The annual conference of QLD Education Science Technicians focusing on Professional Development workshops and information sessions. ConQEST is traditionally held on the first Monday and Tuesday of the Queensland June school holidays. ConQEST is held at Brisbane Boys Grammar School, Gregory Tce, Spring Hill.
ConQEST 2012 will be held 25 & 26 June 2012
Program to be finalised
QEST would like to thank these businesses for their generous support of ConQEST 2011.
Final Programme for ConQEST 2011
Thank you for your interest in ConQEST 2011.
ConQEST 2011 is specifically targeted at building practical knowledge and skills for School Science officers in critical demand areas. This year, ConQEST is offering some highly relevant hands-on exposure to laboratory technology and procedures. This means that each workshop has some unique requirements. For this reason, ConQEST workshop co-ordinators have requested that participants come adequately prepared for their workshop sessions. Some sessions require the participant to bring their own safety glasses and lab coats; and to wear appropriate footwear. Other sessions require participants to bring microscopes and data on USBs; whilst others have a small additional surcharge to cover materials. While the QEST Committee has endeavoured to provide all resources possible, please carefully read the requirements for each workshops taking note of requirements, session limits and additional charges.
Please note that this year, all notes and session details will be provided to participants electronically. This means that you can attend your preferred sessions and still have access to information from all the other sessions presented.
For those of you with purchasing authority, Trade Display holders will be available to provide expert advice and assist with purchasing requirements. In addition, the QEST Committee will have QEST merchandise for sale and there will be a SWAP and GO session at morning tea on both days for SOOs to exchange surplus lab equipment and fantastic ideas.
You will need to review the program below before making your choices. You will be automatically registered for attendance at the keynotes and AGM. The conference dinner will be held on Monday night at the Normanby Hotel and will incur an extra expense.
| Registration | Online registration will be active via the QEST website from 4 pm Friday 6th May. Registration closes 4 pm Tuesday 14th June 2011. | |
| Cost | QEST Members 2 days (27th/28th) Non Members 2 days (27th/28th) QEST Members 1 day only Non Members 1 day only | $90.00 $110.00 $50.00 $60.00 |
Once registered, you will receive an invoice from QEST 5-7 working days after registration. Please forward this invoice to your Finance Department for payment.
Accommodation: It is the Delegate’s responsibility to arrange their own accommodation if they wish to stay in Brisbane for the duration of the Conference. Please refer to Accommodation Options for information about nearby accommodation.
Monday June 27 2011
ConQEST 2011Final program for Monday
| 7.45 - 8.45 am | Registration & Trade Displays | ||
| 8.45 am | Welcome Housekeeping | Mandy Timmers, QEST President | Welcome address, additional information required by delegates, housekeeping |
| 9.00 - 10.00 am | Keynote address | Dr Greg Young, Australian Centre for Deep Brain Stimulation | If our education system was an organism it would be an endangered species. Trust, resilience and classic business mantra restrict our current curriculum evolution processes to a gene pool on par with the panda. With crowd knowledge management techniques I will show how the whole village can once again raise a child. Keynote- Open session for all delegates |
| 10.00 - 10.30 am | Union groups | Des Holloway, QPSU Union Organiser QIEU Union Representative | Overview of Union contribution to your rights in the workplace, what the future holds for Education members, Q&A session. Note that questions for Union Organisers must be submitted to the QEST President in writing at registration on Monday 27th for referral to the appropriate Union rep. The floor will NOT be open for questioning/grievances. |
| 10.30 - 11.00 am | Morning tea | Served in Centenary Hall | TRADE DISPLAY: Science supply companies SWAP AND GO: bring your unwanted or excess lab supplies in to swap for something you can use. |
| 11.00 - 12.30 am | Session 1 | Application of fluorescence in forensic science PRESENTER: Ivana Poulton, Optimum Technology  | A short presentation: light theory, fluorescence and application in forensic science. Followed by practical demonstrations in : 1. Fluorescence at crime scenes: - fluorescent powders, biological stains (simulated), fibres, natural fluorescence in bones and teeth, development of fluorescent fingerprints on paper 2. Natural fluorescence in food, drinks, cleaning products and petroleum based products Session is limited to 20 participants. |
