AEON 270318

How can educators lift engagement, spark curiosity, and effectively implement High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) strategies to benefit all learners? Today we speak with Beck Keough—Founder of inCURiATE, award-winning primary educator, and host of the Edulatte podcast. We explore her perspectives on HPGE, practical ways to 'incuriate' students through authentic pedagogy, and how digit...

Why does National Science Week matter, and how can schools ignite student curiosity and community involvement during this nationwide celebration? Today we speak with Paula Taylor, President of the Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA) and recipient of the 2025 Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools. We explore her perspectives on National Scienc...

How can museum exhibitions increase STEM literacy, tackle contemporary issues, and inspire the next generation of innovators? Today we speak with Nina Earl CF, Curator at the Powerhouse Museum and science communicator, to explore how science, art, design, and storytelling come together in interdisciplinary museum spaces to engage diverse audiences and make complex scientific concepts accessible Ho...

How can game-based learning and student game creation transform students' understanding of STEM concepts? Today we speak with Dr. Adam Seldow, Senior Director of Education Policy at Roblox, and Professor Jeff Brand from Bond University, to explore the Roblox Learning Hub and examine how students can build, design, and explore interactive STEM experiences under the supervision of their teachers! Ho...

How can interactive, real-time simulations bring complex STEM concepts like aerodynamics, fluid dynamics, and more to life in the classroom? Today we speak with Andrew Johnson, founder of Digital Rocket Science, to explore how browser-based tools allow students to visualise air flowing over a wing's surface, manipulate wing shapes, and instantly see changes in turbulence, vorticity, and aerodynami...

How can authentic community collaboration transform STEM education and empower local communities across Australia? Today we speak with Luke Steller, NT Regional Leader for Questacon and community engagement specialist, to explore how science education can be used as a tool for community connection, empowerment, and storytelling! Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education About Luke Steller Luke...

Digital equity makes STEM more accessible! We speak with Heather Gate, Executive Vice President of Digital Transformation at Connected Nation, to learn how digital equity programs such as Teens Teach Tech and more bring together communities and raise digital literacy. Plus, get involved in a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ attempt for the longest internet literacy live stream! Hosted by Ben Newsome...

How do we inspire the next generation to explore diverse career pathways and discover the massive opportunities within Vocational Education and Training (VET)? Today we speak with Cassie Sanki, Project Officer for Training Services at the NSW Department of Education, to find out how VET is shaping the future of STEM, science, and industry! We dive into how real-world success stories are changing p...

How do we prepare the next generation to navigate the rapidly changing world of transport, from e-mobility to autonomous vehicles? Today we speak with Kristine Luszczynski, Senior Manager of Community and Education at the NRMA, to find out how they are driving STEM education and road safety across Australian schools! We dive into how students can think like entrepreneurs to solve real-world transi...

How do we inspire the next generation of aerospace innovators and connect them with the global space industry? Today we speak with Lisa Vitaris, Strategic Advisor for the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) in the Indo-Pacific, and Dr. Paddy Neumann, Chief Scientist at Neumann Space, to find out! We dive into how students can showcase their research on a global stage, why the...

How do we bridge the gap between the classroom and the cockpit? Today we speak with Natalie Allen, Project Manager for the Aerospace Gateway to Industry Schools Program, to discover how students are finding non-linear pathways into the rapidly expanding world of flight and space technology. Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education About Natalie Allen Natalie is a people-focused leader who beli...

How might we teach STEM effectively with the materials we have at hand? Today we speak with Shane Dryden, STEM Project Officer for the Hunter Academy of STEM Excellence & Teacher for the NSW Virtual STEM Academy to learn how! Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education About Shane Dryden Shane is passionate about making a difference to education in both the primary and secondary sectors throu...

Understanding how students perceive concepts is the first step towards helping students understand the concepts themselves! We speak with Dr Kristy Osborne, Discipline Lead of STEM and Educational Data Science at La Trobe University, as we unpack her thoughts on how to teach science effectively. Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education About Dr Kristy Osborne Dr Kristy Osborne (Vernon) is a Se...

