The FizzicsEd Podcast

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? 

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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? 

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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, Exhibitions 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/

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 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 Dr Luke Steller CF

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.

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? 

Share it!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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 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 NSW & ACT 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.