| Session 1 | Pluck Dissection PRESENTER: Jill Clothier, Caboolture SHS  | Back by popular demand, this dissection workshop using a specimen from Dissection Connection will show you how to get the most bang for your buck from a porcine pluck. Session is limited to 24 participants. |
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| Session 1 | Microscope Maintenance PRESENTER: Colin Thomas, SIOS  | Microscope Maintenance: •How to look and locate and diagnose where the dirt may be located in the optic system. •Basic dismantling and cleaning of microscope body and components. •Basic cleaning of microscope eyepieces, objectives and condensers. •Basic cleaning of microscope stages etc. •Helping technicians with their own microscope problems, technicians should bring in a problem microscope for repair. These microscopes should not include units with electrical or major mechanical failure. |
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| Session 1 | Senior Titrations PRESENTER: Karina Tomlinson | Senior Titrations is a hands on workshop that demonstrates making primary standards, using titration equipment and performing the activities calculations. Learn the language and steps to standardise acids and bases ready for senior chemistry titrations in a relaxed and fun environment. Designed for the beginner or as a refresher workshop. Please bring the following – reading glasses (if needed), safety glasses, trusty lab coat for messy cooks and a scientific calculator. Session is limited to 24 participants. |
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| Session 1 | Risk Assess - Risk Assessments Made Easy! PRESENTER: Mia Sharma, Teacher-Consultant for RiskAssess, NSW Scientist of the Year for Leadership in Teaching, Head of Science at International Grammar School  | The logic of risk assessments explained. Learn about both paper and – much faster – web-based methods for performing risk assessments of laboratory experiments. Separate sections for laboratory technicians and teachers. Methods comply with the Australian New Zealand ISO Standard on Risk Management and also meet the new QLD DET requirements for school risk assessments. Try out RiskAssess software online during the workshop and carry out risk assessments easily and quickly, using chemical, equipment and biological databases to save you time. Repeat session from last year. Session is limited to 24 participants. |
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| Session 1 | UQ Pathology Museum Tour Facilitated by Jan McGaw, Science Operations Officer, Ferny Grove SHS and Julie Ayre, Curator, UQ Integrated Pathology Learning Centre. | Let the mysteries of the human body be revealed! The University of Queensland’s Pathology Learning Centre houses thousands of specimens the latest electronic teaching resources. Explore how the Centre uses its resources. Let the Centre take you on a journey from past to present and from cells to patients so that you may begin to develop an overarching understanding of disease in its many forms. Session is limited to 120 participants. Bring your go card or bus money! Transport to UQCCR via Brisbuz from Normanby to RBH leaving Normanby Interchange at 10.49 am Max 120 |
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| 12.30 - 1.30 pm | Lunch | Served in the canteen | TRADE DISPLAY: Science supply companies SWAP AND GO: bring your unwanted or excess lab supplies in to swap for something you can use. |
| 1.30 - 2.30 pm | Session 2 | Risk Assess - Risk Assessments Made Easy! PRESENTER: Mia Sharma, Teacher-Consultant for RiskAssess, NSW Scientist of the Year for Leadership in Teaching, Head of Science at International Grammar School | The logic of risk assessments explained. Learn about both paper and – much faster – web-based methods for performing risk assessments of laboratory experiments. Separate sections for laboratory technicians and teachers. Methods comply with the Australian New Zealand ISO Standard on Risk Management and also meet the new QLD DET requirements for school risk assessments. Try out RiskAssess software online during the workshop and carry out risk assessments easily and quickly, using chemical, equipment and biological databases to save you time. Repeat session from last year. Session is limited to 24 participants. |
| Session 2 | Blood in Forensic Science PRESENTER: Ivana Poulton, Optimum Technology | A practical demonstration in current techniques used at Crime Scenes. • Optical Examination of Blood • Luminol - Luminescence is created as luminol oxidizes the iron component of blood. Must be viewed in near total darkness. • Acid Yellow7 –A fluorescent protein stain • Leuco Crystal Violet – A compound that develops both visible and invisible blood traces on any surface • Blood Splatter Patterns – An introduction to basic geometric shapes and patterns formed by droplets of blood. Session is limited to 20 participants. |
