Science Teachers’ Association of New South Wales Inc.
Providing leadership and promoting excellence in science education
Biology, Earth and Environmental & Senior Science Teachers Conference( BEESST)
Margaret Shepherd
Friday 24 March- The University of NSW( National Institute of Dramatic Arts)
A huge thank you to UNSW for their sponsorship of this event.
In 2017 the focus of the conference is around implementation of the new preliminary syllabus( for 2018), the new HSC( for 2019) and pedagogy to support successful depth studies in all three subjects Biology, Earth and Environmental science and Investigating Science.
The BEESST( Biology, Earth & Environmental Science & Senior Science Teachers’ Conference was sponsored by UNSW and held in the delightful NIDA building. 226 teachers registered for the event. The Conference opened with UNSW Professor Van Kranendonk, Head of School- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences welcoming all participants and discussing the state of Science Education at the moment. As teachers it is vital that we see what we do in the context of the wider political and social environment and attendance at conferences provides that opportunity.
Kerry Sheehan, NESA Science Inspector, started the morning and provided an inspiring talk about programming the new syllabuses for 2018 implementation.
Two Keynote presentations provided science in areas of expertise thus enabling us, as teachers, not only to keep our knowledge current, but also to gain a deeper understanding of issues so that we can provide our students with insights and inspiration to engage with scientific issues. This year Tom Cresswell from ANSTO and Charley Lineweaver from ANU spoke and engaged teachers.
The many workshops, presentations and discussions were lively and informative and the networking opportunities were wonderful. STANSW’ s subject based conferences help provide the participants with relevant material that can be easily transferred into the classroom and laboratory. Many thanks to all presenters who volunteered hours of their time in support of their colleagues in the profession.
BEESST PROGRAM – REFER TO APPENDIX
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