Sciences learning area news

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Check in here regularly for news related to subjects in the Sciences learning area.

Free webinars for early career and returning P-10 Sciences teachers

27 February 2020

The QCAA is pleased to offer a series of webinars exploring the intent and structure of each of the eight P–10 Australian Curriculum (AC) learning areas including Sciences.

For teachers beginning their careers, or returning to the Sciences classroom, these webinars provide an opportunity to:

• investigate important features that support alignment of curriculum with classroom practice
• gain confidence in applying the common language of the curriculum to plan successful teaching and learning programs
• identify and unpack the cognitive verbs in the P–10 Australian Curriculum
• explore the selection and use of relevant teaching strategies to develop knowledge, skills, problem solving, and critical and creative thinking.

This professional development activity has relevance to elements of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers: two, three and six. In particular these webinars align with the following APST Focus areas:

• 2.2 Content selection and organisation
• 2.3 Curriculum, assessment and reporting
• 3.2 Plan, structure and sequence learning programs
• 3.3 Use teaching strategies.

Webinars for Sciences are on Tuesday 3 March and Thursday 19 March.

For more information and to register for these free webinars please visit the QCAA PD and Events page.

Literacy workshops: Extending higher-order reading strategies for Years 7–10

13 February 2020

Students need to use higher-order reading strategies to engage with and meet the differing literacy demands across the written, multimodal and online texts used in all learning areas.

The QCAA is running some practical workshops for educators to explore the literacy strategies students need for a range of purposes and applications, and to identify teaching strategies that strengthen those strategies.

Effective readers need a range of skills, including an ability to:

• read print, multimodal and online texts
• infer meaning from texts
• think critically to evaluate texts
• respond to complex questions about texts.

Who should attend:

• secondary teachers
• curriculum leaders
• literacy coaches
• learning support staff.

View the PD & events section for more information about, and to register for, the workshops.

Numeracy workshops: Data literacy and interpretation of graphical representations in Years 7–10

13 February 2020

Collecting, presenting, analysing and evaluating data feature in the curriculum content of most learning areas and are essential skills for investigation, inquiry and research.

State-wide trends in Queensland’s 2019 NAPLAN data show secondary students need additional support to strengthen their knowledge of data literacy and interpretation of graphical representations. The QCAA has created a numeracy workshop that uses current data trends to support teachers in enhancing students’ ability to investigate and make connections through the proficiency strands.

Who should attend:

• secondary teachers
• curriculum leaders
• numeracy coaches
• learning support staff.

View the PD & events section for more information about, and to register for, the workshops.

Heads of Department Networking forums

3 February 2020

To support schools to implement the new Sciences General syllabuses, the QCAA is inviting Heads of Department to networking forums across the state, starting in February.

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• discuss approaches to implementation of the 2019 General syllabuses
• develop and maintain collegial relationships with other Heads of Department
• strengthen local professional networks
• share ideas about best practice.

Places at each venue are limited so we ask that schools send only one Head of Department for the Sciences Learning Area.

For those who cannot attend in person, the QCAA is also hosting a webinar in March.

To register, please discuss with your school’s Principal’s delegate.

Preparing for endorsement event 2

15 January 2020

Schools are reminded that submissions for the second endorsement event are due by 5.00pm on Friday 31 January 2020. Assessments must be submitted via the Endorsement application in the QCAA Portal.

The QCAA has developed a wide range of resources to help schools develop and submit assessment for endorsement. These can be accessed via the QCAA Portal > Noticeboard > Developing and submitting assessment for endorsement — support resources. They include a resource for schools on the lessons learned from the first endorsement event.

Subject specific information is also available via the QCAA Portal > Syllabuses application. Select the Units 3 and 4 tab to access the endorsement submission information and quality assurance tools for each instrument.