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| Session 2 | Vernier Dataloggers PRESENTER: Ray Harvey, Scientrific | Vernier Data loggers for Lab Technicians! As technology has been incorporated into the science lab, responsibility for it naturally goes to the Lab Technician. In this workshop we will cover troubleshooting and maintenance issues for both the LabQuest and sensors…principally the Wet Chemistry sensors, since these generate the most support calls. Please bring your LabQuests, LabQuest Mini/Laptops or Go!/Laptops and any sensors you want to cover. Those whose questions cannot be answered in session are invited to bring them to the trade display for one-on-one support. |
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| Session 2 | Microbiology PRESENTER: Jan McGaw, Ferny Grove SHS  | Microbiology experiments need not be difficult to prepare in the school environment. Come and learn the tricks and shortcuts on how to prepare and run microbiology practicals safely with equipment which is available in a school preparation room. | |
| Session 2 | Working with Enzymes PRESENTER: Peter Ball, Southern Biological  | Enzymes are nature’s catalysts. They act to speed up biochemical reactions to make them useful for metabolism in living organisms. However, since they are complex polypeptides, enzymes can be denatured by shifts in temperature and pH, and this in turn can affect the way they work. Participants in this workshop will look at a range of enzymes including amylase, trypsin, lipase, rennin and urease to compare their reactions and discuss their suitability for student experiments. We will also look at troubleshooting enzyme reactions and using a datalogger to measure reaction rates where possible. Session is limited to 24 participants. |
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| Session 2 | How to Solder PRESENTER: David Kann | Hands-on introduction to soldering that will bring you from zero to beginner. Soldering is a process very similar to hot-gluing that electrically joins two metals. Soldering is useful for repairing and replacing cables and equipment, as well as tinkering with electronics. In the process of learning to solder, we’ll build a quick project that will enable us to control a computer remotely from a projector screen. Not bad for an hour’s work! |
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| Session 2 | Liquid Nitrogen and Dry Ice PRESENTER: Eddie McDonnell, CES Trainer Queensland BOC Limited | Eddie will show a DVD on properties, hazards and uses of Liquid Nitrogen. Duration 20 minutes. After DVD three BOC representatives will be available to answer questions. Appropriate PPE and Dewar flask will be on display. This will be a useful session for those who are using or intend to use Liquid Nitrogen in a school situation eg open nights etc. |
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| 2.30 - 3.30pm | Session 3 | Head Dissection PRESENTER: Debra Cook, Dissection Connection  | What on earth would you do with a bissected head? This dissection workshop using a specimen from Dissection Connection will explore the possibilities using a bissected porcine head. This workshop will touch on applications in teaching digestion, respiration, the ear, the eye, the brain and the skin. Session is limited to 24 participants. |
| Session 3 | Submission Writing PRESENTER: Shirley Callaghan, Scientrific | Are you finding that your budget is not stretching as far as it should? Having trouble keeping up with consumables and maintenance costs, never mind dreaming of modernising your aging science equipment? You’re not alone. So here’s a thought…what if you could turn this situation on its head? What if you could dream up some engaging but relevant project that used equipment that you wanted or needed and then actually were able to buy it? Would that be worth an hour of your time? As an education company, we have seen the frustration of people trying to produce results with minimal resources. We would like to guide you through some options that will change your resource management forever. Session is limited to 30 participants. |
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| Session 3 | Leaf Litter Creatures PRESENTER: Ros Steele, Griffith University  | The ability to identify invertebrates helps technicians in the field to answer “What is it?” questions. In this hands-on workshop, participants will identify features typical for an invertebrate, make their own Tulgren funnel, and identify methods to collect leaf litter. Participants will be provided with an instruction booklet to classify the invertebrates to order. |
