Australian Educators Online Network

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AEON.net.au brings together podcasts about education form Australian producers.

  1. 4h ago

    AIAA Region VII Student Conference

    How do we inspire the next generation of aerospace innovators and connect them with the global space industry? Today we speak with Lisa Vitaris, Strategic Advisor for the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) in the Indo-Pacific, and Dr. Paddy Neumann, Chief Scientist at Neumann Space, to find out! We dive into how students can showcase their research on a global stage, why the regional space economy is booming, and everything you need to know about the upcoming 2026 AIAA Region VII Student Conference in Adelaide. About Lisa VitarisLisa is a prominent leader in the aerospace sector, dedicated to elevating and growing the space industry across the Indo-Pacific region. As the Founder and CEO of Indo-Pacific Space, she provides high-level advisory and business consulting services to expand the region's cosmic footprint. Lisa brings a wealth of governance and major project expertise to the table, currently serving as a Board Director for Engineers Australia—the peak professional body representing over 130,000 members globally. Additionally, she acts as a strategic advisor for the AIAA and is leading the United States' bid to host the prestigious International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Houston for 2029.https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisavitaris/ About Dr. Paddy NeumannPaddy is a pioneer in aerospace propulsion technology and a passionate advocate for student development. He is the Chief Scientist and co-founder of Neumann Space, an Australian company developing cutting-edge electric propulsion systems for spacecraft. Deeply involved in the aerospace community, Paddy also serves as the Chair of the Adelaide Section Council for the AIAA, working to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial space operations.https://www.linkedin.com/in/paddy-neumann-b7b6aa40/ About the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)AIAA is the world’s largest aerospace technical society, dedicated to igniting the imagination, advancing engineering excellence, and fostering a global community of aerospace professionals and students.https://aiaa.org/https://aiaa.org/get-involved/ Spotlight: 2026 Region VII Student ConferenceThere are massive opportunities waiting for students at the 2026 AIAA Region VII Student Conference. Hosted by the Adelaide University Student Branch, this hybrid event welcomes high schoolers (grades 9–12), undergraduate, and graduate students of all majors from around the world (excluding Canada and Mexico, which participate in North American regions). When30 November – 1 December 2026 WhereAdelaide University, Adelaide, Australia & Online (Hybrid format) WhatA technical paper and oral presentation competition where students can pitch their work, win cash prizes, receive expert industry feedback, and network with leading aerospace professionals. Abstract Deadline: 31 July 2026 Registration Opens: August 2026 Submit Your Abstract & RegisterVisit the official AIAA events page to get involved and review eligibility guidelines.https://aiaa.org/events/2026-region-vii-student-conference/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    25 min
  2. May 28

    Aerospace Gateway Schools with Natalie Allen

    How do we bridge the gap between the classroom and the cockpit? Today we speak with Natalie Allen, Project Manager for the Aerospace Gateway to Industry Schools Program, to discover how students are finding non-linear pathways into the rapidly expanding world of flight and space technology. Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics EducationAbout Natalie Allen Natalie is a people-focused leader who believes that meaningful connections are the foundation of both personal growth and professional success. With over 20 years of experience in the aviation industry, she is deeply passionate about creating engaging, impactful experiences that deliver tangible results. As a Project Manager, Natalie oversees internal and external initiatives that bring industry and education together. She is dedicated to showing students and teachers that career pathways are rarely linear, helping them navigate the diverse opportunities available in modern aerospace. About the Gateway to Industry Schools Program (GISP) for Aerospace The Aerospace GISP provides a unique platform for the education sector and industry to collaborate. The program exposes students and teachers to real-world learning experiences, assisting them in making informed career choices and identifying direct pathways to employment. Through stakeholder engagement, steering committees, and industry partnerships, the program ensures the next generation is ready to lead in a high-tech workforce. Why Aerospace Matters Now The aerospace industry is reaching new heights, with Queensland already serving as a hub for half of the world’s top 10 aerospace companies. The sector is currently focused on the research, design, and development of a wide array of flight vehicles, including: Aeroplanes and rotorcraft Uncrewed aircraft (drones) Rockets and spacecraft, such as satellites Benefits for Students With the industry’s rapid growth, there is a critical need for young people to enter roles in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) to ensure aircraft safety and airworthiness. Furthermore, the rise of space-enabled services is driving demand for rocket testing and launch operations, creating cutting-edge career opportunities for students ready to look toward the stars. Connect with the Aerospace Gateway Schools: Website: aerospacegatewayschools.com.au LinkedIn: Aerospace Gateway Schools FB/Insta: @AerospaceGISP 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.