Top tips for getting assessment endorsed

• Alignment: Ensure assessment instruments match syllabus topics, subject matter, and assessment objectives or specifications.
• Authenticity: Ensure assessment instruments are constructed so that students have an opportunity to provide unique responses. QCAA-developed sample assessments are in the public domain and cannot be submitted by schools for endorsement.
• Scope and scale: Be aware of the syllabus conditions (word length and time) to ensure that students can complete the assessment in sufficient depth to demonstrate the range of performance levels. Consider whether qualifiers such as ‘thorough’ or ‘concise’ analysis can be demonstrated within the word length or time constraint.
• Language: Use language that is clear, direct and accessible to students. Proofread to ensure there are no spelling, grammar or punctuation errors.

Key contacts

• Endorsement application access and user roles: email clientservices@qcaa.qld.edu.au or phone (07) 3864 0278.
• Using the endorsement application: email qau@qcaa.qld.edu.au, or phone (07) 3864 0375 or (07) 3120 6150.
• Subject-specific knowledge or instrument/item construction: contact the relevant learning area.

Sciences FAQs: Making changes to the data test marking scheme

15 August 2019

A new FAQ has been added for Sciences: How do I make changes to my data test marking scheme? See the Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

Sciences FAQs: IA3 research investigation claims

15 August 2019

A new FAQ has been added for Sciences: What sort of claims should I include on my IA3 research investigation? See the Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

Sciences PD at Emerald, Longreach and Roma in January 2020

27 November 2019

The QCAA is providing free professional development activities for all schools (from Prep to Year 12) in Emerald, Longreach and Roma areas in January 2020.

Covering curriculum and assessment topics across all schooling levels, QCAA staff will be presenting on, and discussing, Australian Curriculum and QCE system planning and quality assurance.

Sessions on the QCE system will include Sciences-specific syllabus conversations, as well as information about endorsement and confirmation processes.

Full program and registration

• Emerald (Thursday 23 January)
• Longreach (Friday 24 January)
• Roma (Thursday 23 January).

Final 2019 professional development opportunities

15 November 2019

The QCAA Sciences team will present workshops at a number of upcoming professional development events:

• STAQ Senior Science Conference 2019 at UQ, St Lucia, on 29 November
• Cutting Edge STEM Professional Learning Days at Griffith University, Gold Coast, on 2 December and Griffith University, Nathan, on 3 December.

The QCAA workshops will address:

• using external assessment resources
• learnings from endorsement event 1
• preparing for confirmation.

These events will also provide opportunities for teachers to broaden and strengthen their communities of practice around the new senior Science syllabuses.

Teachers of Agricultural Science and Marine Science: Become a QCAA assessor (endorsement)

15 November 2019

The QCAA is seeking applications from experienced teachers in Agricultural Science and Marine Science for QCAA assessor (endorsement) roles.

In the new QCE system, endorsement is the quality assurance process that ensures the quality and comparability of internal assessments.

Endorsers will:

• contribute to an important quality assurance process in the new QCE system
• gain first-hand experience of the endorsement process so they can inform their school’s approach to developing assessment
• increase their understanding of the new syllabuses and assessment specifications
• be able to record their training as continuing professional development with the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT)
• network with like-minded colleagues in their local area and from across Queensland at endorsement events.

Applications close on Friday 13 December 2019.

For more information and to apply, visit QCAA assessors.

PIEFA Food, Fibre and Foliage Education Roadshow

8 October 2019

The Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia (PIEFA) will present The Food, Fibre and Foliage Education Roadshow on 7 November at the RNA Showgrounds.

Themed ‘Primary STEM Integration Secondary Technology’, the roadshow will include presentations from:

• Julie King (ACARA Technologies specialist)
• Tim Gentle (Farm VR)
• Kim Bryceron (UQ) (augmented reality/mixed reality apps)
• John Mason (ACS Distance Education and the Australian Garden Society)
• Chantelle Sansness (QCAA).

The roadshow will be relevant to educators who teach Australian Curriculum Science, Technologies, and Mathematics, as well as the QCAA Sciences, Technologies, and Mathematics syllabuses.

For more information, visit the PIEFA website.

Become a QCAA assessor (confirmation)

27 September 2019

The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) is seeking applications from experienced teachers across all General and General (Extension) subjects for QCAA assessor (confirmation) roles.

