Stavcon

Vic Skeptics ran an information stall at the Science Teachers’ Convention over two days in November 2003. About five hundred teachers attended, and we spoke to many of them.

Business was brisk, as we used the opportunity to distribute The Great Australian Water Divining Video / DVD, along with a variety of other items. One copy each of Lynne Kelly’s novel Avenging Janie and The Great Australian Skeptics CD were donated as raffle prizes.

Most of the people we spoke to seemed both interested and well-informed about Skeptical issues. Our information pamphlets were in great demand. Fortunately, we had the foresight to supply Australian Skeptics show bags; unfortunately, we ran out of Videos and DVD’s early in the piece and had to start taking orders for them.

Our Vic News e-group was swollen by new members over the two days. Some delegates told us of their school’s plans to specifically address Pseudo-Science and The Paranormal in their Science and General Studies Curricula. We have since been able to assist with some of these by on-going email contact.

As the organizer of this stall, I am particularly pleased that I could get such willing and capable volunteers to run it over the Thursday and Friday. Many thanks to Terry Kelly, Rob Brown, Andrew Rawlings, Peter Hogan and Rosemary Sceats.(Rosemary was the soul of tact. While being lectured on the wonders of Homeopathy, she never once drew attention to the skin disease from which her adversary was obviously suffering.)

Thanks also to the Australian Skeptics in Sydney for supporting us with videos, DVD’s and CD’s at that time and since.

If you are a Science teacher or even a fellow stall-holder, we look forward to meeting you again in November at Stavcon 2004.

Andrew Rawlings, Rosemary Sceats and Ken Greatorex at the Stavcon stall

Ken Greatorex

For more information

• Science Teachers Association of Victoria
  • http://www.stav.vic.edu.au/home