Australian Educators Online Network

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 through the embedding of STEM & the design thinking processes within schools by engaging teachers, learners, industry and higher education to create holistic school-based learning that builds 21st-century skills with students. He is the STEM Project Officer for the Hunter Academy of STEM Excellence & a teacher for the NSW Virtual STEM Academy. About the Hunter Academy of STEM Excellence The Hunter Academy of STEM Excellence (HASE) operates in the Hunter region, a dynamic area known for its strong industrial heritage in mining, manufacturing, and energy production. The region is undergoing significant economic transformation, particularly in renewable energy, health, and advanced technology sectors. https://sispprogram.schools.nsw.gov.au/ase/hunterase.html See also the Academies of STEM Excellence under the NSW Department of Education https://sispprogram.schools.nsw.gov.au/ase.html About the NSW Virtual STEM Academy Founded in 2021, the NSW Virtual STEM Academy (NSWVSA) is a STEM Enrichment program initiative designed to provide innovative and high-impact STEM learning opportunities for students across NSW. This initiative, is based at Murrumbidgee Regional High School – Griffith and is coordinated through the Murrumbidgee Academy of STEM Excellence (MASE). The NSWVSA connects students with advanced STEM programs, industry partnerships, and cutting-edge research, expanding access to high-quality STEM education regardless of location. https://sispprogram.schools.nsw.gov.au/nswvsa.html Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education With interviews with leading science educators and STEM thought leaders, this science education podcast is about highlighting different ways of teaching kids within and beyond the classroom. It's not just about educational practice & pedagogy, it's about inspiring new ideas & challenging conventions of how students can learn about their world! https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/ Know an educator who'd love this STEM podcast episode?  Share it! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Sukruti Narayanan is the Founder and President of the AIMERS Foundation and a formidable expert in communication and robotics. With a career dedicated to democratising high-tech education, Sukruti co-founded the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Foundation (RAAIF) in India in 2012 before expanding her visionary work to Australia. Her mission is rooted in the belief that while talent is universal, opportunity is not. This dedication was officially recognised in a New South Wales Parliamentary motion in February 2026, highlighting her transformative impact on the AI and robotics landscape. Key Highlights Sukruti’s work sits at the intersection of emerging tech and social equity: Mission ShakthiSAT Leading a bold, all-female-led lunar space mission designed to empower 12,000 girls from 108 nations through real-time satellite projects. The AIMERS Vision Through AI, Media, Emerging Fields, Robotics, and STEAM, she creates pathways for students to secure patents, publish academic work, and launch startups. Global Innovation Hub Working to position Australia as a world leader in technology by 2050 through mentorship and real-world scientific exposure. Links AIMERS Foundation Explore how AIMERS is developing the thinkers and storytellers of tomorrow. aimersfoundation.org  Mission ShakthiSAT Learn more about the global journey to ignite a passion for space exploration in young women worldwide. shakthisat.org  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Brisbane, Australia, Cran's profound connection with the skies was unmistakable, achieving his pilot's license well before most people even learned to drive. This early passion saw him taking his school teachers on flights, a testament to an innate love for aviation that would become deeply ingrained in his life. Cran's journey soared through thousands of hours in the cockpit, an odyssey that spanned the vast and rugged landscapes of outback Australia while serving with the Royal Flying Doctors, to the dynamic environments of international airports where he skillfully piloted massive jet airliners. However, Cran's narrative took a significant turn when confronted with his own mortality, waking up in intensive care with a permanently altered perspective. From this challenging experience emerged a man with a clear purpose: to redefine the concept of failure, dismantle the myth of perfection, and embrace the necessary discomfort of personal growth. Today, Cran's influence extends beyond the cockpit as a highly sought-after motivational keynote speaker. From corporate boardrooms to global auditoriums, his message resonates deeply with those seeking transformation. He powerfully conveys that failure is not a finality but an essential stage in the journey toward success, and that genuine progress requires the resilience developed through practice. Hailing from Brisbane, Cran is also a dedicated father to two young aspiring aviators, nurturing in them the same fervent passion for flight that defines his own life. As Cran travels the world, his core message remains constant: failure should not be feared but embraced, as it holds the potential for remarkable growth. Through his authentic storytelling and unwavering spirit, Cran ignites a sense of resilience in his audiences, reminding everyone that even in the face of adversity, our capacity to rise above is limitless. Learn more https://cranmiddlecoat.com/ Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education With interviews with leading science educators and STEM thought leaders, this science education podcast is about highlighting different ways of teaching kids within and beyond the classroom. It's not just about educational practice & pedagogy, it's about inspiring new ideas & challenging conventions of how students can learn about their world! https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/ Know an educator who'd love this STEM podcast episode?  