Teaching Chemistry Through Art, Dance and Drama with Zafra Lerman

Zafra Lerman is a scientist, educator and humanitarian. She received a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel and conducted research on Isotope Effects at Cornell and Northwestern Universities in the U.S. and the ETH, Zurich, Switzerland. She developed an innovative approach of teaching science through art, music, drama, dance, and rap which was successful with underprivileged students around the globe. She worked on human rights cases in the former Soviet Union, Russia, China, Guatemala, Cuba, Peru, and South Africa and was successful in preventing executions, releasing prisoners from jail and bringing dissidents to freedom. She is the President of the Malta Conferences Foundation, which uses science diplomacy as a bridge to peace in the Middle East by bringing scientists from all countries in the Middle East together with Nobel Laureates. This five-day conference puts scientists under the same roof to develop collaborations and friendships that overcome the chasms of distrust and intolerance. She received over forty international awards, including the Presidential Award for Mentoring from President Clinton (1999), AAAS Award for Science Diplomacy (2015), American Physical Society Andrei Sakharov Prize for Human Rights (2016), Peace and Justice prize from the UN NOVUS summit (2016), Distinguished Women in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering Award from the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (2017), and she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by a member of the US Congress and a member of the French Parliament (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2025). Her book “Human Rights and Peace: A Personal Odyssey” was published in August 2024. On March 6, 2025 she received in New York the International Advocate for Peace Award from the Cardozo Journal of Conflict Resolution. Previous awardees include Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Paul McCartney.Chapters:00:19 - Innovative Approaches to Teaching Science01:05 - The Journey into Education and Science20:49 - Innovative Teaching Methods in Chemistry36:46 - Human Rights and Science Education44:33 - Focusing on the Middle East: A New Directionhttps://zafralerman.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/zafralerman🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources.https://www.educationonfire.com🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunitieshttps://www.educationonfire.com/support#EducationOnFireShow Sponsors –National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/napeFrom idea to live show – hands-on sessions to help you launch, grow, and streamline your brand.https://creativeamplifiers.live/https://creativeamplifiers.substack.com/

Mark Taylor talks with Patrick van der Burght — business partner of Dr. Robert Cialdini and founder member of the Cialdini Institute — about the science of ethical persuasion and what it means for teachers, parents, and school leaders.Patrick explains why 90-95% of our decisions are made by the brain's fast, automatic "System 1" rather than deliberate reasoning, why human attention spans have now dropped below that of a goldfish, and how Cialdini's seven universal principles of persuasion (reciprocity, liking, unity, social proof, authority, consistency, and scarcity) can help educators build trust, motivate students, and lead more effectively — without ever resorting to manipulation.Along the way: a study that took student success rates from 14% to 86%, why asking for "advice" beats asking for "feedback," and why public commitment is a far stronger motivator than private commitment.Guest: Patrick van der Burght, co-author of How to Hear Yes More Often (2024) and host of Ethical Persuasion Unlocked.Chapters:00:03 - Introduction to Patrick Van der Burght05:08 - The Science of Decision Making11:24 - Understanding Decision-Making: System One vs System Two16:40 - The Impact of Attention Span on Decision Making26:52 - The Importance of Early Persuasion Skills31:19 - The Power of Compliments and Relationships41:14 - Principles of Influence and Authority48:59 - The Impact of Appearance on Perception56:12 - The Importance of Feedback, Inspiration, Resilience, and Empowermenthttps://ethicalpersuasion.com.au/https://ethicalpersuasion.com.au/free-influence-persuasion/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ethicalpersuasionLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-van-der-burght/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ethicalpersuasion/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethical_persuasion/Twitter: https://x.com/yesmoreoftenTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ethicalpersuasionBook: https://yesmoreoften.com/Profile: https://patrickvanderburght.com🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources.https://www.educationonfire.com🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunitieshttps://www.educationonfire.com/support#EducationOnFireShow Sponsors –National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/napeFrom idea to live show – hands-on sessions to help you launch, grow, and streamline your brand.https://creativeamplifiers.live/https://creativeamplifiers.substack.com/

