AEON 270318

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 from Fizzics Education

About Heather Gate

Heather Gate is Executive Vice President of Digital Transformation at Connected Nation, a U.S. nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to broadband, technology, and digital skills. For nearly two decades, she has led national initiatives that help communities bridge the digital divide through education, partnerships, workforce development, and AI readiness.

Heather previously served as Chair of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission's Communications Equity and Diversity Council (CEDC), where she led national recommendations to expand digital opportunity. Today, she works with governments, nonprofits, educators, libraries, and technology companies to ensure people of all ages have the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

About Connected Nation

Connected Nation is a national nonprofit organisation celebrating 25 years of expanding access to broadband, technology, and digital skills. Since its founding in 2001, the organisation has positively impacted more than 21 million people through community planning, research, broadband initiatives, digital skills training, and strategic partnerships that help connect people to education, healthcare, employment, and economic opportunity. Working in all 50 U.S. states and three territories, Connected Nation collaborates with governments, schools, libraries, businesses, and nonprofits to ensure every community has the opportunity to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Connected Nation Overview Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJwQKxjKJNk

Spotlight: Teens Teach Tech
Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T, is Connected Nation's nationally recognised intergenerational digital skills program. The initiative empowers high school students to become digital skills instructors, teaching older adults and community members essential technology skills such as internet safety, AI basics, email, videoconferencing, smartphones, and computer fundamentals. Since launching in 2022, Teens Teach Tech has helped nearly 50,000 people build essential digital skills through hundreds of teen-led teams across the United States. The program develops leadership, communication, and workforce skills in young people while helping adults gain the confidence to participate fully in today's digital world through schools, libraries, nonprofits, and community organisations.
Teens Teach Tech Success Story
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYJyRsQWL4I

Spotlight: 25 Hours. One Connected World
To celebrate Connected Nation's 25th anniversary, the organisation is leading 25 Hours. One Connected World — a global attempt to set the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the longest internet literacy live stream. Broadcast live from Louisville, Kentucky, USA, on September 24-25, 2026, the event will feature 25 consecutive hours of free digital skills training delivered by educators and experts from around the world. The livestream will cover topics including artificial intelligence, online safety, digital wellness, workforce skills, accessibility, financial literacy, and more, demonstrating how digital knowledge can connect people across borders, cultures, and generations.

Get Involved: 25 Hours. One Connected World
Listeners don't just have to watch from the sidelines. Connected Nation is inviting educators, community organisations, businesses, and individuals across six continents to be part of the record attempt:

• Tune in and watch — the livestream is free and open to everyone, September 24-25, 2026, from Louisville, Kentucky. With 25 hours of programming, you can pick and choose the sessions most relevant to you, whether that's AI, online safety, digital wellness, workforce skills, accessibility, or financial literacy.
• Host a watch site — schools, libraries, and community organisations can register as a local host site to bring the event to their community.
• Spread the word — awareness partners can help share the event with their networks to grow the reach of this global record attempt.
• Partner or sponsor — businesses interested in supporting the record attempt can connect with the Connected Nation team.

Learn more and sign up to participate: https://connectednation.org/25-hours-one-connected-world

Relevant Links
Connected Nation
https://connectednation.org

About Connected Nation
https://connectednation.org/about

Teens Teach Tech
https://teensteachtech.org

25 Hours. One Connected World
https://connectednation.org/25-hours-one-connected-world

Heather Gate on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathergate

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? 

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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 perceptions around vocational pathways, how VET connects students directly to emerging technologies, and how schools and communities can engage with passionate industry ambassadors.

Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education

About Cassie Sanki
Cassie is a dedicated Project Officer within Training Services at the NSW Department of Education. Passionate about expanding student horizons, Cassie works at the heart of the VET Ambassador program, helping to connect skilled industry professionals with schools, parents, and employers. Through her work, she plays a vital role in showcasing VET as a premium, high-tech, and incredibly rewarding pathway for modern learners.

About Training Services VET Ambassadors
Training Services VET Ambassadors are passionate, skilled individuals from various industries throughout New South Wales. By sharing their own diverse personal and professional journeys, these ambassadors bring vital awareness to VET options and their benefits. They serve as real-world examples of success, providing relatable information and mentoring to students, parents, employers, training providers, and educators alike.

The Power of VET in STEM and Science
VET is no longer just about traditional trades—it is a critical launchpad for cutting-edge careers. VET Ambassadors help spark vital conversations about the sheer breadth of modern industries and technologies available to students. The program highlights how vocational pathways offer:

Direct Pathways to STEM

• Hands-on training in rapidly evolving technical sectors, including science, advanced manufacturing, and digital technologies.

Industry Connections

• Bridging the gap between school and the workforce by learning directly from professionals embedded in the field.

Flexible Success

• Empowering students to further their education and achieve long-term success in future-focused careers.