Share it! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 GreenSTEM Education GreenSTEM Education is a registered charity based in NW Tasmania, dedicated to advancing education by providing equitable access to excellence in STEM for all young people and the wider community, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Learn more https://greenstem.org.au/ About Daniel Edwards Daniel Edwards is a dedicated STEM educator with the Tasmanian Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP). At Montello Primary School, he oversees an acclaimed STEM program, crafting immersive, practical learning experiences that motivate students to delve into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Additionally, Daniel brings his expertise to Parklands High School, embedding STEM education throughout the curriculum to nurture essential skills such as critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and practical application in real-world scenarios. Beyond his school-based roles, Daniel serves as the Founding CEO of GreenSTEM Education, Tasmania's pioneering charity focused on equitable access to STEM education. Through GreenSTEM, he strives to ensure that all young Australians, particularly those from underrepresented groups, have opportunities to participate in high-quality STEM activities. A central project of GreenSTEM is Greenpower Tasmania, developed in partnership with the UK's Greenpower Education Trust. This innovative initiative involves students designing, building, and racing single-seat electric vehicles, effectively blending practical engineering skills with principles of sustainability. Greenpower Tasmania provides young participants with unique, collaborative experiences, equipping them with valuable STEM skills and inspiring them to become future innovators. Daniel’s contributions to education and community projects highlight his unwavering dedication to enhancing STEM education and fostering enduring opportunities for young Australians in a world increasingly shaped by technology. His impactful work has been nationally recognized, earning him the prestigious 2024 Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools. Reach out https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-edwards-155476226/ Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education With interviews with leading science educators and STEM thought leaders, this science education podcast is about highlighting different ways of teaching kids within and beyond the classroom. It's not just about educational practice & pedagogy, it's about inspiring new ideas & challenging conventions of how students can learn about their world! https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/ Know an educator who'd love this STEM podcast episode?  Share it! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Suzy Urbaniak OAM Suzy Urbaniak OAM is a passionate educational innovator dedicated to transforming classrooms through engaging science education. As the CoRE Lead at CoRE Learning Foundation, Suzy drives initiatives supporting young people to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Transitioning from her original career as a mining industry geologist, Suzy now develops influential STEAM programs, inspiring students toward meaningful careers in science, engineering, and geoscience. Recognised widely as WA’s 2020 Local Hero and serving as an Australia Day Ambassador, Suzy champions lifelong learning, women's leadership in STEM, and global collaboration, all while embracing her love of geology—especially exploring volcanoes! About CoRE Learning Foundation With a 20-year legacy, CoRE has grown from 1 to 21 schools across WA, delivering exceptional hands-on STEM education. Over the past five years, our expansion program has created meaningful opportunities for primary and secondary students, significantly improving their pathways into the resources industry. CoRE is committed to accessibility, diversity, and supporting remote communities, with 150+ alumni now working in the sector. Our innovative programs, including the CoRE Learning Model, Gamifying Earth Science (GES) Learning Initiative, and the Graduate Mentoring Program, help sustain a local STEM talent pipeline. Student journey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xn88ronk5FE Learn more https://www.corefoundation.com.au/  Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education With interviews with leading science educators and STEM thought leaders, this science education podcast is about highlighting different ways of teaching kids within and beyond the classroom. It's not just about educational practice & pedagogy, it's about inspiring new ideas & challenging conventions of how students can learn about their world! https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/ Know an educator who'd love this STEM podcast episode?  