As the #CONASTA64 kaleidoscope rolled into action on Day 1, it provided a myriad of wonder and opportunity. From the outset, the Welcome to Country gave us all goose bumps.
Next up it was a privilege to hear from keynote speaker Professor Fiona Woods who recognised the role of her science teachers at the start of her eminent career. It is a similar acknowledgement to that of dignitary Lyn Beazley whom the Step Up team has also been fortunate enough to meet up with this week.
There were also over 60 workshops to choose from on the first day of CONASTA64. Ally and I received a hands-on introduction to ‘doing’ science when we used a soldering iron to build an origami microscope. The origami microscope is a paper microscope that students can make themselves from components that only cost a few dollars. Professor Robert McLaughlin and his team have developed the pack for secondary school students as part of a Science Outreach Project at UWA.
Another interesting workshop was the application of light in forensic science by Ivana Poulton and Milutin Stoilovic (Optimum Technology) which coupled well with the Keynote presentation by Professor Simon Lewis (Curtin University) on forensic exchange evidence. Non-destructive optic techniques are at the forefront in any crime scene investigation. Light can be used to gather information in all fields of forensic sciences such as document examination, fingerprint detection, shoe print recording, biological fluids detection etc. In Ms Poulton’s workshop we saw luminol in action and footprints fluoresce in blue light after the application of magnetic powders. It’s easy to see how students would be readily engaged in these techniques which are used by professional crime scene officers and police worldwide.
There is a wealth of activity at CONASTA64. Karen had a front row position at the launch of the Primary Australian Literacy Mathematics & Science (PALMS) Program which aims to enrich and support the teaching of earth science from Kindergarten to Year 5 across Australia.
Plus there is plenty of opportunity for networking and sharing jokes!