Dr. Sophia Nicole Morgan is an educator, author, and entrepreneur whose work focuses on career literacy, academic advising, and helping students make intentional decisions about their futures. Her career spans Jamaica, the United States, and China.She is the founder of Explore Career Academy, a platform dedicated to helping schools integrate career exploration and college planning into everyday learning.Dr. Morgan is the author of several career development resources, including The High Schooler's Guide to College and Career Planning and Reflections: A College and Career Journal for Middle Schoolers. Her work equips students with the tools to reflect on their strengths, explore career possibilities, and plan meaningful academic pathways.Originally from Williamsfield, Westmoreland, Jamaica, Dr. Morgan is passionate about helping schools ensure that every student graduates with clarity, purpose, and direction.Takeaways:Dr. Sophia Morgan emphasizes the importance of career literacy in education, equipping students for their future.Explore Career Academy aims to provide tailored resources to ensure every student has a post-secondary plan.The podcast discusses the need for continuous career support for students beyond one-off career days.Dr. Morgan shares her journey from Jamaica to China, highlighting cultural differences and commonalities.The importance of involving parents, teachers, and administrators in supporting students' career paths is underscored.Career literacy should start early, integrating career awareness into learning from kindergarten through grade 12.Chapters:00:02 - Introducing Dr. Sophia Morgan00:31 - Navigating Cultural Transitions and Career Guidance20:25 - The Importance of Career Literacy in Early Education22:19 - Exploring Career Awareness in Education31:39 - Exploring Career Literacy and Global Opportunitieshttps://www.explorecareeracademy.com/www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sophia-morgan-1a784671🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources.https://www.educationonfire.com🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunitieshttps://www.educationonfire.com/support#EducationOnFireShow Sponsors – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/napeFrom idea to live show - hands-on sessions to help you launch, grow, and streamline your brand.https://creativeamplifiers.live/https://creativeamplifiers.substack.com/

Adam Adler is a Charleston-based founder and investor focused on building technology that creates healthier, more sustainable systems — for families, communities, and the next generation.The idea for Wyzly didn't come from a pitch deck or a boardroom. It came from Adam's daughter, Isla. At seven years old, Isla proposed a simple idea that every parent instantly understands: what if kids could earn screen time by learning first?That moment sparked the creation of Wyzly — a learn-to-earn screen time platform designed to eliminate daily screen battles without punishment or restriction.Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in private equity, data-driven businesses, and systems design, Adam built Wyzly from the ground up. The platform uses AI to generate curriculum-aligned learning challenges tailored to each child's age, grade, and school district.Key TakeawaysIt's the only app with this level of iOS integration. Two years working with Apple let Wyzly act as a true gatekeeper for all apps — unlocking them only after kids answer curriculum-aligned questions.The AI adapts to each child. Questions adjust in difficulty based on performance and are tailored to age, grade, and school district.It interrupts "doom scrolling," not just screen time. Built-in breaks prompt learning moments during long stretches of passive use — his daughter's idea.Built with real experts, not guesswork. The team includes 14 in-house staff, teachers, a school principal, and a licensed child mental health counselor.His daughter helped design it firsthand. She tested features, flagged confusing questions, and shaped the UX from a kid's point of view.Currently U.S./iOS only, K–6. Android and more grades/countries are planned for next year.Chapters:00:13 - The Inspiration Behind Wyzly02:50 - The Birth of Wisely: A New Approach to Screen Time09:27 - Introducing the App and Its Unique Approach to Screen Time Management17:33 - The Importance of Sports in Education and Life22:26 - Navigating Technology and Parenting29:11 - Empowering Children: A New Approach to Parentinghttps://www.wyzly.apphttps://www.linkedin.com/in/adamadler-charleston🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources.https://www.educationonfire.com🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunitieshttps://www.educationonfire.com/support#EducationOnFirehttps://creativeamplifiers.live/https://creativeamplifiers.substack.com/Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape

