AEON 270318

How do we inspire the next generation of astrophysicists and space scientists? In this episode, we explore the exciting world of competitive astronomy education with three guests driving Australia's presence on the world stage: Lachlan McGinness, Penelope Hale, and student medalist Abby Zhao. Together, they share how the Australian Space and Astronomy Olympiad was built, what it takes to compete internationally, and why space science offers such a powerful pathway for secondary students.

Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education

About the Guests

Lachlan McGinness

Lachlan is a physics education researcher, outreach officer, and organiser of the Australian Space and Astronomy Olympiad. He helps run the national Olympiad, online training programs, and winter school, supporting Australian teams sent to the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) and inspiring the next generation of astronomers.

Penelope Hale

Penelope is the Assistant Head of Science at John Monash Science School (JMSS)—a selective-entry public school in Victoria for Years 10–12 located on the Monash University campus. A passionate teacher of physics and astrophysics, Penelope previously mentored a student team to the IOAA in India (where student Michael Tikhanov earned a silver medal). Alongside Lachlan McGinness, she helped establish the Australian Space and Astronomy Olympiad to select and prepare national teams, including the senior team competing in Vietnam and the junior team heading to Thailand for IOAA-Jr.

Abby Zhao

Abby is a Year 12 student and STEM Captain at Fintona Girls’ School in Melbourne. As a member of Australia’s first nationally selected team, Abby recently won a bronze medal at the 19th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics in Hanoi, Vietnam. She is passionate about sharing science with younger students and highlighting how mathematics and physics unlock our understanding of the cosmos.

Key Highlights & Organisations

Australian Space and Astronomy Olympiad
The national selection and training pathway for secondary students aiming for international competition, featuring nationwide exams, online training, and immersive winter schools.

OzGrav (ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery)
Bringing together researchers across Australian universities to detect and decode ripples in spacetime from colliding black holes and neutron stars, opening a brand-new window on the universe.

Resources & Links

• Australian Space and Astronomy Olympiad Website
• Contact Lachlan McGinness
  [email protected]
• Learn more about OzGrav
• Learn more about John Monash Science School
• Learn more about Fintona Girls' School

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.

What makes learning work? Catherine Saldutti from EduChange joins us to discuss STEM, learning competencies and much more as we consider the learners' pathways into their future.

Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education

About Catherine Saldutti

Catherine has over 32 years of experience in secondary education, and has served as
a teacher, administrator, professional development provider, evaluator, and edupreneur. She
founded EduChange in 2000 to fundamentally redesign the systems and structures that deliver
formal education. Using the Sciences of Learning and Development (SoLD), first principles,
bottom-up designs, and biomimicry, Catherine pioneered Open Learning Architecture with her
team of researchers, master educators, designers, and STEM professionals. This “system of
systems” includes: Sustainable Open Educational Resources (SOER) for regenerative
educational publishing; multi-year competency-based assessment; content that is "born
accessible", disciplinary literacy practices; data science and computational thinking, intentional
technology use for learning and instruction; and on-the-job teacher training programs. Catherine
speaks regularly to international audiences of educational thought leaders, the EdTech
community, administrators, teachers, and parents across the globe.

EduChange offerings
EduChange collaborates with schools to customize, deploy and gather implementation data.
The team deploys two proof-of-concepts globally:

• the EduChange STEM+ Pathways program, a multi-year interdisciplinary science
  program serving educators and learners aged 13-20
• Concept Construxions®, a patented transdisciplinary pattern-recognition system that
  helps learners construct multiple representations of concepts socially and collaboratively

Get in touch with Catherine

Open Learning Architecture Video

Open Learning Architecture: 10 Design Shifts (spread)

STEM+ Pathways for Ages 13-20: overview and website

Learn about Concept Construxions

Educator teams: discussion protocols

Catherine’s educational design blog

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.

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 digital technologies and middle leadership can provoke meaningful, lasting learning.

Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education

About Beck Keough
Beck Keough is an award-winning primary school educator working in regional New South Wales, holding a Master’s degree in Gifted and Talented Education. She was named the National ACCE ACS Digital Technologies Teacher of the Year, the NSW Digital Tech Educator of the Year (2023), and the PTC NSW Rural and Remote Education Advocate (2025). Beck is deeply passionate about leading from the middle, integrating digital technologies through purposeful design, and advocating for equitable educational opportunities across regional and remote communities.

