1. Just in Time PD for Unit 4. Each Thursday
VicPhysics has secured funding to enable the Just in Time program for Unit 3 that is currently running and is scheduled to finish this week, to be continued for Unit 4.
Each Thursday, two teachers share their plans for the week, starting 10 days ahead. This PD is for teachers teaching Unit 4 for the first time or seeking a refresher course. The sessions are online and from the broadcast studio at John Monash Science School, so participants are able to see demonstrations and other practical activities. The presenters are Kathryn Grainger and Dr Penny Hale from John Monash Science School
The one hour sessions start at 3:45pm with the last 15 mins for questions from participants. The series for Unit 3 sessions finish this week. As they are looking content to be covered in 10 days time, last week's session was about preparation for Unit 4. When you register you will get access to videos of these sessions.
Registration Fee: $60 with discounts available. To register click here. Click here for flyer
Limitation: Due to the conditions placed on the use of the studio, this event is only for teachers from Government and Catholic schools.
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2. 'I weighed a plane, while it was flying' A Youtube video
This fascinating video is one of several by Brian Haidet on his Alpha Phoenix channel. This particular video opens with a discussion of this cartoon, which Brian then personally demonstrates that it can be done.
He then talks about the forces on a small spring balance with a pan on top and decides to do a large-scale experiment, but with a large scale!
He had set up a 2m x 2m rigid board on a set of force sensors, which were connected to his computer, as a large top loading balance. He first tries some light masses, then a toy car moving across. Finally he throws a paper plane across. The display shows the effect of the air directed down by the plane, effectively the weight of the paper plane, (at 3:45 min). At this stage from an educational point of view the message has been presented, but the subsequent discussion and further experimentation is fascinating to watch. At about 26:00 min, he goes outside to see if he can measure the effect of a real plane flying overhead. Initially he has trouble, but has success in the end.
As a comment says 'This is a stunning example of science experiment, uncertainties, hypotheses, trial, errors, corrections, and most of all, fun and excitement.'
Mythbusters have done something similar with birds in a truck.
Other topics Brian has covered in the same experimental way are:
- Repeating the Fizeau experiment to measure the speed of light
- Doing the Veritasium thought experiment on electric circuits and the time for the light globe to turn on.
- Are solids really solid?
- How does a 'first surface' mirror work?
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3. Public Lecture: Laser Physics by Donna Strickland, Nobel Laureate, 6:00pm, Mon, 7th July RMIT
Venue: The Capitol, 113 Swanston St Melbourne
Professor Donna Strickland, a trailblazer in laser physics, was awarded the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics for her pioneering work in developing Chirped Pulse Amplification (CPA). This groundbreaking technique has revolutionized laser technology, enabling advancements in fields ranging from health to precision manufacturing.
This Lecture is part of the Australian Institute of Physics celebration of the UNESCO Year of Quantum Science and Technology. It is hosted by RMIT University's Centre of Applied Quantum Technologies and the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence Optical Microcombs for Breakthrough Science.
For a limited time*, IOP ebooks is offering the opportunity to download your FREE copy of The Ringed Planet (Second Edition) – a beautifully illustrated journey of discovery through the Saturn system.
Cassini's instruments have revealed never seen before details, including the only extraterrestrial lakes known in the solar system, and have provided unprecedented views of the rings, moons, and the planet itself. Results from Cassini's dramatic Grand Finale of ring-grazing and planet-skimming orbits are included in this expanded and updated second edition.
The author is Dr Joshua, a Planetary Scientist and Pegasus Professor of Physics at the University of Central Florida. His research interests are in the origin and evolution of the solar system, planet formation, planetary rings, asteroids, and comets. He worked on the Cassini mission from 1990 until 2017, and continues to analyze data from it.
Click here to request a copy. Offer closes 30th June. Click here to hear an interview with the author
5. Holiday Programs
a) Swinburne University, Friday 11th July 9:30am - 3:00pm, Hawthorn campus
The Swinburne Innovation in Action school holiday program is a 1-day program based at our Hawthorn campus where Year 10 - 12 students are given the knowledge and tools they need to come up with brilliant new ideas to solve real-world problems.
The program is free. Click here for the flyer. Click here to register.
b) Synchrotron Science Workshops, Tues 8th - 10th July, Australian Synchrotron
Hands-on physics lab sessions for Interactions of Light and Matter (Year 11 - 12) (Tues) and Synchrotron and its Applications (Year 10 - 12 (Weds). Participants can take part in experiments using specialised equipment to learn about the interaction of light and energy, nuclear physics, radioactivity and dark matter. The programs also include a tour of the Australian Synchrotron.
A new workshop is Colours of Light, aligned with the VCE Chemistry Curriculum, with hands-on experimental application of colorimetry and spectroscopy (Thurs, 3 hrs)
Cost*: $54.00 per participant for 4.5 hour program (plus $0.50 Humanitix fee)
$44.50 per participant for S&iA lab only (plus $0.50 Humanitix fee)
$44.50 per participant for 3 hour program (plus $0.50 Humanitix fee)
*Funded places: A limited number of funded places are available for participants to attend the Synchrotron Tours and Lab Sessions, who would not be able to attend without financial support.
For more details and for students to register click here
c) 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.
6. 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) The Science Behind Galaxy Quest, 6pm - 9pm, Thurs 14th August, RMIT
Professor Greentree will explore the scientific principles underlying the fictional universe of Galaxy Quest. From quantum mechanics to the physics of space travel, discover how the film's imaginative concepts intersect with real-world science. Whether you're a science enthusiast or a fan of the movie, this lecture promises to be both enlightening and entertaining.
Cost: Free, but seats are limited. Under 18 with parent or legal guardian
To register: click here.
c) 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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7. Events for Teachers
a) 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.
b) 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.
c) Industry Days for Teachers: 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:
- 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.
d) Out of Field PD: Forces & Motion (1 venue), Light & Sound (2 venues)
The format for each of the three events is 2 two-hour online sessions after school and one full day in person session in the week in between.
- Forces and Motion at Kew High School. Dates: 7th and 18th August after school and 14th August full day. Flyer
- Light and Sound at Kew High School. Dates: 21st August and 1st Sept after school and 28th August full day. Flyer
- Light and Sound in Moe Presented by Barbara McKinnon and Pete Furlong. Dates: 26th August and 9th Sept after school and 2nd Sept full day. Flyer
- Cost of events: $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 an event: Click on the link above.
e) 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.
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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) Helgoland: leading scientists reflect on 100 years of quantum physics and look to the future
An interview with three eminent physicists to reflect on Heisenberg’s contributions to quantum mechanics and look forward to the next 100 years of quantum science and technology. one of whom is Michelle Simmons from UNSW.
b) How quantum sensors could improve human health and wellbeing
Advances in quantum sensors could transform the worlds of medicine and healthcare. The article examines five of the most promising areas: Quantum sensors, Quantum diagnosis with point of care testing, Wearable healthcare, Body imaging, Microscopy limits.
c) Harmonious connections: bridging the gap between music and science
An extensive review of A Perfect Harmony: Music, Mathematics and Science by David Darling. Other books in this genre are: Peter Pesic’s Music and the Making of Modern Science, Susan Rogers and Ogi Ogas’ This Is What It Sounds Like, and Philip Ball’s The Music Instinct,
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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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