Session C

Session No.

Workshop

 Presenter

Description

 Location

1

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives in Science, a practical workshop

David Harrington

This 1 hour workshop will provide background information and hands on opportunities to explore practical examples that illustrate Indigenous science concepts contained in the senior science syllabi. The content is applicable for Chemistry, Biology, Earth and Environmental Science and Investigating Science and can also be extended to illustrate Physics content. Demonstrations and hands on activities will include the treatment of toxic compounds in foods, bush medicines, soaps and antiseptics, ochre, stone tool construction and mining, with additional workshop material informing fire management and firestick farming, issues pertaining to Indigenous Intellectual Property, land rights and natural resource management. The workshop will provide background information, practical notes and WHS advice for each activity as well as ideas regarding sourcing appropriate materials, engaging with your local AECG and Elders and culturally sensitive approaches to teaching and resourcing this material. The presenter, Dave Harrington, is an educator, ethnobotanist and researcher with a 25 year career working collaboratively with Aboriginal communities to record, preserve, protect and communicate cultural knowledge

David currently provides consultation to the education sector regarding teaching Indigenous Sciences including with the Sydney Arch Diocese and the DET Aboriginal Wellbeing Team

In this action packed session we take a deep dive into how you can improve and fine tune your skills as a laboratory professional. This is truly a workshop for the individual who would like to take their science department to the next level and influence their colleagues with impressive management skills. Topics covered will include:

• Communication – How to communicate effectively and clearly with your colleagues.
• Sharing your ideas and getting buy-in from the team
• The ability to support your team by building their competence (ability to do the job well) and their confidence (the ability to do the job independently)
• To confidently delegate to staff knowing that the job will get done well
• Have constructive conversations with colleagues to build and strengthen relationships
• To look honestly and critically at your own leadership style – recognise & celebrate your strengths; and identify areas for development

All attendees will receive a complimentary gift from Westlab’s range of Innovative products

Microbiology and antibiotic resistance

Prepare your own DNA which you will take away wearing in a pendant!

In this session, cells from the inside of your mouth (buccal cells) are harvested, lysed, enzyme treated and the DNA extracted. This DNA is then collected, sealed in a glass pendant and worn around your neck.

In Da’ Pendant Genes is an activity that was adapted for the Queensland Government’s BioBus mobile biotechnology exhibition for schools and is an excellent example of DNA extraction. This simple lab activity requires no specialized equipment or stains, yet allows you to conduct a real-world laboratory procedure that can be used to extract high quality DNA from a wide variety of organisms. This DNA could be used in a number of further laboratory applications if desired.

All participants will receive an Instruction Manual for this activity.

So, you have a PhD in Chemistry, can run a photosynthesis experiment while holding your breath - and the Physics teacher needs a hand setting up 20 investigations! Oh no!

You’re not alone! Many laboratory staff have had little exposure to Physics, particularly of the breadth included in the new senior science programs.

This session will focus on a few key areas - thermodynamics, motion, electromagnetic induction, video analysis - covering off on the set up, real versus theoretical data and more. Doug Bail has been teaching, writing and running teacher workshops ons secondary Physics for more than 30 years. That old adage that “If its Physics, it doesn’t work” just doesn’t apply. The session is intended to give you the fundamental skills and some useful experimental approaches to be able to point that Physics teacher in the right direction and assist with both standard practicals and potential detailed studies. Questions are welcomed as time allows and the session is intended to be flexible to meet the needs of attendees.