    22 min
  3. May 11

    STEM Excellence with Shane Dryden

    How might we teach STEM effectively with the materials we have at hand? Today we speak with Shane Dryden, STEM Project Officer for the Hunter Academy of STEM Excellence & Teacher for the NSW Virtual STEM Academy to learn how!Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education About Shane Dryden Shane is passionate about making a difference to education in both the primary and secondary sectors through the embedding of STEM & the design thinking processes within schools by engaging teachers, learners, industry and higher education to create holistic school-based learning that builds 21st-century skills with students.He is the STEM Project Officer for the Hunter Academy of STEM Excellence & a teacher for the NSW Virtual STEM Academy.About the Hunter Academy of STEM ExcellenceThe Hunter Academy of STEM Excellence (HASE) operates in the Hunter region, a dynamic area known for its strong industrial heritage in mining, manufacturing, and energy production. The region is undergoing significant economic transformation, particularly in renewable energy, health, and advanced technology sectors.https://sispprogram.schools.nsw.gov.au/ase/hunterase.htmlSee also the Academies of STEM Excellence under the NSW Department of Educationhttps://sispprogram.schools.nsw.gov.au/ase.html About the NSW Virtual STEM AcademyFounded in 2021, the NSW Virtual STEM Academy (NSWVSA) is a STEM Enrichment program initiative designed to provide innovative and high-impact STEM learning opportunities for students across NSW. This initiative, is based at Murrumbidgee Regional High School – Griffith and is coordinated through the Murrumbidgee Academy of STEM Excellence (MASE). The NSWVSA connects students with advanced STEM programs, industry partnerships, and cutting-edge research, expanding access to high-quality STEM education regardless of location.https://sispprogram.schools.nsw.gov.au/nswvsa.html 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.

    37 min
  4. Apr 27

    Teaching science with Dr Kristy Osborne

    Understanding how students perceive concepts is the first step towards helping students understand the concepts themselves! We speak with Dr Kristy Osborne, Discipline Lead of STEM and Educational Data Science at La Trobe University, as we unpack her thoughts on how to teach science effectively.Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education About Dr Kristy Osborne Dr Kristy Osborne (Vernon) is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Education at La Trobe University. She is a physicist, secondary and tertiary physics and mathematics teacher, and a STEM education specialist. She is passionate about STEM education outreach and an active member of the Consortium for Mathematics and its Applications (COMAP) and the Australian Institute of Physics. Her current research interests are student use of AI for mathematical problem-solving, and physical science pedagogy. Learn more LaTrobe University profile 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.

    27 min
  5. Mar 29

    AIMERS Foundation, Mission ShakthiSAT & Sukruti Narayanan

    From pioneering robotics in India to launching global lunar missions from Sydney, Sukruti Narayanan is redefining what it means to be a leader in the digital age. Discover how she is bridging the gap between access and ability, ensuring that the next generation of innovators doesn't just use technology, but masters it.Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics EducationAbout the Sukruti Narayanan Sukruti Narayanan is the Founder and President of the AIMERS Foundation and a formidable expert in communication and robotics. With a career dedicated to democratising high-tech education, Sukruti co-founded the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Foundation (RAAIF) in India in 2012 before expanding her visionary work to Australia. Her mission is rooted in the belief that while talent is universal, opportunity is not. This dedication was officially recognised in a New South Wales Parliamentary motion in February 2026, highlighting her transformative impact on the AI and robotics landscape. Key Highlights Sukruti’s work sits at the intersection of emerging tech and social equity: Mission ShakthiSATLeading a bold, all-female-led lunar space mission designed to empower 12,000 girls from 108 nations through real-time satellite projects. The AIMERS VisionThrough AI, Media, Emerging Fields, Robotics, and STEAM, she creates pathways for students to secure patents, publish academic work, and launch startups. Global Innovation HubWorking to position Australia as a world leader in technology by 2050 through mentorship and real-world scientific exposure. Links AIMERS FoundationExplore how AIMERS is developing the thinkers and storytellers of tomorrow.aimersfoundation.org  Mission ShakthiSATLearn more about the global journey to ignite a passion for space exploration in young women worldwide.shakthisat.org  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    52 min
  6. Mar 15

    Matt Dodds - Using hands-on teaching to improve Physics understanding

    From building LEGO interferometers to launching rockets in the New England Highlands, Matt Dodds is proof that "abstract" doesn't have to mean "out of reach." Discover how the 2025 Prime Minister’s Prize winner uses immersive student engagement and bridges the STEM gap for regional learners.Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education Matt Dodds is the recipient of the 2025 Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools and a transformative force at Glen Innes High School. With an unwavering commitment to equity in education, Matt specialises in bringing high-level STEM concepts to life for students in rural and low-socioeconomic communities.  His teaching philosophy centres on a "real-life" approach, moving beyond textbooks to provide students with professional-grade scientific experiences. This is perhaps best exemplified by his Astronomy and Astrophysics Depth Study Program at Siding Spring Observatory, which has seen hundreds of regional students engage with world-class facilities over the past seven years. Matt’s influence extends far beyond the local classroom: In 2024, he participated in the International Physics & Astronomy Educator Program at LIGO Hanford, where his custom-built LEGO Interferometer is now a permanent fixture in the control centre. Working closely with OzGrav, he co-develops national workshops and outreach programs that translate complex astrophysical data into engaging classroom tools. 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! Innovation in assessment, where his students teach the content via video explainers, Matt’s methods focus on tangible mastery. His impact is clearly reflected in the data. Under his leadership, Physics enrolments at Glen Innes High School have more than doubled, and the number of female students pursuing the subject has seen an eightfold increase—proving that with the right mentorship, the sky is no longer the limit. Outside of the classroom, Matt is a dedicated amateur astronomer who captures the beauty of the sun and deep-space nebulae from his own backyard. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    35 min
  7. 05/19/2025

    Going beyond failure with Cran Middlecoat

    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.

    25 min
  8. 04/29/2025

    Future You with Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith

    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.

    31 min

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AEON.net.au brings together podcasts about education form Australian producers.

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