1. July Lectures in Physics: Fridays in July
The University of Melbourne annual lecture series start in a few weeks. The lectures begin at 6pm and there are refreshments afterwards. The lectures are:
- 4th July, Pacific Sky Knowledge with Prof Clive Ruggles, University of Leicester
- 11th July, Quantum biotechnology and quantum sensing with A/Prof David Simpson, University of Melbourne
- 18th July, Quantum Computing: from Science Fiction to Powerful Technology with Dr Josh Combes, University of Melbourne
- 25th July, Quantum century: Unlocking the universe’s secrets and shaping our future with Dr Danielle Holmes, UNSW
- 1st August, The science and stories of Melbourne's particle accelerators with Dr Adam Steinberg, University of Melbourne
For the abstracts of the series and bookings, please click here. The events are free.
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2. Public Lecture The End of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking) with Dr Katie Mack from Perimeter Institute, 6:00pm, 15th July, Swinburne University
Abstract: The Big Bang theory tells us how the universe began—but how does it end?
In this gripping talk, Dr Katie Mack dives into modern astrophysics to uncover the ultimate fate of the cosmos. From heat death and vacuum decay to the Big Crunch and more, she’ll take us on a journey through the wildest physics, catastrophic scenarios, and mind-bending possibilities that await the universe.
Bio: Dr Katherine (Katie) Mack holds the Hawking Chair in Cosmology and Science Communication at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. Her research focuses on dark matter, the early universe, and the fate of the cosmos. Katie is also one of the most recognisable voices in science communication online, with hundreds of thousands of followers across BlueSky, Instagram, and Facebook. Katie's book , New Scientist review
Date and Time: 15th July, 6:00pm refreshments, 6:30pm - 7:30pm Lecture
Venue: AMDC 301 Hawthorn campus, Swinburne University
Cost: $15 to book: click here.
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3. Science Communication Panel: Telling the Stories of the Universe. For secondary and tertiary students, 3pm, 15th July, Swinburne University
An inspiring and interactive panel discussion featuring some of astrophysics’ most passionate science communicators. Whether you're dreaming of a career in STEM or just curious about how scientists connect with the world, this panel will explore how we can share the wonder of the universe with everyone, from the classroom to TikTok.
The panel includes: Dr Katie Mack (see bio under item 2), Dr Sara Webb (Swinburne, her website), Rami Mandow (CSIRO Parkes, SpaceAustralia.com) and Dr Kirsten Banks (UNSW, her website). Prof Alan Duffy is the MC. (Swinburne, his website)
Audience: This session is aimed at upper secondary and tertiary students.
Date and Time: 15th July, 3:00pm to 4:00pm
Venue: AMDC 301 Hawthorn campus, Swinburne University (in-person event, recording will be made available)
Cost: Free, to book: click here.
4. The Independent Review of VCAA: Vicphysics Survey
Vicphysics will be making a submission to the VCAA review, see below for details of the review. We plan to acknowledge those aspects of its work that effectively support teachers, to ensure these are retained, as well as identifying aspects that could be improved.
To assist with that task we have prepared a survey for teachers.
Please take a few minutes in the next week to complete the survey. Your responses will guide the preparation of the submission. Vicphysics appreciates the support of Deakin University in setting up this survey.
The survey addresses areas such as:
- The Units 3 and 4 assessment tasks, in particular their scope, links to the content and workload for teachers and students,
- The audit process, both in terms of workload on teachers and the quality of the feedback,
- The exam process,
- Regular reviews of study designs.
Stage 2 of the review will include a review of the VCAA’s structure, operations, culture and capability, including benchmarking and comprehensive consultation with VCAA staff and key stakeholders. Teacher associations are planning to make submissions as teachers are impacted by the products and advice from VCAA. Submissions are now open and close on 30th June,
5. Events for Students
a) Girls in Physics Breakfasts
The support of the Invergowrie Foundation has enabled Vicphysics to increase the subsidy for the student fee for the regional breakfasts. The fee this year is now $15.
 a) Geelong, 14th August. i) How important are powders? ii) Rethinking Waste: Engineering a Circular Future with Negin Amini and Sirjana Adhikari, Deakin University Bookings open Closing date: 4th August Flyer is available
b) Traralgon, 27th August. Molecular Movies with X-ray lasers with A/Prof Nadia Zatsepin, Swinburne University. Bookings Open. Closing date: 18th August Flyer is available
Starting Times in 2025. This year the metropolitan events will start at 8:00am and the regional events will start at 8:30am.
b) VCE Revision Lecture: Hybrid. Sunday, 14th September, Swinburne University
This year's Revision Lecture will be held on Sunday, 14th September from 10:00am until 2:50pm.
It will be offered as a hybrid event, on-line and in person at the Hawthorn campus.
The presenter will be Colin Hopkins OAM. The on-line chat room will have experienced teachers available to answer questions.
