Wallsend Library is hosting TESEP Ltd Professional Development Workshops on Thursday 15 October 2026 - to celebrate Earth Science Week and the 2026 theme 'critical minerals for a thriving society'.

There are 5 x 1.5 hour professional development workshops to upskill high-school science teachers to confidently teach Stage 4/5 Science of the NSW Syllabus.

Please register for each workshop you'd like to attend via the Register button.

Thursday 15 October 2026

9.45am to 11.15am: Plate tectonics: evidence in the Hunter Valley. Plate tectonics is the fundamental process on Earth. This workshop examines the mechanisms and history of the theory of Plate Tectonics, and how Plate Tectonics has shaped the landscape of the Newcastle and Hunter Valley region – as well as changing the chemical composition of the oceans and the atmosphere, created and destroyed crust, controlled where minerals and rocks are found, impacted conditions for life on the planet, and causes natural hazards including those witnessed by Aboriginal Peoples.. Years 7 to 12. Repeated at 4.45pm.
11.30am to 1.00pm: The rock cycle and why rocks form in specific places. Using TESEP Ltd’s Australian Rock and Critical Minerals kits and integrated resources, this workshop will explain the rock cycle with reference to plate tectonics, interactions of the geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere, with hands-on activities that are classroom-ready. The workshop will also cover how rocks and minerals provide important resources for humans - including Aboriginal Peoples and for our high-tech lives.Years 7 to 12.
1.15 to 2.45pm: Formation, physical properties and uses of critical minerals. This PD workshop investigates the definition of critical minerals, the chemical and physical properties that make minerals useful, why critical minerals form where they do, why understanding tectonic plate movements through time is important in the exploration of critical minerals, and why recycling is essential for supply. Practical activities will include examining properties of a range of critical minerals. Years 7 to 12.
3.00pm to 4.30pm: Data Science I (Stage 4) and Data Science II (Stage 5). An introduction to all remote sensing types, their relevance and use, with examples including natural hazards prediction, climate monitoring, mineral exploration, fishing, archaeology, space exploration, agriculture and water monitoring. This PD is an over-arching topic related data science through the NSW syallbus and Australian curriculum , with a cross-over with physics, chemistry, biology and geography. Practical activities like hands-on exercises and use of Story Maps for assignments will be included. Years 7 to 12 with geography and other science crossover.
4.45pm to 6.15pm: Plate tectonics: evidence in the Hunter Valley. Plate tectonics is the fundamental process on Earth. This workshop examines the mechanisms and history of the theory of Plate Tectonics, and how Plate Tectonics has shaped the landscape of the Newcastle and Hunter Valley region – as well as changing the chemical composition of the oceans and the atmosphere, created and destroyed crust, controlled where minerals and rocks are found, impacted conditions for life on the planet, and causes natural hazards including those witnessed by Aboriginal Peoples. Years 7 to 12. Repeat of 9.45am workshop.

Cost:

$25.00 plus GST and booking fees per attendee for each session.

Please register for each session you'd like to attend via the Register button.

Payment method:

There are two payment methods:

Preferred payment by credit card on registration.
Other payment options via invoice by direct deposit (bank transfer), or via invoice by credit card (please contact us at eo@tesep.org.au if you would prefer the latter – note it carries a handling fee).

To register for this event:

click on the 'Register' button and follow the prompts
or scan the QR code below and follow the prompts
or go to https://collections.humanitix.com/tesep-pd-event, find this event and follow the prompts.

The topics are focused on teachers of years 7-10 secondary science students and will be of interest to upper primary science years 4-6. Morning and afternoon tea will be provided. Teachers and laboratory technicians are welcome to attend.

A Certificate of PD Attendance will be issued. TESEP Ltd is NESA recognised PD providor. We present ACARA-Aligned Australia-wide STEM Professional Development (PD) workshops

By registering you accept TESEP Ltd's cancellation and refund policy (cancellations and refunds are available up to 2 days prior to the event, or a ticket may be transferred to a substitute teacher / colleague for this event, no refunds within 2 days prior to the event) and our Privacy Policy.

See our website for more details about TESEP Ltd www.tesep.org.au

Thanks to Newcastle City Council for their support.

Contact the host of TESEP Ltd Stage 4/5 Science Professional Development Workshops - Wallsend Library, Thursday 15 October 2026