What happens when the world’s most popular video game meets climate action, systems thinking and real curriculum impact? Join Kelly Pfeiffer as we discuss Eco Detectives Unite – The Race to Zero, a game designed in the world of Minecraft Education for students to understand our environment. Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education About Eco Detectives Unite – The Race to...

From pioneering robotics in India to launching global lunar missions from Sydney, Sukruti Narayanan is redefining what it means to be a leader in the digital age. Discover how she is bridging the gap between access and ability, ensuring that the next generation of innovators doesn't just use technology, but masters it. Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education About the Sukruti Narayanan S...

From building LEGO interferometers to launching rockets in the New England Highlands, Matt Dodds is proof that "abstract" doesn't have to mean "out of reach." Discover how the 2025 Prime Minister’s Prize winner uses immersive student engagement and bridges the STEM gap for regional learners. Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education Matt Dodds is the recipient of the 2025 Prime Minister&r...

Get inspired as we hear from Cran Middlecoat, aviator, survivor, and relentless motivator. His story is extraordinary and he now works with students through to boardrooms on helping us overcome our own barriers to perfection & failure and in doing so, build resilience and opportunities for success. Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education About Cran Middlecoat From his earliest days in Bri...

Learn how Future You aims to inspire children's STEM curiosity. Join Program Ambassador Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith, an award-winning astrophysicist renowned for making the universe accessible as we explore Future You helps kids imagine their future possibilities. Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education About Future You Future You, a UNSW Sydney-led initiative, sparks STEM curiosity in 8-12 y...

We speak with Daniel Edwards, an award-winning STEM educator from Tasmania, and learn about his innovative programs at Montello Primary and Parklands High Schools. We'll also explore his role as CEO of GreenSTEM Education, highlighting his efforts to bring equitable STEM opportunities to students through projects like Greenpower Tasmania. Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education About GreenSTE...

Learn about AVISTA - AROSE’s Virtual and In-person STEM Training and Awareness Program, which will visit over 200 high schools across Australia face-to-face as well as digitally through STEM challenges to help students learn more about STEM career pathways into the Australian defence industries. We speak with Holly Kershaw, STEM Program Manager at AROSE to learn more. Hosted by Ben Newsome f...

Suzy Urbaniak OAM is an educational leader passionate about inspiring students through science and STEM-focused initiatives. As CoRE Lead at the CoRE Learning Foundation, she empowers youth to succeed in tomorrow's world. A former geologist, Suzy has developed acclaimed programs promoting STEAM, geoscience careers, and women in STEM leadership. Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education About Su...

Jonathan Nalder, known as ‘the Edunaut,’ has spent 20+ years pioneering hands-on, problem-based learning with cutting-edge digital tools—STEM, AR/VR, AI, and environmental sensors. Drawing on his Drama Teacher background, he infuses learning with props, role play, and futures thinking.   Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education About Jonathan Nalder Jonathan Nalder,...

Teaching is complex and comes with complex challenges. Today we speak with Rob McTaggart, highly experienced STEM innovation lead & founder of Slam Education. From challenges in the classroom to navigating huge workloads & stress, we can come together to support each other. Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education About Rob McTaggart With over 15 years at the intersection of educa...

Discover how gamification can transform your classroom! Join us as we explore proven strategies with Valary Oleinik, a learning experience alchemist who specializes in using games to simplify complex topics, spark curiosity, and keep students engaged. Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education About Valary Oleinik Valary Oleinik is a learning strategist, keynote speaker, and workshop facilitator...

How might we help our students that enter out STEM classroom? Often, its not just the content understanding that we need to address. Today we speak with Dr Manoj Krishna, founder of HappierMe, on using emotional intelligence in your classroom. Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education About HappierMe HappierMe is a unique personal development app offering tools to manage emotions, mental health...