Share it! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 education, technology, and innovation, Rob McTaggart is dedicated to transforming learning experiences. A passionate creator, he has developed award-winning platforms, professional learning systems, educational apps, augmented reality experiences, and design challenges that empower educators and engage students. As Innovation Lead for NSW Education and co-host of the Reinvent the Classroom Podcast with HP and Intel, Rob has championed initiatives that reduce administrative burdens for teachers and enhance school operations. His expertise in product design, software development, and educational strategy has driven impactful projects across business, government, and education sectors. Now, as a leader at Slam Education, Rob is committed to making schools more efficient and effective. His mission is clear: to streamline school operations, improve processes, and give teachers the time and tools they need to focus on what matters most—teaching and connecting with students. Through a whole-of-school approach, he ensures that innovative solutions support both educators and learners, driving better outcomes across schools, universities, and government education initiatives. Rob’s work has supported institutions including the NSW Department of Education, RMIT, ACT Government Education and hospital schools, creating lasting change in education. Find out more https://www.linkedin.com/in/robmctaggart/ About Slam Education Slam Education is committed to enhancing school operations, reducing administrative burdens, and fostering lifelong learning. Initially, the organization gained recognition through SLAM Academy, pioneering STEM programs in collaboration with the University of Newcastle, Cisco, and schools in the Hunter Valley. These initiatives provided hands-on STEM experiences for students and professional learning programs for educators. As Slam Education’s impact grew, its directors played key roles in large-scale educational projects. Rob McTaggart contributed to NSW Education’s STEMShare program, designing innovative digital solutions for professional learning, device management, cloud migration, and event coordination. John, as co-leader of the AustSTEM Foundation, developed the Kookaberry board and successfully advocated for greater integration of engineering in the national curriculum. Today, Slam Education focuses on transforming schools into hubs of lifelong learning. By streamlining processes and providing innovative solutions, the organization empowers educators to focus on what matters most—teaching, learning, and improving student outcomes. Find out more https://slameducation.com/  Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education With interviews with leading science educators and STEM thought leaders, this science education podcast is about highlighting different ways of teaching kids within and beyond the classroom. It's not just about educational practice & pedagogy, it's about inspiring new ideas & challenging conventions of how students can learn about their world! https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/ Know an educator who'd love this STEM podcast episode?  Share it! The FizzicsEd podcast is a member of the Australian Educators Online Network (AEON ) http://www.aeon.net.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, stress, and relationships while fostering success and inner peace. By uncovering the power of our own minds, the app addresses global issues like addiction, anxiety, and conflict while promoting compassion and understanding. The apps support you to find the happiness within yourself, and lead a fulfilling life. Address the root cause. Find lasting solutions. Created by experts from around the world. Online journal, forum, podcasts, meditations, stories and more. Find out more https://happierme.app/ About Dr Manoj Krishna Manoj Krishna, former spine surgeon turned personal development innovator, is on a mission to empower teenagers and adults to lead happier, more fulfilling lives. As the founder of the Human Wisdom Project and creator of the HappierMe app, Manoj draws on over two decades of experience, two acclaimed books (Understanding Me Understanding You and Stress Free), and a passion for self-awareness to tackle life’s biggest challenges. Manoj believes that every individual—especially young people—has an innate wisdom waiting to be unlocked. HappierMe provides the tools to harness this potential, transforming lives at scale without reliance on ideology. Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education With interviews with leading science educators and STEM thought leaders, this science education podcast is about highlighting different ways of teaching kids within and beyond the classroom. It's not just about educational practice & pedagogy, it's about inspiring new ideas & challenging conventions of how students can learn about their world! https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/ Know an educator who'd love this STEM podcast episode?  Share it! The FizzicsEd podcast is a member of the Australian Educators Online Network (AEON ) http://www.aeon.net.