View from the Lab podcast

This podcast is here to inform, engage and entertain, with the help of thought leaders, science journalists and education specialists joining us for each episode. We'll be discussing what’s going on in science classrooms today and exploring how we can make things better.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the panel and guests on the show. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Pearson.

You can find and subscribe to our podcast on Soundcloud, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

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Latest episodes

Ep 18: Seven ways to optimise your learning environment with Dr Katherine Forsey

In this episode Andy Woods delves into what makes a positive difference to our learning environments and their impact on our students.

Dr Katherine Forsey (@drBiol) has wide ranging experience in outdoor education and works at the interface between school science and STEM based industries.

In this episode we discover how Katherine’s career in science education has evolved after she finished her PhD at the University of York. Katherine then describes and explains the 7 important factors (based on research by Professor Stephen Heppell) in which schools can optimise their spaces to support learning.

Ep 17: Exploring the challenges of tertiary science transition with Professor David Read

In this jam-packed episode of the podcast I talk with Professor David Read (Professional Fellow in Chemical Education at the University of Southampton).

David is an expert in supporting students in their transition from 6th form, to university courses, specifically in chemistry. He has a keen interest in innovative pedagogy techniques and is often in the vanguard for integrating new tech into the courses he teaches. We delve into the pros and cons of different teaching approaches and explore what lessons can be learned from everyone’s enforced ‘lock-down learning’ experience due to COVID -19.

I hope you can take time out of your busy day to listen to David’s ‘View from the Lab’.

Ep 16: Early career teacher series with Vicky Hilditch #1 October half term

In this mini series within 'view from the lab'. I will be catching up with Vicky Hilditch who is an early career science teacher based in northwest England.

I will be dropping in for a quick conversation with Vicki at the end of every half term to see how things are progressing and how she's finding her new career. I hope you'll join me on her journey throughout the 2021 to 2022 academic year. For the 1st episode I caught up with her at the end of October to see how the start of the year had gone. So, without further ado let's hear Vicky's 'view from in the lab'.

Ep 15: Engaging learners with the right learning tech with Kit Betts-Masters a.k.a Gorilla Physics!

In this episode of the podcast Andy Woods catches up with the mighty Kit Betts-Masters, a.k.a ‘Gorilla physics’. You may know him from his YouTube channel and his prolific video output which supports physics students both in the UK and across the globe.

We explore key lessons learned from the challenges brought by teaching during the pandemic, and the importance of using the right technology at the right time, to maximise its impact on our learners. We discuss active learning techniques and many more topics besides, too many to list here!

Ep 14: STEM career focus: Working in conservation with Dr Rutendo Shackleton

We're putting a spotlight on STEM careers in this episode of the podcast, and talking to inspirational young conservationist Dr Rutendo Shackleton.

Tendo is a scientist based at Chester Zoo and her main focus is the study of elephant behaviour and welfare. During her time at the zoo she has been involved with some ground breaking research on how best to look after elephants in captivity, which we discuss in this episode.

Tendo has had an interesting educational journey to get where she is today, and we dig into her story so far and the challenges she's faced along the way. It's now time to press play, so you can hear her - 'view from the lab'.

Ep 13: Teaching Science in England's 'strictest school' with Pritesh Raichura

In episode 13 of the podcast, Andy talks to Pritesh Raichura - Head of Science at the world-famous Michaela school in North London, sometimes referred to as England's 'strictest school'.

We delve into what makes the culture at Michaela unique, and Pritesh explains how it enables their students to make astonishing progress during their time there. He talks through their approach to learning and how the teachers work collaboratively to produce consistently excellent lessons. Make time in your schedule to listen to Pritesh's informative 'view from the lab'.

Ep 12: The "BEST" resources for science teaching with Alistair Moore

In this episode Andy Woods talks to educational researcher Alistair Moore (@amUSEG) who works at the University of York in the Science Education Group (@UYSEG). He is one of the principal researchers on the "Best Evidence Science Teaching" project; better known simply as "BEST". This important project (funded by @Salters_Inst) is making hundreds of research-informed diagnostic questions and follow-up activities freely available to teachers, and also spawned the ASE’s (@theASE) free "BEST steps” resources.

In our conversation, we delve into how projects such as BEST are transforming research evidence into free resources, to help teachers develop research-informed practices in their classrooms.

Ep 11: Celebrating young women in STEM with science ezine editor Lilly Denny

In this episode of the podcast Andy Woods talks to an inspirational young woman Lilly Denny, who has set up the vibrant new ezine "Stemmed". Spurred on by the aim of sharing better advice and support for STEM careers than she did growing up as a young person; Lilly has with the help of her international volunteers produced a vibrant and informative ezine, which can be accessed across the globe! Find out how she did it and what her plans are for the ezine in the future, in episode 11 of View from the lab.