Lunch will be provided by Swinburne University for the students.
Swinburne University will also provide campus tours and their Astro tour at lunchtime. These can be booked at Registration on the day.
The cost is $28.00 inc GST and participants will get access to revision material. Teachers can attend at no cost when accompanying their students, otherwise the cost is $28.00. The flyer has more information.
Students can book at this webpage for the Students on the Vicphysics website, where there is additional information, payment must be by credit card. Teachers can book their students at this webpage and pay for them by either credit card or by EFT.
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6. Events for Teachers
a) Industry Days for Teachers: Swinburne, Warrnambool, Mildura and Bendigo
The Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) is running a FREE professional development series designed to connect teachers with real-world applications of maths in industry. The program is for maths teachers, STEM teachers and careers advisors. The dates are:
- Swinburne University of Technology: Weds, 18th June
- Deakin University Warrnambool: Tues, 12th August
- La Trobe University Mildura: Thurs, 28th August
- La Trobe University Benigo: Tues, 9th September
This flyer has more information. Check here for program details and to register.
b) Out of Field PD: Light & Sound
The Out of Field PD continues in 2025.
- Light and Sound in Moe in 2 two-hour online sessions after school and one full day in person session. Presented by Barbara McKinnon and Pete Furlong. Dates: 26th August and 9th Sept after school and 2nd Sept full day. Flyer
- Cost of event: $330 per participant with a discount for teachers from Government schools and from schools with a low ICSEA rank. Discounted cost is $220.
To Book the event: Click on the link above.
c) PD Events in September
a) A Microcredential in Physics Skills Enhancement. Begins 25th August
This specialised course offers foundational physics knowledge and skills essential for physics-driven STEM fields, opening doors for Australians from diverse backgrounds to engage with AUKUS and the nuclear industry. It is offered by Flinders University in SA. It is a hybrid course with an online component plus 2 Lab days at the Bedford Park campus. The Lab days are for Stream 1: Sept 23 & 24 and for Stream 2: Sept 30 & Oct 1
The contact time is 35 hours. There is a course fee, but there are fee waivers (35 in total) for registered teachers plus scholarships for interstate teachers toward travel/accommodation.
This flyer has more details of the program. To register your interest, please email ASAP to reserve the tuition fee waiver spots.
b) International Astronautical Congress, Sydney, 29th Sept to 3rd Oct
Advance notice of an international science conference that will include a component for science teachers. There is also expected to be support to enable interstate teachers to attend. More details will be available in Term 3.
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Items selected from PhysicsWorld (UK) and Physics Today (US). Each item below includes the introductory paragraphs and a web link to the rest of the article.
a) The 'Trump uncertainty principle’ is destroying the position and momentum of US science
Robert P Crease believes the Trump administration isn’t just punishing US science – it’s destroying it.
b) The impact on space physics
A report from the Royal Society Conference on the Future of the UK space sector and how the conference did not address the 'elephant in the room'. Image of the cancelled programs can be accessed here.
c) People benefit from medicine, but machines need healthcare too
Article on the intriguing similarities between how we monitor the health of machines and our own human bodies.
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i) Vicphysics Membership and Access to the Teachers' Resources on the website.
Vicphysics has changed its membership structure, benefits and fees. Previously, a subscription to the website resources was separate from being a member of Vicphysics. Access to website resources is now being included as one of a number of member benefits.
Membership benefits include:
- access to teacher resources section of the website
- discounts to attend conferences, in-services, etc,
- certification for attending each PD event,
- PL certificate for committee meetings supplied at the end of the calendar year and
- voting rights.
Membership fees are: Individual: $60, Retired: $40, Student (tertiary): $40, School: $120.
Vicphysics also offers a Resources Access Only option without the discounts and other benefits listed above. The fees for this option are the same as above.
Existing subscribers currently receive discounts, which will cease when their subscription expires. At that point, subscribers will need to choose between the two options above for continued access to the Teacher resources.
We are looking forward to increasing the membership base of Vicphysics and to fostering member input into our extensive range of activities from Physics teaching professional learning such as our recent SAC PD events or the Physics Teachers Conference to supporting activities for students, such as the Luna Park Physics Days or photo and poster competitions.
You can join us here!
ii) Vicphysics Forum: Tips and Questions for the Physics Teaching Community
The Vicphysics Teachers’ Network has set up an online Forum for teachers to raise issues, seek ideas, offer suggestions, etc.
Link here directly, or look out for it on our webpage where it can be found at the top right of our home page.
We hope it will be an opportunity for mutual professional development.
The forum is open to all teachers. If you are a subscriber, you can log in the usual way. If you are not a subscriber, you can register to use the forum at ‘My Account’. Given the purposes of this Forum, we ask that you use your real name when generating a topic or lodging a post.
We hope this Forum will become a valuable medium for exchanging ideas as we begin planning the new study design.
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