Invite an Ambassador to Your Next Event
VET Ambassadors support a wide variety of engagement activities to promote local opportunities and inspire communities. Whether you are hosting a school career day, an industry night, or a community workshop, you can engage with the program to bring a real-world success story to your audience.

Email the program

[email protected]

Learn more online
Visit the official NSW Department of Education page to see the ambassadors in action and explore the NSW Training Awards.

https://education.nsw.gov.au/skills-nsw/nsw-training-awards/training-services-vet-ambassadors

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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 transit problems, the critical new safety challenges facing teens today, and how schools can access free, curriculum-linked incursions and virtual programs.

Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education

About Kristine Luszczynski

Kristine is the Senior Manager of Community and Education at the NRMA, where she leads the design and delivery of impactful educational initiatives that reach hundreds of thousands of children. With a deep commitment to community well-being, Kristine and her team focus on equipping young people—from early learners to graduating high schoolers—with the critical thinking skills and safety knowledge they need to navigate the future of transport confidently and responsibly.

About NRMA Education Programs

The NRMA believes every child deserves the knowledge to travel safely. Their road safety and STEM programs support students from early childhood through to their teenage years, bridging the gap between practical life skills and modern curriculum outcomes. https://www.mynrma.com.au/about/community/education

Spotlight: The NRMA Future of Transport Challenge

The NRMA Future of Transport Challenge encourages young people to follow their natural curiosity to solve real-world transit issues by innovating and thinking like entrepreneurs. Designed for students in years 5–10 (Stages 3, 4, and 5) working in groups of 2–5, the challenge guides participants through a unique 4-step process:

1. Deep Dive
   Explore the real-world transport issues faced by Australian cities as well as regional and rural areas.

2. Design
   Identify a specific need and apply human-centred design to create a solution product or service.

3. Pitch
   Think like an entrepreneur to create and deliver a product pitch to a panel of experts.

4. Educate
   Excite and inspire an audience of their peers with their innovation.

Find out more and get your students involved: https://nrmafuturetransport.com.au/

Explore more of NRMA's School Programs

• Science and Road Safety Incursion (Primary)
  A free program collaborating with Fizzics Education, delivered to schools across Sydney, the ACT, and regional NSW. Since 2014, it has visited over 800 schools and educated over 450,000 children.

• Free Movers (Years 7–8)
  An online program helping Stage 4 students manage independent travel, peer influence, and modern challenges like e-mobility (e-bikes, e-scooters), smartphone distraction, and lithium-ion battery safety.

• Young Driver (Years 9–12)
  A virtual program featuring six 20-minute units covering critical topics like the "Fatal Five," learning to drive, and buying a safe first car—complete with interactive video content and school quizzes.

• Early Years Resources
  Practical online materials to support early childhood safety education.

Access Resources & Learn More

Discover the NRMA's complete range of online road safety modules, curriculum-mapped activities, and early childhood resources. https://www.mynrma.com.au/about/community/education

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 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 regional space economy is booming, and everything you need to know about the upcoming 2026 AIAA Region VII Student Conference in Adelaide.

About Lisa Vitaris
Lisa is a prominent leader in the aerospace sector, dedicated to elevating and growing the space industry across the Indo-Pacific region. As the Founder and CEO of Indo-Pacific Space, she provides high-level advisory and business consulting services to expand the region's cosmic footprint.

Lisa brings a wealth of governance and major project expertise to the table, currently serving as a Board Director for Engineers Australia—the peak professional body representing over 130,000 members globally. Additionally, she acts as a strategic advisor for the AIAA and is leading the United States' bid to host the prestigious International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Houston for 2029.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisavitaris/

About Dr. Paddy Neumann
Paddy is a pioneer in aerospace propulsion technology and a passionate advocate for student development. He is the Chief Scientist and co-founder of Neumann Space, an Australian company developing cutting-edge electric propulsion systems for spacecraft. Deeply involved in the aerospace community, Paddy also serves as the Chair of the Adelaide Section Council for the AIAA, working to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial space operations.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paddy-neumann-b7b6aa40/

About the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
AIAA is the world’s largest aerospace technical society, dedicated to igniting the imagination, advancing engineering excellence, and fostering a global community of aerospace professionals and students.
https://aiaa.org/
https://aiaa.org/get-involved/

Spotlight: 2026 Region VII Student Conference
There are massive opportunities waiting for students at the 2026 AIAA Region VII Student Conference. Hosted by the Adelaide University Student Branch, this hybrid event welcomes high schoolers (grades 9–12), undergraduate, and graduate students of all majors from around the world (excluding Canada and Mexico, which participate in North American regions).