In the new QCE system, confirmation is the process that examines the accuracy and consistency of teachers’ judgments about students’ responses to summative internal assessment instruments.

The QCAA employs and trains QCAA assessors (confirmation) to review student responses to summative internal assessment and make decisions about alignment between schools’ judgments and the ISMGs.

Confirmers will:

• contribute to an important quality assurance process in the new QCE system
• gain first-hand experience of the confirmation process so they can inform their school’s approach to assessment
• increase their understanding of the new syllabuses and instrument-specific marking guides
• be able to record their training as continuing professional development with the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT)
• network with like-minded colleagues in their local area and from across Queensland at confirmation events.

Applications close on Friday 11 October 2019.

For more information and to apply, visit QCAA assessors.

PD opportunities for Marine Science teachers

9 September 2019

The 2019 MTAQ conference — Waves of the Future — will run from Monday 23 September to Friday 27 September at Holloways Beach EEC and Cairns SHS.

The QCAA will present a session on Wednesday 25 September. This will be an opportunity to hear more about using mock and sample external assessment resources, the learning from endorsement event 1, and tips on preparing for confirmation. For more information, visit the conference website.

Following the MTAQ conference, there will be an additional CoralWatch professional development day on Saturday 28 September. This PD opportunity is separate from the MTAQ conference and will require a different registration process. For more information or to register, visit the CoralWatch workshop page.

STEM PD opportunities for teachers in Townsville and Cairns

9 September 2019

JCU’s College of Science and Engineering is holding free Experience STEM teacher workshops in Townsville (12 October) and Cairns (19 October).

Workshops address subject matter from new senior syllabuses such as Mathematics Methods, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Earth & Environmental Science, Psychology, Agricultural Practices and Aquatic Practices. For more information, go to the workshop page.

State library research resources

9 September 2019

The state library provides access to a research librarian who can:

• assist you with identifying and searching resources for your topic
• if appropriate, refer you to other resources or organisations to find what you need
• research your topic for up to one hour free of charge (with a maximum of six enquiries per calendar year per client). They will provide a response within 10 working days.

For more information, visit the State Library of Queensland website.

Work in the QCAA Sciences learning area

5 September 2019

The QCAA is advertising multiple permanent full-time vacancies for the role of Principal Education Officer (Sciences learning area). Applications close on 24 September 2019. Visit Smart jobs and careers for details on how to apply.

Mathematics and Science regional Queensland roadshows

4 September 2019

Academics from The University of Queensland’s School of Mathematics and Physics will be running professional development roadshows in regional Queensland to support teachers in developing their understanding of subject matter in the new QCE system syllabuses:

• Physics
• Mathematical Methods
• Specialist Mathematics.

Covering quantum theory and the standard model, statistics and open consultation, and proofs and matrices, respectively, the roadshows will be held at host schools in Gladstone, Bundaberg, Maryborough, Cairns, Townsville and Mackay.

View the roadshow page and flyer to find out more information about, or register for, the roadshows.

Applications open for the CSIRO 2019 Indigenous Stem Awards

4 September 2019

Applications for the CSIRO 2019 Indigenous STEM Awards are open from 2 September 2019 to 27 September 2019.

There are a 12 awards spanning seven categories including: high school and undergraduate students, STEM professionals, schools, teachers and mentors.

Visit the 2019 STEM Awards website for more information about the awards and how to nominate students, teachers, mentors and schools who may be suitable.

Applied syllabus PD workshops

3 September 2019

In October, the QCAA will be running professional development workshops for teachers of Applied subjects.

These workshops will provide practical advice and resources that teachers can use to develop a quality teaching, learning and assessment program for Applied subjects.

During the workshops, participants will be given opportunities to :

• gain an understanding of syllabus requirements and quality assurance processes for Applied subjects
• develop modules of work and assessment instruments for use in their school context
• make judgments about levels of achievement using standards matrixes.

Visit the QCAA PD & events page for more information about, or to register for, the workshops.

