My Cart

Program now available! Click here to download. Scroll down to register. 

Sponsorship opportunities are available here.

13 & 14 April 2026

Conference Theme: Cultivating Curiosity

The 2026 SASTA Annual Conference theme, Cultivating Curiosity, invites educators to explore how we nurture curiosity in science classrooms—from the first question to the final reflection. Curiosity is at the heart of scientific thinking, and this year’s theme highlights the teaching practices, learning environments and real-world connections that help students stay engaged, ask better questions and think deeply about the world around them. We’re seeking presentations that showcase practical strategies, innovative ideas and inspiring approaches across all year levels and school contexts.

We are pleased to share the full program for the 2026 SASTA Annual Conference. This year’s program reflects the depth of expertise, generosity and professional commitment across our science education community.

Across two days, Cultivating Curiosity comes to life through keynote addresses, Cutting Edge research sessions and a broad range of classroom-focused workshops.

Keynote Presentations

Our keynote speakers bring significant scientific expertise and real-world perspective to this year’s conference.

From DNA tools helping combat illegal logging in global supply chains to world-leading advances in photonics and light science, our keynote sessions connect South Australian research to global challenges. These presentations offer insight into contemporary science while inviting us to consider how we engage students with complex and evolving scientific ideas.

Cutting Edge Sessions

Our Cutting Edge sessions showcase current research shaping the world our students are growing up in.

Topics this year include cancer treatment and the gut microbiome, Australian climate and drought research, the science of pain, and South Australia’s globally significant Ediacaran and Cambrian fossil record. These sessions are designed to make contemporary research accessible and relevant, equipping teachers with context, content knowledge and stories that enrich classroom learning. With more to be confirmed!

Workshop Presentations

At the heart of the conference are the workshops, designed and led by educators and science professionals working directly with schools.

Spanning Reception to Year 12, workshops focus on practical classroom strategies, including:

  • Strengthening inquiry and questioning
  • Explicit instruction and daily review in science
  • Embedding Aboriginal Knowledges and perspectives
  • Using dataloggers, robotics and digital tools
  • Connecting learning to sustainability, space science and contemporary STEM industries
  • Supporting literacy and differentiation in science classrooms

Many sessions are closely aligned to Australian Curriculum v9.0 and SACE, with ideas that can be implemented immediately. Double-session workshops provide opportunities for deeper exploration for those wanting additional time to build confidence and capability.

The SASTA Annual Conference is, above all, a professional gathering of colleagues committed to high-quality science education in South Australia. We encourage you to explore the program, consider what will support your professional growth, and join us in April as we continue cultivating curiosity together.

Public Transport — Getting to Morialta Secondary College

Morialta Secondary College is well served by Adelaide Metro bus services, with several stops located within a short walking distance of the campus.

Nearby Bus Stops

The following bus stops are approximately 5–10 minutes’ walk from the college:

  • Stop 21B — St Bernards Rd (West side)
  • Stop 22 — Moules Rd (North side)
  • Stop 22 — Moules Rd (South side)
  • Stop 21B — St Bernards Rd (East side)
  • Stop 22 — Reid Ave (North side)
  • Stop 20 — Arthur St (South side)

Bus Routes Serving the Area

The following Adelaide Metro bus routes stop near Morialta Secondary College:

  • H20
  • 580
  • H30
  • H30S
  • X30
  • X30S
  • 530
  • H30C
  • H20C
  • H20R
  • H33

Bus services to the college operate from across the Adelaide metropolitan area, with convenient connections via the CBD and Paradise Interchange.

For timetables and route planning, please visit the Adelaide Metro website or use your preferred public transport app.

Sponsored by

Beyond Horizon VR

 Beyond Horizon VR

Credit Union SA

Credit Union SA Logo transparent

TeachTEK / RealityTEK

TeachTek

Thinking Mode

Thinking Mode

 

Exhibitors

ANZUK Education

6977 full black anzuk logo

Australian Academy of
Technological Sciences and Engineering

 ATSE lockup K 1 730x256

Haines Educational

 Haines Educational

Inspire STEM Education Australia

 Inspire STEM

KESAB enviromental solutions

KESAB 1

Modern Teaching Aids

MTA Logo Stacked RGB (1)

Pearson

Pearson

Robinson Aerospace

Robinson Aerospace Systems

Scientrific - Vernier

Scientrific

Snowy STEM Academy - Snowy Hydro

Snowy STEM Academy

South Australian Museum

 SA Museum

Southern Cross Science

 Southern Cross Science

Stile Education

 Stile Education 2

Teachers Health Fund

 Teachers Health

2026 SASTA Annual Conference

The 2026 SASTA Annual Conference theme, Cultivating Curiosity, invites educators to explore how we nurture curiosity in science classrooms—from the first question to the final reflection. Curiosity is at the heart of scientific thinking, and this year’s theme highlights the teaching practices, learning environments and real-world connections that help students stay engaged, ask better questions and think deeply about the world around them.

Details

Date:

Time: 8.30am - 5.30pm

Venue: Morialta Secondary College

Earlybird cutoff: 20/03/2026 (no longer available)

Bookings close: 08/04/2026

Event Pricing

Type Regular price
Non-Member (1 day) $315.00
Personal Member (1 day) $190.00
Personal Member - Lab Officer (1 day) $160.00
SASTA Student Member (1 day) $72.50
Corporate Member (SA School) (1 day) $250.00
Corporate Member (Business or Interstate School) (1 day) $250.00
Life Member (1 day) $190.00
Retired Member (1 day) $190.00
Joint Member (1 day) $190.00
Presenter (Non-Member) (1 day) $160.00
Presenter (Member) (1 day) $95.00
Presenter (Corporate - SA School) (1 day) $125.00
1st Year of Teaching SASTA Member (1 day) $190.00
2nd Year of Teaching SASTA Member (1 day) $190.00
Type Regular price
Non-Member (2 days) $460.00
Personal Member (2 days) $275.00
Personal Member - Lab Officer (2 days) $230.00
SASTA Student Member (2 days) $125.00
Corporate Member (SA School) (2 days) $370.00
Corporate Member (Business or Interstate School) (2 days) $370.00
Life Member (2 days) $275.00
Retired Member (2 days) $275.00
Joint Member (2 days) $275.00
Presenter (Non-Member) (2 days) $345.00
Presenter (Member) (2 days) $205.00
Presenter (Corporate - SA School) (2 days) $275.00
1st Year of Teaching SASTA Member (2 days) $275.00
2nd Year of Teaching SASTA Member (2 days) $275.00
Presenter Non-Commercial (Member) (2 days) $205.00
Exhibitor Registration (2 days) $90.00
Exhibitor Registration (2 days) $90.00

Description

The 2026 SASTA Annual Conference theme, Cultivating Curiosity, invites educators to explore how we nurture curiosity in science classrooms—from the first question to the final reflection. Curiosity is at the heart of scientific thinking, and this year’s theme highlights the teaching practices, learning environments and real-world connections that help students stay engaged, ask better questions and think deeply about the world around them.

Available sessions   Book now