Held on June 23, 2025, the STANSW K–10 Conference brought together primary and secondary science teachers, researchers, curriculum experts, scientists, exhibitors and publishers at Macquarie University for a dynamic day of professional learning focused on sparking curiosity and strengthening scientific skills in primary and secondary classrooms.
The day commenced with a Welcome to Country by Leanne King of Walanga Muru, followed by an opening by Professor Nathan Hart on comparative neurophysiology and its connection to scientific inquiry. We then presented the STANSW Distinguished Service Awards and listened to a compelling keynote delivered by Dr Phoebe Meagher from Taronga Zoo. Phoebe's keynote highlighted the transformative role of science, technology, AI, and innovation in wildlife conservation.
The Keynote: How Technology, A.I and Innovation in Science is Making a Difference in Wildlife Conservation, Dr Phoebe Meagher
STANSW 2025 K-10 Conference Plenary: Dr Phoebe Meagher
Listen to the full plenary and keynote, view the presentation here.
STANSW Distinguished Service Awards
Awards were presented to Andrew, Eaton, Helen Georgiou, Erin Munn, Sham Nair, Mora Soliman and Visnja Aw for their contribution to science education and STANSW.
A day of workshops and learning
Primary attendees engaged in short, high-impact “round-robin” workshops designed to make science accessible and exciting for primary classrooms. These included hands-on sessions on mini terrariums; observation skills; data logging; curriculum priorities; fair testing; body systems; astronomy; embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in science education; AI and augmented reality.
In the secondary streams, presenters tackled data science and data analysis without tears; microbiology in the 7–10 classroom; explicit teaching in science; 50°C: climate, heat & resilience; coding games; cooling our communities; hands-on with indigenous science; planning and conducting safe and practical investigations; what drives Earth’s climate; investigations with everyday materials; using bioinformatics in real-world investigations; and creating good futures.
The day finished with a panel discussion on the new science curriculum skills continuum, empowering teachers to feel more confident with new science syllabus implementation across different stages.
With strong engagement across sectors, the event showcased the power of science education to inspire curiosity, creativity, and culturally responsive learning from Kindergarten to Year 10.
Our sponsors and exhibitors
At the conference, teachers connected with event sponsors and exhibitors to hear about the latest resources and opportunities for science teachers. Big thanks to ANZUK Education, Oxford University Press, Future You, Cambridge, Nelson Cengage, Jacaranda, Britannica Education, Matilda Education, Pearson Australia, Sydney Zoo, and AusEco Education for their involvement.
Sydney Zoo brought along some scale-y friends
The panel discussion
View the full panel discussion recording, featuring Shirley Casper (Educational Consulant), Josh Botto (Cranbrook School), Margaret Shepherd (ASTA), Sham Nair (NSW DoE), Anne Forbes (Macquarie University) here.
Join us at the Secondary Conference
Join fellow secondary science educators at the STANSW Secondary Science Teachers Conference, Change Agents: Inspiring Science Education (CAISE).
Hosted by OLMC Parramatta on Monday, August 11th during National Science Week, this dynamic one-day event is designed to invigorate your teaching and connect secondary science teachers with a passionate community of professionals.
We’ll explore the latest developments in the NSW Science Syllabus, delve into innovative pedagogical approaches and provide practical strategies to take back to the classroom. Register by 1 August 2025: https://stansw.asn.au/event/2025-stansw-secondary-science-teachers-conference-7-12/
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