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| Session 3 | Serrata Data Harvest PRESENTER: Max Scrimegour, Serrata | This workshop will display range of Data-Harvest Data-Loggers from au$88.00 to $595.00 each. Each delegate will receive a CD with • All loggers Instruction manuals and use • All Sensors and there use with instructions • All Popular experiments in Detail using Data-Harvest loggers • Using the Data-Harvest Software It will also demonstrate and allow persons to use the loggers in groups. The session will also cover how to make use of the SERRATA website including: 1. Finding a product/Information and instructions 2. Ordering on line 3. Obtaining direct information on orders/invoices/history direct from web site If Time allows: 4. Sourcing or obtaining information direct from our o/seas suppliers |
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| Session 3 | Body Chemistry PRESENTER: Annette Hendrikx, Eat Right 4 Life  | Understanding body chemistry and homeostasis is essential to improving health. Today’s session will cover acid/alkaline balance and the importance of vitamins and minerals in your diet. A little lesson in biochemistry of the body! Session is limited to 30 participants. |
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| Session 3 | Plant Tissue Culture PRESENTER: Gwenda Tudman  | Plant Tissue Culturing in industry is suitable for rapid multiplication of disease and pest-free plantlets. My presentation on Plant Tissue Culturing in the Classroom will provide valuable information on suppliers of equipment and necessary chemicals to run the unit in school laboratory conditions and will include a demonstration of the aseptic techniques involved in the process. There will also be a chance for delegates to perform practical Plant Tissue Culturing. Plant Tissue Culturing was introduced to Year 11 Biology students at Maroochydore State High School as an EEI in 2007. One of the learning outcomes for our students from these experiments is learning the basics of experimental design and data collection analysis. Session limited to 30 participants. |
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| Session 3 | Liquid Nitrogen and Dry Ice PRESENTER: Eddie McDonnell, CES Trainer Queensland BOC Limited | Eddie will show a DVD on properties, hazards and uses of Liquid Nitrogen. Duration 20 minutes. After DVD three BOC representatives will be available to answer questions. Appropriate PPE and Dewar flask will be on display. This will be a useful session for those who are using or intend to use Liquid Nitrogen in a school situation eg open nights etc (No limit. Repeat) | |
| 3.30 - 4.00 pm | AGM | Mandy Timmers, QEST President | All members asked to attend. Non-members are welcome to observe. Presidents report and re-election of the committee. Please volunteer some time for QEST if you enjoy the conference and LabLINK. |
| 4.00 - 4.45 pm | KEEPAD INTERACTIVE Lucky door prizes & Trivia event | Drawn in the Centenary Hall. Sponsored by Keepad Interactive | Refreshments will be served as the prizes are drawn. Winners need to be present to claim a prize. |
| End of day | Feel free to join us in the bar of the Watermark Hotel if you are at a loose end before dinner. | ||
| 6.30 pm | Conference Dinner | Normanby Hotel $35.00 per head Entrée: A selection of breads 7 assorted dips to share Oysters Natural (3) & Kilpatrick (3) Main: Your Choice of Eye Fillet 250g char-grilled & served w/ Garden Salad, Beer Battered Chips & Jus Or Chicken Schnitzel served w/ Skinny Fries & Rocket Salad Or Battered Fish & Chips served w/ Skinny Fries & Rocket Salad | All welcome. Book on registration. |
Tuesday June 28 2011
ConQEST 2011Final program for Tuesday
| 8.45 am | Housekeeping | Mandy Timmers, QEST President | Additional information required by delegates, housekeeping |
| 9.00 - 9.45 am | Keynote address | Dr Geoff Garrett AO, QLD Chief Scientist | Dr Geoff Garrett was appointed Queensland Chief Scientist from January 2011, following the retirement of Professor Peter Andrews AO. A Cambridge graduate in metallurgy and an academic for 13 years, Geoff led two of the world's major national research institutions - CSIR in South Africa (1995-2000) and CSIRO in Australia (2001-2008). A former South African 'Engineer of the Year' (1999), he is a recipient of the Centenary Medal for service to Australian society through science. In June 2008 he was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the Queen's Birthday Honours List. Dr Garrett will be presenting a short inspirational speech. Following this, he will field questions from delegates related to his speech and also science topics in general. |
| 10.00 - 10.30 am | Workplace Health & Safety | Pauline Armstrong | This session will discuss the need for workplace induction and documentation, CARAs, WH&S Legislation changes, common Science incidents and how to avoid them, and how to access relevant WH&S info for both EQ schools and for Independent schools who cannot access the EQ network. Open session for all delegates |
| 10.30 - 11.00 am | Morning tea | Served in Centenary Hall | TRADE DISPLAY: Science supply companies SWAP AND GO: bring your unwanted or excess lab supplies in to swap for something you can use. |
