View from the Lab podcast

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?

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.

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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