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your students can be involved in a mission to space! Hear from Ted Tagami, founder of Magnitude.io, as we talk about a plant growth mission heading to the International Space Station on the SpaceX-31 resupply mission, where your students can grow the ground trials. Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education About Simple Seeds Partners Magnitude.io ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space SARDI: Australian Pastures Genebank AVA Challenge Challenge: Create an environment to grow the healthiest plant from seed. The system you create will be self-contained, with water being added only at the start. Record and compare your results with others around the world including one in microgravity on the ISS over 4 weeks. What substrate will your seeds grow in? Where will you place your growth chamber? If it is in a window, what direction does the window face? Where is your school located in the world? (Lat/Long) What does the weather look like during your experiment? Register your interest: Click here! About Ted Tagami Having built and sold his first dotcom in the 1990’s, Ted has been building Internet relationships since 1994. With leading work at Knight Ridder Digital and global brand experience at digital agency Millions of Us, Ted brings a unique perspective to modern experiential learning through the implementation of science and engineering based on the Next Generation Science Standards. More details: https://magnitude.io/about_us/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn about AROSE, the Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth consortium that is not only leading Australia in Remote Operations science, technology and service, on Earth and in Space, but also is providing STEM Education for students across the country as we speak with Michelle Keegan, AROSE Director Resources & Space, Deputy Chair (and founder) Resources Advisory Board. Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education About AROSE The Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth consortium (AROSE) is a not-for-profit, industry-led consortium, at the forefront of knowledge and technology transfer between Australia’s traditional industry sectors and the burgeoning international Space sector. AROSE fosters collaboration across industries and academia to place Australia as trusted provider of remote operations in space and on Earth. The AROSE consortium was founded in February 2020, borne from the vision of former astronaut Colonel Pamela Melroy (now Deputy Administrator of NASA) and Head of Intelligent and Autonomous Systems at Woodside, Russell Potapinski. AROSE is headquartered in Perth thanks to the generous support of the Western Australian Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation. The organisation was established to leverage existing remote operations expertise in the Australian resource sector and catalyse knowledge transfer between terrestrial and off-Earth domains for the benefit of all industries. Learn more https://www.arose.org.au/ About Michelle Keegan As the 2023 Australian Space Professional of the Year, Michelle is highly respected in the Australian Space Industry. Wirth a background in mining and remote operations, Michelle has a strong interest in taking what we do well on Earth to Space, optimising and bringing it back to Earth. "If we can shape our next generation mines through a new lens, taken from solving the hardest challenges faced in Space... we can truly accelerate our ambition and solve in a smarter way. Even better if we can help the Space sector solve their challenges by learning from what we do well on Earth. Collaborating across sectors!" Learn more https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-keegan-0468014 Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education With interviews with leading science educators and STEM thought leaders, this science education podcast is about highlighting different ways of teaching kids within and beyond the classroom. It's not just about educational practice & pedagogy, it's about inspiring new ideas & challenging conventions of how students can learn about their world! https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/ Know an educator who'd love this STEM podcast episode? Share it! The FizzicsEd podcast is a member of the Australian Educators Online Network (AEON ) http://www.aeon.net.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ocean Lovers Festival is Australia’s largest annual cultural and science celebration for the ocean. Hear from founder Anita Kolni as we discuss the education oportunuities available through the pitching contest Shark Tank as well as Litterarty and the Sea Science Student Expo. Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education About the Ocean Lovers Festival The Ocean Lovers Festival taps into Australians love of their ocean lifestyle with the largest dedicated ocean science and cultural celebration in Australia. Through a festival of Ideas, Art + Music and Actions, the Ocean Lovers Fesitval inspire and engage the community on ocean issues and provide hope by showcasing solutions and innovation that are improving the health of the ocean. The festival has hosted hundreds of expert speakers, artists, innovators, ocean pioneers, and champions. It showcases successful marine projects that restore coastal ecology, highlights ocean- innovating entrepreneurs, and provides a platform for government initiatives, marine scientists, and community groups to inspire and empower audiences to better protect the ocean. https://www.oceanloversfestival.com/ About Anita Kolni Anita Kolni is a passionate changemaker, communicator, and connector. She is the Founder of the Ocean Lovers Festival, an annual celebration of ideas, art, music, and actions showcasing the latest innovations, science, state-of-the-art technology, and cool ideas for helping the ocean. Anita successfully staged the first Ocean Lovers Festival in April 2019 at Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach. In a short time, it hasg rown into Australia’s largest annual cultural and science celebration for the ocean, attracting tens of thousands of visitors and achieving a digital media reach of over 34 million. Anita is rapidly gaining recognition as a global connector in the ocean sector for her innovative approach of bringing inspiration and hope for the ocean and engaging audiences to accelerate change that positively impacts our blue planet. She championed the Sydney Coast Hope Spot at the inaugural Ocean Lovers Festival with the support of Mission Blue and the Sylvia Earle Alliance, recognizing Sydney’s cherished coastline on the international stage. Anita's ocean passion stems from her Swedish Olympic sailing father and uncle and her own love of all things beach and ocean. She has worked on major events like the Grand Prix and ATP Tennis Tournament in Europe before settling back in Bondi with her family of four children, inspiring her to create the festival and do her part in protecting the ocean for their future. Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education With interviews with leading science educators and STEM thought leaders, this science education podcast is about highlighting different ways of teaching kids within and beyond the classroom. It's not just about educational practice & pedagogy, it's about inspiring new ideas & challenging conventions of how students can learn about their world! https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/ Know an educator who'd love this STEM podcast episode? Share it! The FizzicsEd podcast is a member of the Australian Educators Online Network (AEON ) http://www.aeon.net.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food security - it's important! So is teaching students to be self-sufficient on how to grow their own nutritious food. Today we hang out with Food Ladder's founding CEO Kelly McJannett to learn how Food Ladder is addressing food security in remote and Indigenous communities. Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education About Food Ladder Food Ladder grew from a kernel of an idea by founders Alex Shead and Kelly McJannett. Alex was determined to use business to create social change. As a social change specialist, Kelly saw kids struggling to concentrate in class because they were hungry and understood the macro impact of food security. By joining forces, they found a way to combine agricultural technology and teaching systems to create lasting social change. From the first greenhouse installation, both realised this was a powerful way to reframe food choices for the next generation. About Kelly McJannett Kelly McJannett is founding CEO of award-winning non-profit Food Ladder which addresses food security in remote and Indigenous communities as well as education, health and economic participation with a holistic focus on wellbeing. An experienced leader in multidisciplinary approaches to social change, Kelly has pioneered scalable place-based agritech solutions which address immediate human needs, support environmental outcomes and ready vulnerable communities for worsening conditions resulting from climate change. Kelly holds a Bachelor of Communications (UTS) and an MBA (The University of Sydney Business School) where she was awarded Social Justice and Community Leadership Scholarship. Accolades include Sydney University Dean’s Prize and Leadership Excellence Award as well as named Australia’s 100 most Influential Women by Australian Financial Review. Kelly is a member of the Board of Advice for The University of Sydney Business School. Find out more https://foodladder.org/ Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education With interviews with leading science educators and STEM thought leaders, this science education podcast is about highlighting different ways of teaching kids within and beyond the classroom. It's not just about educational practice & pedagogy, it's about inspiring new ideas & challenging conventions of how students can learn about their world! https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/ Know an educator who'd love this STEM podcast episode? Share it! The FizzicsEd podcast is a member of the Australian Educators Online Network (AEON ) http://www.aeon.net.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support TER Podcast at www.Patreon.com/TERPodcastIt’s the 11th anniversary of the TER Podcast!Andrea Stringer discusses her Educational Doctorate research into schoolwide coaching to support professional growth of early career teachers.www.contextualcoaching.com.auKolber’s Corner – Steven Kolber considers the impossibility of ITE in an inequitable systemStevenKolber.comIdeology in Education – Tom Mahoney reflects on the issues of teacher voice in education decision makingTom Mahoney’s The Int...

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