Ep 10: Supporting low attainers in an all boys school with Adam Higgins

In this episode Andy Woods talks to Adam Higgins, a science teacher who works at The Royal Liberty School, an all boys comprehensive school in Essex. The focus of our discussion is low attainers, and how best to support them in the classroom. Adam has some fantastic strategies that are both efficient and practical. Press play to find out more!

Ep 09: Strategies to help retain science teachers in your school, with Dr Andrew Chandler-Grevatt

In this episode of the podcast Andy Woods catches up with Senior lecturer in Science Education at the University of Brighton, Dr Andrew Chandler-Grevatt. This episode focuses on how schools can tackle the retention of science teachers. What are the unique problems science teachers face? And which strategies can SLT and Heads of Department apply to help solve the problem?

Older episodes

Ep 08: Staying safe in the lab with Director of CLEAPSS - Steve Jones

In this episode of the View from the Lab, Andy Woods talks safety with the director of CLEAPSS Steve Jones. All science teachers are aware of CLEAPSS HazCards either in their physical form or their online presence. However, far fewer know about the sterling work they do to to support teachers and technicians every year, to make schools and college practicals as safe as they can be. We hope you enjoy this informative and practical(!) episode - stay safe!

Ep 07: Inspiring girls to follow a STEM based pathway with Katie King

In this episode of the podcast Andy Woods catches up with STEM "she can ambassador" Katie King. Katie grew up in an environment where science and maths were encouraged (her mum is Carol Vorderman!) and consequently followed a scientific route herself. Katie is in the final stages of her PhD in Nanotechnology at the University of Cambridge but still finds time to get involved in the STEM community. She is passionate about encouraging and supporting young women to follow in her footsteps and to embrace the wonderful world of science and engineering. Why not follow her on twitter? @KKing_5.

Ep 06: Cracking practical science with Natalie Hewitt and Sarah Longshaw

Struggling to get the most out of your practical sessions? Have no fear! In this episode, Andy Woods catches up with practical pioneers Natalie Hewitt and Sarah Longshaw to discuss the fine art of the school science practical. We discuss how you can make the most of this crucial part of the science curriculum and support your students every step of the way.

Useful links:

Nuffield Science site

Score framework

Ep 05: Evidence based science teaching with Adam Boxer

Andy Woods catches up with a science teacher icon from twitter - Adam Boxer! Adam is one of the strongest and most erudite voices in UK science education today. We have a wide-ranging conversation about all things teaching with a specific focus on evidence-based practise to improve student outcomes. Adam talks through the approaches he takes with his classes to ensure learners are engaged and highlights the need to objectively observe proxies for good learning in the classroom. We also get a chance to talk about his side projects and his involvement with the innovative cogscisci community on twitter.

Follow Adam on Twitter: @adamboxer1

Ep 04: Explaining scientific concepts at KS3 with Mark Levesley

In this episode we catch up with Science textbook guru Mark Levesley. Mark has been involved in explaining complex ideas to young scientists for more than 20 years. If you’ve been a Science teacher or student during that time you will likely have come across his contributions to the 11-14 Exploring Science series. We discover how Mark fell into this role after a chance meeting with a publisher early on in his teaching career, which sent him in a new direction. During our discussion we talk through how Mark approaches his work and the challenges of making “classic” ideas in Science seem fresh and appealing for every new edition whether it’s paper or digital. Stay tuned to the end to hear Mark’s favourite school experiment that really makes pupils think.

Follow Mark on Twitter: @marklevesley

Ep 03: Inspiring science teaching with Raj Joshi

In episode 3 we talk to current teacher Raj Joshi from the e21c education trust. We discuss his career in science education, what attracted him to Physics teaching in the first place and how he communicates his passion for the subject to his students. He shares the challenges and successes he has faced during his time as a schoolteacher and how he has strived engage young people in science throughout that time.

Follow Raj on Twitter: @mrjoshiphysics

Ep 02: Edtech and learning with Murray Morrison from Tassomai

In episode 2 we catch up with the founder of pioneering Edtech learning platform Tassomai. Murray Morrison built his platform from the "ground up" based on his tutoring experiences in the capital early on in his career. He knew from experience that confidence in learning was based on practising the key elements of an activity whether that be in music, sport or science and maths. Listen to Murray's unique insight into the Edtech world and how he believes it compliments the hard work of teachers in classrooms across the world.

Follow Tassomai on Twitter: @Tassomai

Ep 01: Introducing Mastery into the 11-16 Science curriculum

Our very first edition of View from the Lab brings you a discussion around Mastery in Science and the implementation of it into the 11-16 curriculum. Join Henna Nathwani, the brains behind Mastery in Science from Pearson, and Nicky Crum, the Science Improvement Lead for STAR Academies, to delve into the nuts and bolts of what Mastery is and get a feel for how it can be applied in schools.

Follow STAR Academies on Twitter: @StarAcademies