Using cotton to teach science with Jenny Hughes

From her roots on a New South Wales farm to leading education for Cotton Australia, Jenny Hughes is cultivating the future of food and fibre education. Learn classroom ready ideas for teaching about cotton in your classroom, whether you're from the city or the country. Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education About Jenny Hughes Jenny Hughes brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role as Education Manager at Cotton Australia, where she leverages her background in teaching, event organisation, communications, and hospitality. Originally from a sheep and wheat property in central New South Wales, Jenny’s deep-rooted connection to agriculture fuels her commitment to food and fibre education. In her current role, she is a strategic thought leader and influencer, known for her advanced relationship skills and extensive network. Her responsibilities include managing the Cotton Classroom resource library, creating curriculum-linked educational materials, and supporting teachers and undergraduates through scholarships to attend relevant events. She also oversees the Teach the Teacher Field Trips program, delivers workshops at education and career events, and manages Cotton Australia's interactive displays at major agricultural shows like The Sydney Royal and EKKA.About Cotton Australia Cotton Australia is the peak body for Australia’s cotton growers, representing up to 1,500 cotton farming families, predominantly in New South Wales and Queensland with a committed and increasing number of growers in the emerging markets of the Northern Territory and Western Australia. Learn more For Cotton Classroom to access free curriculum-linked resources and request a Cotton Sample Kit posted to your school, click here. YouTube Channel Seed to Sock Video   Water Allocations Explained   Sustainability in Cotton   Google Arts & Culture page   Facebook 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.

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 morehttps://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.

Learn how Future You aims to inspire children's STEM curiosity. Join Program Ambassador Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith, an award-winning astrophysicist renowned for making the universe accessible as we explore Future You helps kids imagine their future possibilities. Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education About Future You Future You, a UNSW Sydney-led initiative, sparks STEM curiosity in 8-12 year olds through free, engaging resources for students, teachers, and parents. Connecting real-world STEM skills with the Australian Curriculum, the program offers practical activities, diverse role models, and inspiring fiction to make STEM relevant and exciting. Future You empowers families to explore the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics together.Learn morehttps://futureyouaustralia.com.au/ About Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith, Program Ambassador. Lisa is an award-winning astrophysicist and author with a gift for making the universe accessible to all. With over 55 research papers and key roles in the development and operation of radio telescopes globally, her contributions to astronomy are many. Lisa’s passion for sharing knowledge extends beyond research. She’s a best-selling author and an engaging keynote speaker. Her books have received national and international acclaim, and she’s a familiar face from ABC’s Stargazing Live. Lisa has also hosted live events featuring Apollo Moon astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Gene Cernan, and Charlie Duke, captivating audiences in sold-out theatres across the country. On top of all of that, she’s passionate about getting your students excited about the amazing and rewarding career possibilities within STEM. Learn morehttps://www.lisaharveysmith.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 morehttps://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 outhttps://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.

Learn about AVISTA - AROSE’s Virtual and In-person STEM Training and Awareness Program, which will visit over 200 high schools across Australia face-to-face as well as digitally through STEM challenges to help students learn more about STEM career pathways into the Australian defence industries. We speak with Holly Kershaw, STEM Program Manager at AROSE to learn more. Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education About AVISTA Supported by the Department of Defence’s School Pathways Program, AVISTA will deliver a range of exciting learning experiences to students, their teachers and families throughout 2025, to help develop Australia’s STEM talent pipeline by providing direct insights into defence industry career pathways. AVISTA is an initiative of AROSE, delivered in partnership with Fizzics Education, Gilmour Space Technologies, Gunggandji Aerospace, IlluminateFNQ, Joseph Banks Secondary College, Nova Systems, and the University of Western Australia Defence and Security Institute. Learn morehttps://avista.org.au/ About AROSE Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth (AROSE) is a leading, industry-led, not-for-profit organisation that stands at the forefront of knowledge and technology transfer between Australia’s traditional industry sectors and the burgeoning international space sector. AROSE brings these sectors together to collaborate on targeted, industry-led projects with Australia’s world-leading Remote Operations expertise at their core. Learn morehttps://www.arose.org.au/ About Holly Kershaw Holly Kershaw is an experienced program leader skilled in strategic planning, operational management, and team leadership. She excels at scaling operations and managing large program transitions under tight deadlines. She has led STEM initiatives engaging up to 300,000 students annually and produced events attracting tens of thousands. Her experience includes roles at AROSE, Arludo, Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney, Fizzics Education and the University of Sydney. Holly also co-founded TEDxParramatta, emphasizing strategic partnerships and community-focused events.Learn morehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/hollykershaw/ 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 journeyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xn88ronk5FELearn morehttps://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.

Jonathan Nalder, known as ‘the Edunaut,’ has spent 20+ years pioneering hands-on, problem-based learning with cutting-edge digital tools—STEM, AR/VR, AI, and environmental sensors. Drawing on his Drama Teacher background, he infuses learning with props, role play, and futures thinking.   Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education About Jonathan Nalder Jonathan Nalder, known as ‘the Edunaut,’ has spent 20+ years pioneering hands-on, problem-based learning with cutting-edge digital tools—STEM, AR/VR, AI, and environmental sensors—while keeping the human element at the core of education. Drawing on his Drama Teacher background, he combines learning with props, role play, and futures thinking. A globally awarded innovator, Mars Society Ambassador, and World Teacher of the Year, Jonathan empowers educators to navigate the new space and digital era. His latest project, First Kids in Space, invites young dreamers to contribute their visions for space travel. Learn more at firstkidsinspace.info. Or if you are older and want to relax to stunning air travel or space exploration videos, subscribe at YouTube.com/@lofiairspace  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.

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.

Discover how gamification can transform your classroom! Join us as we explore proven strategies with Valary Oleinik, a learning experience alchemist who specializes in using games to simplify complex topics, spark curiosity, and keep students engaged. Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education About Valary Oleinik Valary Oleinik is a learning strategist, keynote speaker, and workshop facilitator known for her innovative and engaging approach to education. With a unique blend of creativity, technology, and gameful experiences, she helps individuals and organizations design more effective and memorable learning journeys. Her passion for learning stems from an innate curiosity—one she believes is contagious. Embracing her identity as Valary with a WHY, she inspires others to question traditional methods and explore new possibilities in education. Her expertise lies in translating complex concepts into simple, actionable strategies, making her a sought-after voice in the world of learning and development. Valary serves as the Chair of the Advisory Board for the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA), where she contributes to shaping the future of distance education. With over two decades of experience in instructional design, facilitation, and project management, she continues to push the boundaries of engagement, helping educators and learners alike thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape. When not crafting dynamic learning experiences, Valary is assisted by her cat and bunny—who may not be great at typing but excel at shredding paper. Find out more https://www.valarywithawhy.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.