson(is a dancing llama)education.tas.gov.au">mel.gleeson(is a dancing llama)education.tas.gov.au with the name(s) of the delegates and the days &/or dinner they are being paid for.
MyState Financial
BSB: 807-009 Account Number 12129978
Account Name: Tasmanian Association of Laboratory Managers
2. CHEQUE/MONEY ORDER:
Please ensure the name(s) of the delegates and the days &/or dinner they are being paid for are included with this payment.
Payment made out to Tasmanian Association of Laboratory Managers
Post to Mel Gleeson
TALM Treasurer
C/- Ogilvie High School
228 New Town Rd
NEW TOWN TAS 7008
5 – 7 October 2020
Skill-building: Environmentally Friendly Practices
Program
Program is subject to change. A detailed one will be available at the end of September.
Day 1 – registration from 11.00am – 11.30am. Finish 4pm
Professional Learning Institute, Glenorchy
Day 2 – 8.30-4pm
Sustainability Learning Centre, Hobart College, and Mt Nelson Fire Station, Mt Nelson
Day 3 – 9am to 2pm
Professional Learning Institute, Glenorchy
Please note: a goods exchange table will not be offered at this conference.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions we can only offer registrations for family members on Day 2 of this conference.
Conference enquiries to
Fiona Hay, E: fiona.hay(is a dancing llama)education.tas.gov.au, T: 0409 435 750
Miriam McFarlane, E: miriam.mcfarlane(is a dancing llama)education.tas.gov.au">miriam.mcfarlane(is a dancing llama)education.tas.gov.au, T: 0468 540 025
COVID-19 Safety measures
The conference will be guided by the current Tasmanian Government regulations current on the day.
TALM and our venues require the following:
Accommodation
Delegates will be responsible for arranging their own. See your school Business Manager for funding through the school P.L. budget. You may wish to enquire with the Tasmanian Government about the $100 ‘mid-week’ accommodation voucher.
Riverfront Motel & Villas are offering corporate rates for TALM conference delegates.
Riverfront Motel & Villas
11 Strathaven Drive, Rosetta 7010 (HOBART) Tasmania
Phone: 03 6272 6721 Fax: 03 6273 1061
Please mention that you are part of the TALM conference to obtain the following rates:
– Budget Queen Rooms (queen bed): $84 per night
– Riverview Rooms (queen & single bed): $94 per night
– Two Bedroom Self Contained Villa (queen & 3 single beds): $129 per night for 1 person,
each additional person $10 per night
Further information can be found here: https://riverfronthobart.com/stay/
The menu can be found here: https://riverfronthobart.com/eat/
Monday evening meal:
If there is sufficient interest from conference delegates we can arrange a group booking at a suitable venue.
Riverfront Motel & Villas have a large dining room available.
Delegates cover all their own costs for this meal.
Please email Fiona asap if you are interested.
Tuesday evening – Conference Dinner
6.30pm Venue to be confirmed
Full registration covers the cost of delegates meal – food only – purchase own drinks
Conference enquiries to
Fiona Hay, E: fiona.hay(is a dancing llama)education.tas.gov.au, T: 0409 435 750
Miriam McFarlane, E: miriam.mcfarlane(is a dancing llama)education.tas.gov.au">miriam.mcfarlane(is a dancing llama)education.tas.gov.au, T: 0468 540 025
Tasmanian Association of Laboratory Managers Annual Conference
Monday September 30 – Wednesday October 2, 2019
Science On the West Coast
Our North West members have been busy organising the Annual Conference at Waratah to be held at the end of term 3.
There will be a number of activities you can enjoy in and around Waratah, the details of which will be made available soon.
One of our guest speakers will update us on a new education resource the ORB. It is a collection of online resources to assist the teaching of Tasmanian Aboriginal Histories and Cultures. The ORB has been developed by Aboriginal Education Services, Department of Education, Tasmania and assists with incorporating and understanding the role of indigenous culture in all aspects of the curriculum, including science.
23 November 2017
MEDIA RELEASE: School laboratory safety: a vital issue
A recent incident in a NSW High School, where six students were hospitalised for chemical exposure, highlights the fundamental importance of laboratory safety in all Australian schools.
The Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA) and the Science Education Technicians Australia (SETA) strongly advocate for school laboratory safety. They recognise that supporting teachers and school laboratory technicians to safely manage hands-on activities will allow students to conduct real- life experiments. This will allow schools to deliver one of the key objectives of the National STEM School Education Strategy 2016-2026, endorsed by Australian Education Ministers as well as implementing the science inquiry component of the Australian Curriculum.
In 2014, ASTA developed an innovative, national advisory service called Science ASSIST. Science ASSIST was established to address a critical need—teachers of science and school laboratory technicians require good quality technical support to enable them to deliver opportunities for meaningful, practical activities for their students. The aim of the service is to improve the safety in the delivery of practical work conducted in school science lessons and to improve the general safety of school science laboratories.
“Educational research and teacher experience all affirm that practical experience in experimental work brings science alive for students. Laboratory learning environments encourage much sought after positive learning behaviours such as independence, critical thinking and problem solving. Laboratory experience is an essential element in increasing students’ enthusiasm for science, and in improving Australia’s performance in international benchmarking in science learning,” said Geoff Quinton, President, Australian Science Teachers Association.
Science ASSIST is the only service of its kind in Australia. It is a dynamic portal that provides school science educators with information, resources and consistent, well-researched, authoritative technical advice on school science laboratory safety and procedures in line with relevant state and territory requirements (https://assist.asta.edu.au/). The Q&A function is heavily subscribed with over 350 questions asked by educators in the school education sector.
This national initiative is currently supported by the Australian Government Department of Education and was developed to complement the service, technical advice and resources for school laboratory safety provided by each of the state and territory education jurisdictions.
It is currently freely available to ALL Australian schools from ALL education jurisdictions and sectors in EVERY state and territory.
A hallmark of Science ASSIST is the dynamic nature of the content and the capacity to respond to emerging national school science safety issues. For example, our response to Asbestos in mineral kits where the Science ASSIST team was instrumental in the issue of a national health and safety alert by the Heads of Workplace Safety Authorities.
Science ASSIST needs to be a part of every school STEM educators ‘tool kit’.
Geoff Quinton
President
Australian Science Teachers Association
For further information contact:
Vic Dobos, ASTA Chief Executive Officer, 0434 611 155
Margaret Croucher
President
Science Education Technicians Australia
Here are some photos of three of our members being recognised for the fantastic work that they do for TALM.
Annette McCarthy and Joy Arnott where awarded the June Whiteroad Award. This award recognises members who regularly participate and assist in TALM events. Congratulations to Joy and Annette.
Judy Wilton was presented with the John Drake Award for 20 years service congratulations Judy.
Annette McCarthy Presented with the June Whiteroad Award
Joy Arnott(left)Awarded with the June Whiteroad Award presenetd byMiriam
Judy Wilton (left) Presented with the John Drake presented by Miriam