| 11.00 - 11.45 am | Curriculum Risk Management & Chemical Management | Mark Desmond Health and Safety Project Officer, Organisational Health Unit  & Chemical management presented by Charles Nelson Senior Health and Safety Consultant, Organisational Health Unit Department of Education and Training | The Department of Education and Training has recently updated HLS-PR-012 Managing Risks in Curriculum Activities. All staff who are involved in the preparation or delivery of curriculum activities should be aware of their responsibilities for curriculum risk management. This session will focus on curriculum risk management and will cover: • the legal and departmental obligations for curriculum risk management • the latest resource tools developed for staff in schools to use for effective risk management Time will be available to discuss issues of concern and questions. Open session for all delegates |
| 11.45 - 12.45 pm | Session 1 | Amazing Chemisty & Physics Tools that Teach, Engage & Connect PRESENTER: Carl Ahlers, Professor Bunsen  | The great thing about teaching Chemistry and Physics is that abstract concepts can be made less abstract using simple everyday tools that connect to the lives of students. In this session we will look at simple, safe but spectacular methods to engage students. We will lock someone in a waste bag, lift a table using air, float someone on air, do an eggs-o-thermic reaction, boil water in a paper pan at 60 C and much more. You will leave with practical ideas that can easily be passed on to the classroom and teachers, as well as ideas to celebrate the International Year of Chemistry. |
| Session 1 | Application of fluorescence in forensic science PRESENTER: Ivana Poulton, Optimum Technology | A practical demonstration in current techniques used at Crime Scenes. • Optical Examination of Blood • Luminol - Luminescence is created as luminol oxidizes the iron component of blood. Must be viewed in near total darkness. • Acid Yellow7 –A fluorescent protein stain • Leuco Crystal Violet – A compound that develops both visible and invisible blood traces on any surface • Blood Splatter Patterns – An introduction to basic geometric shapes and patterns formed by droplets of blood. Max 20 (repeat) |
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| Session 1 | ClickView PRESENTER: Janelle Rehu, ClickView  | The 21st Century classroom is now becoming a reality with more students and teachers accessing and using digital technologies within the learning environment. The ClickView Science Workshop provides delegates with practical skills and knowledge in using digital technologies such as the ClickView Player software. Delegates will be shown how to access popular science videos from the ClickView Digital Video Library to make a series of short conceptual video clips for use in PowerPoint presentations and other Microsoft Office applications. Delegates will be shown how to search and request additional science resources using the ClickView Exchange. | |
| Session 1 | Pasco Dataloggers PRESENTER: Doug Bail, Cider House Tech  | A session on getting the best from your PASCO gear - if the teachers won't do it then you'll know how! This session will start from the basics and move further with an overview of the latest software and curriculum developments, calibration of electrodes, maintenance and other skills directly related to use of the equipment. Techniques will be covered for direct computer connection, GLX and Spark SLS and new products, software, etc will be presented including PASCO's SPARK software for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Note that this session is intended for new users as well as longer term and so will start from the basics. Further opportunities will be available from the conference trade display for follow up on more advanced questions than the session time may allow. | |
| Session 1 | Spectrophotometers PRESENTER: Derek Brown, Quantum Scientific | Learn the basics of spectrophotometry, some optical theory, what is it used for. This session outlines the basic theories and principles of UV-visible spectroscopy. It provides a valuable insight into the uses and limitations of this technique for chemical analysis. The session will simplify spectro protocols and will help you to use the spectro effectively in the classroom. We will bring in a unit for demonstration and discuss applications. | |
| Session 1 | Digital Imaging in Microscopy PRESENTER: Mike Lee-Bernstein, SIOS  | This session covers: • Setting up of cameras on microscope and couplers. Using condenser settings etc. • Basics of how a CCD or CMOS works and how a digital image is generated. • How to use controlling software using TsView as standard. Camera settings such as White balance, exposure, gamma. • Capture still and avi movies, and time lapse. • Basic image analysis, setting special calibration (pixels to microns) and measuring data. Session limited to 40 participants. |