Driven by the goal of shoulder-to-shoulder collaboration with her peers and learning alongside her students, Beck founded inCURiATE to curate innovative ideas and inspire educators. She also hosts Edulatte, a podcast and professional learning series designed to connect teachers and ignite provoking, invigorated conversations about modern pedagogy.

Connect with Beck & inCURiATE
If you are looking to network or learn more about Beck's work and upcoming professional learning opportunities, connect via:

LinkedIn: Beck Keough

Instagram: @incuriateedu

Facebook: inCURiATE Page

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.

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 Science Week, why hands-on science engagement is essential, and practical ways schools and educators can get involved to make STEM accessible for every learner.

Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education

About Paula Taylor
Mrs Paula Taylor is an exemplary STEM leader with over 30 years of classroom teaching experience across K–12. She currently serves as a system-wide STEM leader in the ACT with the Academy of Future Skills. Mrs Taylor creates innovative, problem-based programs that bring complex scientific concepts to life, having directly impacted more than 10,000 students and co-taught alongside 480 classroom teachers to boost engagement and achievement.

In addition to being awarded the prestigious 2025 Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools, Paula is the President of the Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA). She is deeply dedicated to mentoring educators, raising the profile of the teaching profession, and advocating alongside industry, peak bodies, and government to build the next generation of STEM innovators.

About National Science Week
National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology, held every August. First established in 1997, it has grown into one of Australia's largest national festivals, featuring thousands of in-person and online events, virtual tours, DIY science activities, and school expos across the country to inspire future generations and spark public interest in STEM.
https://www.scienceweek.net.au/

About ASTA
The Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA) is the national peak body and federation of Science Teacher Associations across every state and territory in Australia. Established in 1951, ASTA is a national not-for-profit organisation representing thousands of members. For 75 years, ASTA has led the advance of science education by providing high-quality resources, professional development, and a collaborative community dedicated to ensuring all Australian students receive world-class STEM learning.
https://asta.edu.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.

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 Science Week, why hands-on science engagement is essential, and practical ways schools and educators can get involved to make STEM accessible for every learner.

Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education

About Paula Taylor
Mrs Paula Taylor is an exemplary STEM leader with over 30 years of classroom teaching experience across K–12. She currently serves as a system-wide STEM leader in the ACT with the Academy of Future Skills. Mrs Taylor creates innovative, problem-based programs that bring complex scientific concepts to life, having directly impacted more than 10,000 students and co-taught alongside 480 classroom teachers to boost engagement and achievement.

In addition to being awarded the prestigious 2025 Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools, Paula is the President of the Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA). She is deeply dedicated to mentoring educators, raising the profile of the teaching profession, and advocating alongside industry, peak bodies, and government to build the next generation of STEM innovators.

About National Science Week
National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology, held every August. First established in 1997, it has grown into one of Australia's largest national festivals, featuring thousands of in-person and online events, virtual tours, DIY science activities, and school expos across the country to inspire future generations and spark public interest in STEM.
https://www.scienceweek.net.au/

About ASTA
The Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA) is the national peak body and federation of Science Teacher Associations across every state and territory in Australia. Established in 1951, ASTA is a national not-for-profit organisation representing thousands of members. For 75 years, ASTA has led the advance of science education by providing high-quality resources, professional development, and a collaborative community dedicated to ensuring all Australian students receive world-class STEM learning.
https://asta.edu.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.

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

Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education

About Nina Earl CF

Nina Earl is a passionate scientist and communicator who combines these two callings to explore the worlds of historic and contemporary science through the objects used to research them. With a passion for sharing stories and empowering women and girls to excel, she is always looking for innovative new ways of engaging audiences in the museum.

Currently employed as a Curator at the Powerhouse Museum—a role that combines her extensive science and communication experience with her passion for art and design—Nina seeks to utilise her creativity and communication skills to inspire and educate global communities through engaging exhibitions and public programs.

Churchill Fellowship Report

To investigate how museums can engage audiences with contemporary issues and increase STEM literacy:

https://www.churchilltrust.com.au/fellow/nina-earl-nsw-2023/

Links & Socials Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/artsciencecuration/

Powerhouse Museum
https://powerhouse.com.au/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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!

Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education

About Roblox:

Roblox is an immersive gaming and creation platform where people can explore, build and learn through millions of unique games. For more than 20 years, Roblox has supported creativity, learning and play and the platform continues to lead the industry with its approach to safety. These measures include requiring age checks to access communication features and only allowing people of a similar age to chat, as well as the introduction of age-based accounts, Roblox Kids and Roblox Select, for under 16s. The 2025 IGEA Australia Plays report found almost half of Australian parents believe games help children learn. Roblox helps connect educators and parents with games that support skills development through its online Learning Hub, which makes it easy to find games which teach across a wide range learning areas, including coding, engineering, maths, creativity, art,  sustainability and digital literacy skills. 

Dr. Adam Seldow serves as Senior Director of Education Policy at Roblox with the goal of contributing to the next generation of creators. Dr. Seldow taught secondary school mathematics and led technology in large U.S. school systems. He earned his undergraduate degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point and his master's and doctoral degrees in education policy and leadership from Harvard University.

Professor Jeff Brand is the Deputy Provost, Education, and a Professor of Communication and Media at Bond University in Queensland, Australia. He has been labelled “Australia’s leading researcher of interactive games” for his biennial 22-year-long panel studies, Digital Australia and Australia Plays on video game audiences. Jeff has been awarded a National Excellence in Teaching Citation from the Australian Office of Learning and Teaching for developing a Virtual Learning Environment in Minecraft.

Highlight Roblox games from the Learning Hub:

1. Museum Tycoon 
   As players design, build and curate their museum and unlock new exhibits, they’re introduced to scientific principles, engineering and robotics concepts, and the role technology plays in everyday life. 
• STEM focus: Science & Technology 
2. Studio Lite
   Players can learn coding and game design fundamentals, while exploring careers in software engineering and game development. 
• STEM focus: Technology
3. Scripting School
   An introduction to coding designed to make it easy for people to become developers with four different languages. 
• STEM focus: Technology
4. Circuit Maker 2: 
   Learn how electronics work. 
• STEM focus: Engineering
5. Math Obby
   A maths challenge with a twist. 
• STEM focus: Mathematics

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.

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 aerodynamic forces!

Plus - you can contribute!
You can try these interactive simulation tools in your classrooms! Whether you are guiding students through an aerodynamics project or demonstrating complex scientific theories, Digital Rocket Science allows learners to gather and analyse simulation data in real time. Andrew is actively seeking feedback from educators—give the software a run and share how you are using it and what could be improved!

Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education

About Andrew Johnson

Andrew Johnson is the founder of Digital Rocket Science, where he develops browser-based platforms that help students explore science, engineering, and artificial intelligence through interactive simulation and experimentation. With a background spanning aerospace engineering, visual effects at Industrial Light & Magic, and software development at Roblox, he now focuses on creating educational experiences that make complex computational systems accessible, visual, and intuitive for STEM learners.

Featured Video & Resources

Watch the simulations in action on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3Q5B3kLPTow?si=iEkxVMHk5Jfit4Xg

Links
Digital Rocket Science: https://www.digitalrocket.com/
Digital Dynamics Studio: https://www.digitaldynamics.studio/
Digital AI Studio: https://www.digitalai.studio/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@digitalrocketscience
Contact Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-a-johnson/

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.

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 Steller is an education and community engagement specialist focused on building networks that support and amplify under-represented voices in education. Over the past eight years, he has led innovative projects that bring people together to explore how science education can empower local communities.

Luke holds a PhD in geology from the University of New South Wales, where his research explored the environmental setting of the Earth’s oldest fossils in the Pilbara on Nyamal Country in Western Australia. Now based in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), Luke is the Northern Territory Regional Leader for Questacon—the Australian Government’s National Science and Technology Centre—where he builds networks and resources to support teachers and communities across the NT.

Churchill Fellowship report
https://www.churchilltrust.com.au/fellow/luke-steller-nt-2024/

Contact
https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-steller/

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.

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 Steller is an education and community engagement specialist focused on building networks that support and amplify under-represented voices in education. Over the past eight years, he has led innovative projects that bring people together to explore how science education can empower local communities.

Luke holds a PhD in geology from the University of New South Wales, where his research explored the environmental setting of the Earth’s oldest fossils in the Pilbara on Nyamal Country in Western Australia. Now based in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), Luke is the Northern Territory Regional Leader for Questacon—the Australian Government’s National Science and Technology Centre—where he builds networks and resources to support teachers and communities across the NT.

Churchill Fellowship report
https://www.churchilltrust.com.au/fellow/luke-steller-nt-2024/

Contact
https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-steller/

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.