9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Welcome & Introduction

📌 Objective: Set the tone for the day, provide context, and introduce key facilitators.

• Opening Remarks – AVA Challenge team representative
• Overview of the PD session – Agenda, objectives, and expected outcomes
• Icebreaker Activity – Quick networking among teachers

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM | About the AVA Challenge

📌 Objective: Introduce the challenge structure, goals, and how teachers can integrate it into their classrooms.

• What is the AVA Challenge?
• NSW DoE iSTEM Design Sprint explained
  Define → Identify → Brainstorm → Design → Prototype → Evaluate → Iterate → Communicate
• How students can participate and what resources are available
• Expected learning outcomes and assessment strategies

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Expert Panel: Space Industry Insights

📌 Objective: Gain insights from industry professionals about current challenges and opportunities in space exploration.

• 30-Minute Panel Discussion
  • Topic: Australian Space industry overview and career opportunities for students
• 30-Minute Q&A
  • Open floor for teachers to ask specific questions

*** 11:00 AM – 11:15 AM | Morning Tea Break ***

11:15 AM – 12:30 PM | Introduction to the NSW Department of Education iSTEM Process

📌 Objective: How to guide students through the NSW DoE iSTEM innovation cycle.

Overview of the 8-Step NSW DoE iSTEM Process:

• Define – Understanding the problem
• Identify – Research and constraints
• Brainstorm – Generating multiple solutions
• Design – Sketching and planning
• Prototype – Creating models or simulations
• Evaluate – Testing and analyzing effectiveness
• Iterate – Refining the solution
• Communicate – Presenting the findings

Hands-on Mini Challenge:
Liquid Nitrogen & 9V Battery Challenge – Design a solution to keep a battery functioning for 2 minutes at -196°C. 

*** 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM | Lunch Break ***

1:15 PM – 3:00 PM | Teacher Breakout: Scope & Sequences & Collaboration

📌 Objective: Develop practical implementation strategies and foster cross-school collaboration.

Session Breakdown:

• Group 1: Teachers who are new to NSW DoE iSTEM and AVA Challenge
• Group 2: Experienced AVA teachers looking to extend projects

Guided Discussion Topics:

• Developing a scope & sequence for integrating the challenge into different subjects
• Identifying collaborative opportunities between schools
• Exploring cross-disciplinary links (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Art, etc.)
• Creating an action plan for classroom implementation

Activity: Each group drafts a lesson sequence and collaborative project idea, then shares with the larger group.

*** 3:00 PM – 3:15 PM | Break****

3:15 PM – 4:15 PM | Space Facility Tour 

📌 Objective: An immersive experience into real-world space industry operations.

• Guided tour of Optus Belrose

4:15 PM – 4:30 PM | Closing & Next Steps

📌 Objective: Wrap up the session, collect feedback, and outline next steps for implementation.

• Key Takeaways & Final Reflections
• Action Plan Review – Set personal implementation goals
• Q&A & Final Announcements
• Feedback Collection – Quick survey on session effectiveness