May 10, 2021
Alissa Van Soest is a science communicator at the Discovery Science and Technology Centre in Bendigo, Victoria. In this interview Alissa takes us on a tour through the centre and its immersive educational experiences. We talk about the challenges of balancing education and entertainment in science outreach, and how science education isn’t just about understanding complex topics, but learning how to ask questions, solve problems and challenge your own boundaries.
Find out more about the Discovery Science and Technology Centre
Find out more about the Boilerhouse Discovery Space
Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington Bear (Used under licence - Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0)
May 3, 2021
Jared Wilkins is the Senior Manager of National Programs at Questacon, Australia’s National Science and Technology Centre. In this interview we talk about how Questacon’s programs extend far beyond the building itself and include nationwide touring shows and experiences including the Shell Questacon Science Circus and the Questacon Invention Convention. We also talk about how their diverse programs and activities can form life-long relationships between Questacon and the communities they support.
Find out more about Questacon
Find out more about the Boilerhouse Discovery Space
Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington Bear (Used under licence - Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0)
April 26, 2021
Bobby Cerini is the Director of Science and Learning at Questacon, Australia’s National Science and Technology Centre. In this interview we talk about the mammoth challenge of managing such an expansive and iconic institution, and the responsibilities that come with this role. We also talk about how science centres cannot operate in isolation, and how science centres across Australia can all contribute to one big ‘ecosystem’ bringing education and inspiration across the country.
Find out more about Questacon
Find out more about the Boilerhouse Discovery Space
Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington Bear (Used under licence - Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0)
April 19, 2021
Tony Okely is the Director of Research at Early Start at the University of Wollongong. In this interview we talk about how the researchers and academics of Early Start work within the Early Start Discovery Space to research kids learning and development. Tony’s research focusses on understanding children’s physical development and activity. We talk about the challenges facing kids today and how getting active can provide significant benefits for kids’ physical, mental, and social development.
Find out more about Early Start
Find out more about the Boilerhouse Discovery Space
Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington Bear (Used under licence - Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0)
April 12, 2021
Galia Urquhart is the director of Yarm Gwanga, an early childhood centre at the University of New England providing day-care to the New England community. In this interview we talk about how Yarm Gwanga’s refurbished outdoor play space embraces nature play and encourages kids to get outside and get their hands dirty. We also chat about the challenges of providing childcare during the coronavirus pandemic and how it has affected their daily practices.
Find out more about Yarm Gwanga
Find out more about the Boilerhouse Discovery Space
Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington Bear (Used under licence - Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0)
April 5, 2021
John Marsden is the Principal of both Candlebark School and the Alice Miller School in regional Victoria. Having spent much of his career working with kids and in schools, and getting more and more frustrated with the limitations of the school system, John Marsden finally had the opportunity to open his own schools and provide children with a unique learning experience with real-life experiences at the core of their teaching approach. In this interview we talk about how schools have an enormous responsibility to foster strong, creative and resilient children.
Find out more about the Candlebark School and the Alice Miller School
Find out more about the Boilerhouse Discovery Space
Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington Bear (Used under licence - Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0)
March 29, 2021
John Stewart is the conductor of the Living School in Lismore, NSW. The Living School was established with one simple goal in mind – to be different. In this interview we chat about how schools are a ‘monoculture’ and how offering unique learning experiences are essential for engaging kids and their families in the school system. We also talk about what it’s like starting a school from scratch, and all the unexpected challenges that came with the Living School opening its doors at the beginning of 2020.
Find out more about the Living School
Find out more about the Boilerhouse Discovery Space
Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington Bear (Used under licence - Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0)
March 22, 2021
Kristin Alford is the Director of the Museum of Discovery at the University of South Australia. The Museum of Discovery is a future focussed museum that tackles some of the biggest issues facing society. In this interview we talk about how the museum’s immersive experiences come to life by bringing together science, art and storytelling. We also talk about how the Museum acts as a vibrant conduit between the University of South Australia and the general public.
Find out more about the Museum of Discovery
Find out more about the Boilerhouse Discovery Space
Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington Bear (Used under licence - Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0)
March 15, 2021
Stuart Creal is the Director of Science Space at the University of Wollongong. In this interview we talk about how Stuart’s career path has taken him from being a boat builder in the UK, to being the Director of Australia’s most popular regional science centre. We also talk about what makes for a great science centre activity and the importance of holding on to low-tech ‘retro’ experiences as an escape from the high-tech digital world we live in.
Find out more about Science Space
Find out more about the Boilerhouse Discovery Space
Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington Bear (Used under licence - Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0)
March 8, 2021
Ben Newsome is the founder of Fizzics Education, a science education company that brings science shows and experiences to communities across Australia. In this interview we talk about how Ben has grown the company from one person and a ute doing birthday parties on the weekend, to an award winning team with offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra. We also talk about how Ben approaches the challenge of distilling a complex scientific concept into an accessible and educational hands-on activity.
Find out more about Fizzics Education
Find out more about the Boilerhouse Discovery Space
Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington Bear (Used under licence - Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0)