Dyslexia, which affects an estimated 15 to 20% of learners, often leads to the frustrating advice of waiting and seeing from educational professionals. Russell Van Brocklen, a dyslexia researcher and advocate, challenges this complacency by presenting actionable solutions for parents and educators. His innovative approach, grounded in structured literacy methods, aims to transform the educational experience for dyslexic students, evidenced by his program that has successfully elevated students from middle school writing levels to college readiness in a remarkably short time. Multi-sensory routines surpass conventional worksheets, enabling observable progress before the next report card arrives.Takeaways:Dyslexia affects a significant portion of learners, often leading to delayed intervention and support.Russell Van Brocklen utilizes structured literacy methods to effectively assist dyslexic students.His innovative program has demonstrated remarkable improvements in writing skills for dyslexic teens in a short time.Understanding the neurological differences in dyslexia is crucial for effective teaching and learning strategies.A focus on multisensory routines can yield better results than traditional methods like worksheets.Engaging students in topics they are passionate about greatly enhances their learning outcomes.Chapters:00:07 - Introduction to Dyslexia and Its Challenges07:57 - The Journey of Overcoming Dyslexia23:31 - The Case of Casey: A Unique Learning Journey28:01 - Understanding Dyslexia and Effective Learning Strategies45:53 - Navigating the Future: Education and AIhttps://dyslexiaclasses.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-van-brocklen-2007ab87/https://www.instagram.com/dyslexiaclassesus/https://www.facebook.com/dyslexiaclasses/https://twitter.com/dyslexiaclasseshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_cqwfxn9FqFx1Idl0YbeHg🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources.https://www.educationonfire.com🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunitieshttps://www.educationonfire.com/support#EducationOnFirehttps://creativeamplifiers.live/https://creativeamplifiers.substack.com/Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape

Kevin Cripe was a teacher in Modesto City Schools for 27 years and during that time created an award winning after school chess program for students who came from socio-economically challenged backgrounds. He took students to 200+ tournaments and 14 national chess championships and watched as students used chess to become first generation college graduates. After retiring he moved to Central America, continued to teach chess and wrote a "Child Moral Development Trilogy" .Takeaways:Kevin Cripe dedicated 27 years to teaching and created an award-winning chess program for underprivileged students, demonstrating a profound commitment to educational equity.Through chess, Kevin facilitated the participation of his students in over 200 tournaments, resulting in numerous students becoming first-generation college graduates.After retiring, Kevin continued his passion for teaching chess in Central America and authored a trilogy focused on moral development for children.Kevin emphasizes the importance of celebrating every student's progress, not just those who achieve the highest scores, fostering a culture of encouragement and resilience.Kevin's approach to education revolves around providing emotional support and understanding that effort is as important as the results, helping students to feel valued beyond academic performance.We highlight the transformative power of exposure and opportunities, illustrating how students can aspire to greater futures when given the right support and encouragement.Chapters:00:03 - Kevin Cripe: Transforming Lives Through Chess01:30 - The Journey Begins: Inspiring Change Through Education21:04 - The Impact of Parental Support on Student Success29:20 - The Journey of Learning and Growth36:23 - The Impact of Caring in Educationhttps://kevincripemotivationalspeaker.com/🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources and be part of our season finale with Ger.https://www.educationonfire.com🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunitieshttps://www.educationonfire.com/support#EducationOnFirehttps://creativeamplifiers.live/https://creativeamplifiers.substack.com/Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape

