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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