Primary Science Matters – Podcast with Fizzics Education.

I recently had the opportunity to record a podcast with Ben Newsome of Fizzics Education. Having an extended time to discuss all things science and teaching was refreshing!

https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/Blog/x_post/Podcast-neil-bramsen-on-the-importance-of-primary-science-education-00275.html

Top 4 learnings from this episode

1. Whilst conducting your science lesson, have in mind a kitchen scale… is your lesson well balanced between having fun and delivering deeper meaning?

2. Use the outdoors. This can be a fantastic circuit breaker for students plus the environment around you can provide a rich source of learning opportunities.

3. Restricting the number of desks in the classroom forces you to creatively think of different methods of delivering a lesson.

4. Invest in your colleagues. Provide as many opportunities as possible for professional development and the investment will pay itself back ten-fold.

2017 Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools

I was recently fortunate enough to have two school parents generously nominate me for the Prime Minister’s science prizes. After a lengthy process I received a phone call while driving to the snow one Friday night. On a scratchy line it was a real delight to be told that I was the primary teaching recipient.

Essentially the award distills twelve or more years of actively engaging in, and for the most part enjoying, the teaching of science and associated areas in the primary school context. It was an honour to share this award with the other recipients who are all outstanding scientists and researchers; humble, dedicated and great company over the few days we spent together in Canberra.

The school I work at, Mount Ousley PS, Principal Peter Holmes and the staff all deserve recognition for making the school a dynamic and vibrant place of student focused contemporary learning. There is a strong culture of trust and a supportive community.

I was asked to share my thoughts on aspects of science teaching, STEM, the outdoor classroom and contemporary teaching. They are below, and whilst being a media and broadcast beginner they capture my beliefs more spontaneously than through a written post or essay.

Richard Glover Drive Interview

Fran Kelly Radio National Interview

Awards Video – including school context