Jacob Adams is an education leader committed to transforming schools into places of joy, belonging, and critical thinking for Black and Brown youth. He coined the term “disconnection crisis” to describe how traditional education separates young people from their purpose, community, and creativity. In 2017, he founded STEM to the Future, now Inner Spark Learning Lab, which has reached over 40,000 young people and generated insights shaping the broader education field.Jacob began his career as a Teach For America corps member, teaching 1st and 2nd grade before serving as an instructional coach for three years. He holds a B.A. from Birmingham-Southern College and a master’s from Relay Graduate School of Education. He is also an alum of fellowships including the Simons Foundation’s inaugural Science Sandbox Fellowship, 4.0 Schools, LA Leads, and the Black Equity Collective Build Fellowship.Takeaways:The disconnection crisis in education highlights how traditional schooling alienates students from their true potential and creativity.Inner Spark Learning Lab aims to transform educational environments into nurturing spaces that foster joy and a sense of belonging.By engaging students in participatory action research, they learn to address community needs and develop critical thinking skills.The importance of feedback loops is emphasized, ensuring that the voices of students and families shape the educational experience.Empowerment in education is achieved when students feel their contributions are valued and their identities are recognized.The initiative aims to create a network of schools that adapt to the needs of their communities, fostering relevant and engaging learning experiences.Chapters:00:21 - The Disconnection Crisis in Education00:29 - The Birth of Inner Spark Learning Lab10:52 - Transitioning Educational Paradigms19:27 - Transforming Education: The Role of Dreamweavers35:15 - Navigating the Map of Life: Teaching Self-Awareness and Skills37:23 - The Importance of Feedback in Educationhttps://www.innersparklab.org/instagram.com/innersparklabhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobadams706/🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources and be part of our season finale with Ger.https://www.educationonfire.com🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunitieshttps://www.educationonfire.com/support#EducationOnFireShow Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape

In this final episode of the Ger Graus Gets Gritty series, Professor Dr Ger Graus OBE and I wrap up our 10-episode journey through education from early years to higher education and beyond. We explore the difference between schooling and education, the role of universities in an AI-driven world, and whether lifelong learning could — or should — move beyond traditional institutions.Learning doesn't stop at 18, 45, or even 99. The future of education isn't about replacing what we have, but expanding the menu — so that every curious learner, at every stage of life, can find their own path. And no matter how education evolves, the people around us remain at the very heart of it.'Everyone can only aspire to what they know exists'Takeaways:The importance of continuous education beyond traditional schooling cannot be overstated, as it is essential for personal development throughout one's life.Our discussions highlighted the critical distinction between education and schooling, emphasizing that true education can occur at any age and in various contexts.The relationship between higher education institutions and students must be fundamentally redefined to prioritize student needs and outcomes over financial motivations.Lifelong learning is not limited to formal education; it encompasses all forms of personal growth, driven by individual curiosity and life experiences.The necessity for a nuanced understanding of educational pathways is paramount, as different individuals require different approaches to learning and development.In our exploration of higher education, we must recognize the evolving needs of society and the role of institutions in adapting to these changes.Chapters:00:04 - Introduction to Episode 1002:15 - Overview of Further Education and Lifelong Learning24:02 - The Complexity of Accountability in Education36:18 - The Role of Degrees in Professional Success39:37 - The Importance of Lifelong Learninghttps://www.gergraus.comGet the book – Through a Different Lens: Lessons from a Life in Education🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources and be part of our season finale with Ger.https://www.educationonfire.com🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunitieshttps://www.educationonfire.com/support#EducationOnFireShow Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape

Joining Mark Taylor as part of this series with Prof Dr Ger Graus OBE is Rebecca Durose-Croft a Managing Director with over 20 years’ experience in educational publishing and the evolving world of edtech.Rebecca has built a reputation for bringing together editorial expertise, strategic thinking and a deep understanding of how learners engage with content - leading teams to create high-quality publications and programmes that truly make a difference.With a strong commitment to inclusion and accessibility, and a track record of working closely with educators, policymakers and partners across the sector, Rebecca is a thoughtful and influential voice in how education continues to adapt and innovate.Takeaways:We discusses the evolving nature of educational content and its impact on schooling.Rebecca Durose-Croft emphasizes the importance of tailoring educational material to individual learners' needs.National curriculum reforms prompt a reevaluation of educational practices and content delivery methods.The conversation highlights the necessity of incorporating real-world applications into learning experiences.Technology plays a crucial role in modern education, but it must be integrated thoughtfully to enhance learning.Collaboration between educators and content creators is essential for producing effective educational resources.Chapters:00:15 - Introducing Rebecca Durose-Croft01:58 - Exploring New Educational Curriculums16:16 - The Importance of Context in Language Learning23:27 - The Role of Technology in Modern Education31:20 - The Evolution of Educational Technology45:06 - The Role of Educators in Curriculum Development51:49 - The Importance of Trusting Teachers in Educationhttps://www.besa.org.uk/https://www.gergraus.comGet the book – Through a Different Lens: Lessons from a Life in Education🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources and be part of our season finale with Ger.https://www.educationonfire.com🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunitieshttps://www.educationonfire.com/support#EducationOnFireShow Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape

Today we bring together Prof Dr Ger Graus OBE and Cristian Fabbi, Director of the Fondazione Reggio Children, for a deeply human and intellectually rich conversation about the future of early years education.Ger and Cristian share personal stories and the work of their friend and colleague Carla Rinaldi — one of the world's most influential educational thinkers. They explore what it truly means to place children at the heart of learning. From the rubble of post-war Italy to classrooms in Soweto, Nairobi, and Napoli, the Reggio Emilia approach has quietly transformed how educators around the world understand childhood, creativity, community, and the very purpose of school.This is a conversation full of warmth, courage, and genuine hope — a reminder that when we believe in children's potential, extraordinary things happen.Key Takeaways1. Start at the very beginning — literallyThe Reggio Emilia approach insists that quality education must begin from birth, not age 3, 5, or 7. Neuroscience has since confirmed what Carla Rinaldi and Loris Malaguzzi argued decades ago: the 0–3 years are the most critical window for brain development and should be treated as education, not just childcare.2. Children have 100 languages Every child is born with the capacity to express themselves through music, movement, clay, drawing, storytelling, and more. The role of early education is to keep all of these "languages" alive, rather than narrowing children down to reading, writing, and arithmetic alone.3. The environment is the third teacherAlongside the child and the educator, the physical environment plays a crucial pedagogical role. Spaces should be intentionally designed to provoke curiosity, creativity, and collaboration — a principle as relevant to theme parks and museums as it is to nurseries.4. Document processes, not just productsOne of Reggio Emilia's most powerful innovations is pedagogical documentation — capturing the how of children's learning through observation, photographs, and reflection. This shifts the focus from testing what children remember to understanding how they think, discover, and grow.5. Children are citizens from birthCarla Rinaldi's conviction was clear: children are not future citizens — they are citizens now, with rights and responsibilities from the moment they are born.6. Quality education is an antidote to social harmThe Fondazione Reggio Children works in communities facing criminality, poverty, and conflict — from Naples to Palermo to Soweto.7. We must shift from "I" to "We"A powerful reflection from Cristian: modern education has rightly championed individual development, but we've lost something vital at the community level. The next step is helping children develop their life projects together with others — rebuilding the communal bonds that hold society together.8. Invest in foundations, not just outcomesGer offers a striking metaphor: we build houses by investing heavily in their foundations. Yet in education, the earliest years — the true foundation — receive the least funding and attention.9. Research should be participatory and generousThe Fondazione's PhD programme is deliberately multidisciplinary — bringing together architects, biologists, poets, and musicians — with the goal of generating processes other educators can actually use, not just papers that gather dust on library shelves.10. The Reggio Emilia approach is a philosophy, not a formulaIt cannot simply be copied. A school inspired by Reggio Emilia in Indonesia will look entirely different from one in Nairobi — and that's by design. The approach adapts to local context, culture, and community, making it genuinely universal without being prescriptive.Chapters:00:06 - Exploring New Themes in Education01:09 - Introduction to the Reggio Emilia Approach16:18 - The Legacy of Carla: A Reflection on Education and Humanity19:02 - Introduction to the Reggio Emilia Approach30:03 - The Importance of Community in Education34:58 - The Importance of Documentation in Education44:17 - Exploring the Role of Play in Education55:28 - Investing in Quality Education57:41 - Community Perspectives on Education and Citizenshiphttps://www.frchildren.org/enhttps://www.reggiochildren.it/reggio-emilia-approach/https://www.gergraus.comGet the book – Through a Different Lens: Lessons from a Life in Education🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources and be part of our season finale with Ger.https://www.educationonfire.com🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunitieshttps://www.educationonfire.com/support#EducationOnFireShow Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)Their Primary First Journal: https://www.educationonfire.com/nape