Since 1984 the Science Foundation for Physics and the School of Physics have hosted a two-day in-service training workshop for physics teachers in NSW and the ACT. Held every two years at the University of Sydney, up to 140 science teachers enjoy a packed program of inspiring talks and lectures and a choice of hands-on workshops covering a wide aspect of teaching practices, ideas for class activities and discussion groups.

In recent years the STW's have focussed on the new physics syllabus in NSW, with sessions allowing teachers and physicists to discuss and debate the more challenging aspects of the new syllabus document. The workshops allow teachers to encounter cutting-edge physics research, to hone their skills through sessions concentrating on practical demonstrations of physics concepts, and to share resources and strategies for the physics classroom.

Since 2002 the Science Teachers' Workshop also went on the road: Academics from the School of Physics and education researchers from UniServe Science travelled to Dubbo in western NSW and Coffs Harbour on the North Coast to run workshops for local teachers. Feedback from these smaller workshops show they are greatly valued by the local teachers who find it difficult to travel to Sydney for the main STW event.

For more information about the Kickstart program go to: http://www.physics.usyd.edu.au/schools_community/kickstart.shtml

For more information call Alexandra Viglienzone on (02) 9036 6188.