Protecting wetlands for the future

2 September 2019

MangroveWatch, in partnership with Earthwatch Australia, is establishing a three-year tidal wetland citizen science monitoring program in North Queensland.

As part of this program, Science and Geography teachers are being invited to attend a two-day MangroveWatch tidal wetland citizen science teacher training workshop. The workshops will be held in Cairns, Mackay, Yeppoon and Gladstone between October 2019 and February 2020. For more information, visit the MangroveWatch website or contact Sandra McCullough.

Data test webinar

28 August 2019

Early in Term 3, QCAA hosted a Blackboard Collaborate webinar to support teachers in developing authentic data tests. A recording of this webinar can be accessed using this link: Data test webinar. The link to this recording is also available under the Help link in the Endorsement application.

To view a Blackboard Collaborate recording, you will require a computer with JavaScript installed. If you have not used Blackboard Collaborate before, it will take a little time to download the installer before you can enter the session for the first time. You may see a security dialog box asking to confirm the application's digital signature. Click ‘Run’ to continue.

Enriching Science through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures webinar

21 August 2019

The cross-curriculum priority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures provides exciting opportunities to enrich learning within the Australian Curriculum.

The QCAA is hosting a webinar with guest speaker Joe Sambono, ACARA Curriculum Specialist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Priority and Science Curriculum. Joe is a Jingili man and zoologist who currently works with ACARA as a curriculum specialist in Science and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education.

This webinar will focus on how to enrich Science understanding through the Australian Curriculum cross-curriculum priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.

When: 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm on Wednesday 4 September 2019
Where: Webinar
Cost: Free
Register: Online Webinar - Enriching Science through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures

Free nuclear science teacher professional development day

19 August 2019

Hear from prominent scientists, learn about Australia's capabilities in nuclear science, participate in workshops and receive new educational resources.

Access a number of syllabus-focused educational resources to teach areas of the Year 9 Science curriculum and Year 12 Physics.

When: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm on Wednesday 18 September 2019
Where: Queensland Museum, Corner of Grey and Melbourne Streets, South Brisbane
Cost: Free (morning tea and lunch included)
Register: https://www.ansto.gov.au/education/teachers/professional-development

Nominate Queensland’s outstanding Physics teacher 2019

6 August 2019

The Australian Institute of Physics (Queensland Branch) is introducing an outstanding Physics teacher award. Open to all secondary high school Physics teachers, the award consists of a cash prize, plaque and certificate. If you know a suitable colleague or former teacher of your own, or have heard of an inspiring teacher in your circle of friends, please consider nominating them. Nominations addressing the selection criteria are due by Friday 23 August.

Brisbane Science Festival 2019

23 July 2019

The Brisbane Science Festival will run from Friday 16 August to Sunday 18 August inclusive.

The topics and the STEM careers day may be useful for students studying subjects in the Sciences learning area. There is also optional secondary teacher PD available and free coffee for all teachers who attend.

You can register via Eventbrite.

Professional development opportunities in Term 3

17 July 2019

Constructing data test webinars

The QCAA will present three webinars on constructing data tests ahead of the first endorsement event to be held in August 2019. These webinars will:

• review the syllabus specifications of the IA1 data test
• present a possible workflow for schools that are constructing data tests
• answer some frequently asked questions about data tests
• provide an opportunity for teachers to network and establish a community of practice to support data test construction.

The webinars will be hosted using Blackboard Collaborate and held at the following times:

• Friday 19 July: 8:00 am – 9:00 am (Registration code: WCDT10)
• Monday 22 July: 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm (Registration code: WCDT12)
• Tuesday 23 July: 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm (Registration code: WCDT102)

For more information or to register for either webinar, go to Constructing data test webinars.

Science Head of Department (HOD) forums

During Term 3, the QCAA will host forums for Science HODs to:

• discuss endorsement processes and mock external assessments
• examine approaches to implementation of the 2019 syllabuses
• share ideas about best practice
• network with other HODs.

The table below contains details of the forums. HODs should contact their local QCAA district coordinator to register.