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| 12.45 - 1.45 pm | Lunch | Served in the canteen | TRADE DISPLAY: Science supply companies SWAP AND GO: bring your unwanted or excess lab supplies in to swap for something you can use. |
| 1.45 - 3.15 pm | Session 2 | Amazing Chemisty & Physics Tools that Teach, Engage & Connect PRESENTER: Carl Ahlers, Professor Bunsen | The great thing about teaching Chemistry and Physics is that abstract concepts can be made less abstract using simple everyday tools that connect to the lives of students. In this session we will look at simple, safe but spectacular methods to engage students. We will lock someone in a waste bag, lift a table using air, float someone on air, do an eggs-o-thermic reaction, boil water in a paper pan at 60 C and much more. You will leave with practical ideas that can easily be passed on to the classroom and teachers, as well as ideas to celebrate the International Year of Chemistry. |
| Session 2 | Blood in Forensic Science PRESENTER: Ivana Poulton, Optimum Technology | A short presentation: light theory, fluorescence and application in forensic science. Followed by practical demonstrations in : 3. Fluorescence at crime scenes: - fluorescent powders, biological stains (simulated), fibres, natural fluorescence in bones and teeth, development of fluorescent fingerprints on paper 4. Natural fluorescence in food, drinks, cleaning products and petroleum based products Max 20 (repeat) |
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| Session 2 | PCR PRESENTER: Dianne Finley, Quantum Scientific | Polymerase Chain Reaction, (PCR) is a method of DNA replication. Common applications of PCR include DNA fingerprinting (in which DNA fragments are isolated and compared against existing data), analysis of extremely small sample amounts (which enables scientists to reconstruct extinct organisms and deceased historical figures) and disease diagnosis (including viral DNA and cancer research). This session explores the fundamentals of PCR and will assist you to undertake PCR in the Classroom with confidence. We will be bringing in equipment and reagents etc that are necessary to do basic PCR. As well will go over where PCR is used in research, laboratories etc and answer any questions | |
| Session 2 | Fish Dissection PRESENTER: Dr Peter Lee, Bribie Island DEEDI Research Station  | The session will involve an exploration of form and function in anatomy through a fish dissection exercise. Anatomical comparisons will be made between fish and other vertebrates (humans) in relation to organ location, function and structure. Also, the morphology of different fish species will be examined and compared to deduce information about aspects of their ecology. The session will also include a brief presentation about aquaculture research underway at the DEEDI Bribie Island Research Centre. | |
| Session 2 | Rockets PRESENTER: Peter Dallimore, Stanbridges Hobbies  | In this workshop participants will build a model rocket from a kit and then launch it on the oval – weather permitting. Participants will be provided with all materials and material to take away to enable rockets to be used in your school. Be prepared to learn and have some fun. Session limited to 20 participants |
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| Session 2 | Chemical Techniques PRESENTER: Karina Tomlinson | From making simple to more complex solutions, using volumetric flasks, calculating molarities, how to translate an MSDS into “English” and labelling solutions. Learn how to make up % solutions, solutions by molarities and acid dilutions in a relaxed and fun environment. Participants will be using non-hazardous, non-dangerous substances to simulate those used in the lab, thus being able to concentrate on the techniques being used. From the beginner to those wanting to become more confident in making solutions. Please bring– reading glasses (if needed), safety glasses, trusty lab coat for messy cooks and a scientific calculator. |
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| Session 2 | Owl Pellet Dissection PRESENTER: Peter Ball, Southern Biological  | Owls are reclusive nocturnal raptors that generally swallow their prey whole. The indigestible components of their food, such as bones and fur, are regurgitated in the form of compressed pellets that can be studied to reveal clues about the owl’s diet. Participants will investigate sterilised pellets from the North American Barn Owl to classify and identify bones, and to compare and sort the skeletons of the prey. This very popular activity will build students’ observation and notation skills, and lead into discussions about diet, predation and avian forensics. Extension activities include studies of food webs, digestion and skeletal form and function. There is also the possibility to contribute results to an on-line database. Session limited to 24 participants. |
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