New Zealand Science Teacher

New Zealand’s SciCon2014 promises to inspire

03/04/2014

Head to Dunedin in July to immerse yourself in everything science education.

Spice up your winter by attending Wild Science : SciCon2014 in Dunedin.

From July 6–10, science teachers will gather to attend the NZASE’s biennial conference; to meet with each other, share ideas, and get inspired.

Co-coordinator and NZASE president Steven Sexton says the conference offers delegates the opportunity to learn from experts in the field. There will be presentations by Otago University departments, and lectures from world-leading scientists. SciCon2014 is conveniently timed to coincide with the New Zealand Science Festival: ‘Science with Bite ’, also held in Dunedin. Delegates should be able to attend Festival events as applicable.

The opportunity to make connections has always been an important feature of SciCon. Delegates are able to connect with other teachers, from primary to tertiary; researchers and scientists; companies that produce resources for science education; and innovative science happening locally.

The ‘Wild Science’ theme relates to Dunedin’s rugged Southern location. “If delegates are going to come all this way, we want them to experience what Dunedin has to offer,” says Steven, who also points out 2014 marks the first time in 16 years SciCon will be held in the city.

On offer are field trips to local hubs of science and innovation, such as the Cadbury factory and Speights Brewery. Dunedin boasts sites of natural history significance, too: delegates can visit the Polaris vessel, see penguins, and experience New Zealand’s only mainland albatross colony.

World-renowned evolution and Darwin expert, and science educator Professor William McComas is a confirmed keynote speaker.

Other SciCon2014 speakers include:

• Professor Richard Blaikie, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Otago
• Professor Jean Fleming, Professor of Science Communication, University of Otago
• Professor William McComas, University of Arkansas
• Professor Christine Winterbourn, Centre for Free Radical Research.

Primary teachers

The Tuesday of the conference will be dedicated to primary teachers, and there is a special day rate available for these delegates. Please see this page for more information.

Conference details

SciCon2014 dates: July 6 – July 10, 2014

Earlybird registrations close: April 17

Standard registrations close: May 30

Venue: Otago Boys’ High School, 2 Arthur St, Dunedin (pictured)

For registration and other information please click here.