• When
  30 November – 1 December 2026
• Where
  Adelaide University, Adelaide, Australia & Online (Hybrid format)
• What
  A technical paper and oral presentation competition where students can pitch their work, win cash prizes, receive expert industry feedback, and network with leading aerospace professionals.
• Abstract Deadline: 31 July 2026
• Registration Opens: August 2026

Submit Your Abstract & Register
Visit the official AIAA events page to get involved and review eligibility guidelines.
https://aiaa.org/events/2026-region-vii-student-conference/

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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 believes that meaningful connections are the foundation of both personal growth and professional success. With over 20 years of experience in the aviation industry, she is deeply passionate about creating engaging, impactful experiences that deliver tangible results.

As a Project Manager, Natalie oversees internal and external initiatives that bring industry and education together. She is dedicated to showing students and teachers that career pathways are rarely linear, helping them navigate the diverse opportunities available in modern aerospace.

About the Gateway to Industry Schools Program (GISP) for Aerospace

The Aerospace GISP provides a unique platform for the education sector and industry to collaborate. The program exposes students and teachers to real-world learning experiences, assisting them in making informed career choices and identifying direct pathways to employment. Through stakeholder engagement, steering committees, and industry partnerships, the program ensures the next generation is ready to lead in a high-tech workforce.

Why Aerospace Matters Now

The aerospace industry is reaching new heights, with Queensland already serving as a hub for half of the world’s top 10 aerospace companies. The sector is currently focused on the research, design, and development of a wide array of flight vehicles, including:

• Aeroplanes and rotorcraft

• Uncrewed aircraft (drones)

• Rockets and spacecraft, such as satellites

Benefits for Students

With the industry’s rapid growth, there is a critical need for young people to enter roles in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) to ensure aircraft safety and airworthiness. Furthermore, the rise of space-enabled services is driving demand for rocket testing and launch operations, creating cutting-edge career opportunities for students ready to look toward the stars.

Connect with the Aerospace Gateway Schools:

• Website: aerospacegatewayschools.com.au

• LinkedIn: Aerospace Gateway Schools

• FB/Insta: @AerospaceGISP

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 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.

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 Senior Lecturer in the School of Education at La Trobe University. She is a physicist, secondary and tertiary physics and mathematics teacher, and a STEM education specialist. She is passionate about STEM education outreach and an active member of the Consortium for Mathematics and its Applications (COMAP) and the Australian Institute of Physics. Her current research interests are student use of AI for mathematical problem-solving, and physical science pedagogy.

Learn more

• LaTrobe University profile

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? 

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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 Zero

Eco Detectives Unite – The Race to Zero was developed through a powerful collaboration between the NSW Department of Education, UNICEF Australia, and supported by the University of Sydney Net Zero Institute. The game has been enriched through the collaboration and expertise of Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Zoos South Australia, Perth Zoo and Auckland Zoo, ensuring authentic environmental learning. This immersive Minecraft Education experience puts students in the role of eco-detectives, solving real-world sustainability challenges and exploring pathways to Net Zero through game-based learning.

Game trailer

Direct link to the game on tthe Minecraft Education platform

On ABC Behind the News Episode

About Kelly Pfeiffer

A proud dyslexic, out-of-the-box thinker and change-maker, Kelly has over 20 years’ experience in education and leading transformative learning initiatives. She has developed innovative, award-winning programs that bridge education, conservation, and technology. Passionate about empowering educators and students, Kelly specialises in driving global collaboration, strategic change, and creativity in dynamic environments. A lifelong learner and advocate for positive impact, she creates meaningful change that inspires connection and growth.

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!

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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 

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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’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools and a transformative force at Glen Innes High School. With an unwavering commitment to equity in education, Matt specialises in bringing high-level STEM concepts to life for students in rural and low-socioeconomic communities. 

His teaching philosophy centres on a "real-life" approach, moving beyond textbooks to provide students with professional-grade scientific experiences. This is perhaps best exemplified by his Astronomy and Astrophysics Depth Study Program at Siding Spring Observatory, which has seen hundreds of regional students engage with world-class facilities over the past seven years.

Matt’s influence extends far beyond the local classroom:

• In 2024, he participated in the International Physics & Astronomy Educator Program at LIGO Hanford, where his custom-built LEGO Interferometer is now a permanent fixture in the control centre.

• Working closely with OzGrav, he co-develops national workshops and outreach programs that translate complex astrophysical data into engaging classroom tools.

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!

• Innovation in assessment, where his students teach the content via video explainers, Matt’s methods focus on tangible mastery.

His impact is clearly reflected in the data. Under his leadership, Physics enrolments at Glen Innes High School have more than doubled, and the number of female students pursuing the subject has seen an eightfold increase—proving that with the right mentorship, the sky is no longer the limit.

Outside of the classroom, Matt is a dedicated amateur astronomer who captures the beauty of the sun and deep-space nebulae from his own backyard.

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