Welcome to the Bridge Building Podcast: From Technology to the Trades! In this episode, host Stephen Anderson sits down with Martin Bannard, a robotics and design teacher who's tackling a monumental project with his year 10 design class: setting up a school-sized recycling facility.

 

About This Episode: Martin Bannard describes himself as a teacher who approaches design and technology from an unconventional angle. His optimism—what he humorously calls "horrendously pathologically optimistic"—is driving a project that’s both ambitious and inspiring. 

 

In this episode, you’ll hear the story of how Martin is guiding his students to build a functional recycling facility right within their school. Along the way, he shares valuable insights into the challenges and successes of this project, as well as practical advice for anyone interested in pursuing similar initiatives.

 

Episode Highlights:

• A Creative Approach: Learn how Martin combines robotics, design, and sustainability to create a hands-on learning experience for his students.

• Grant Writing Success: Discover the strategies Martin used to secure funding for this project, making it a perfect example for anyone considering writing a grant.

• Resources and More: While this podcast is audio-only, we’ve included links in the show notes to all the sites, documents, and resources Martin mentions. If you're interested in seeing the video version of this conversation or would like access to the original call, let us know!

 

Join the Conversation: Martin Bannard’s passion for teaching and his innovative approach to design and technology will leave you inspired. If you'd like to see this episode in video format or have any questions, reach out—we’d love to hear from you!

 

Listen to the Episode: Listen Now

Resources and Links:

• https://www.preciousplastic.com/

 

• https://www.plastic.org.au/pages/education?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwk8e1BhALEiwAc8MHiPTt3PQIKk733Ft3Jw2j9YUdaZJsNEORne9VIxwwi8IakKQYb4GlUxoCbL8QAvD_BwE

 

• https://theconversation.com/study-links-microplastics-with-human-health-problems-but-theres-still-a-lot-we-dont-know-225354

 

• https://vietnamnet.vn/en/save-our-seas-photo-expo-tells-sad-story-of-plastic-pollution-in-vietnam-539172.html#:~:text=The%20author%2C%20photographer%20Nguyen%20Viet,long%2Dstanding%20issue%20in%20Vietnam.

 

• https://www.antoinerepesse.com/

 

• https://www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2023/jan/23/plastic-pirouettes-japans-recycled-bottle-ballet

 

• https://visi.co.za/stephan-gladieus-congolese-waste-photography/

 

• https://www.csiro.au/en/news/all/articles/2022/march/could-seaweed-replace-plastic