Shows
Curiosity Built the BoilerhouseChristopher Abbott and Dr Kirsti AbbottChristopher Abbott is a philanthropist and founder of the Abbott foundation. His work towards supporting early childhood education in Australia lead to the inception of the Boilerhouse Discovery Space and continues to support its development. Dr Kirsti Abbott is a scientist and science communicator, and is the Program Leader of UNE Discovery. Kirsti has managed the design and development of the Boilerhouse. In this final episode of Season One of Curiosity Built the Boilerhouse we hear about how this journey started, and what we can expect to see in the future.
Find out more about the Boilerhouse...2021-07-0622 minCuriosity Built the BoilerhouseRebekah Collins and SparkLabRebekah Collins is the manager of SparkLab at the Queensland Museum. SparkLab is a hands-on interactive science centre that invites visitors to explore, experiment, and learn through self-guided experiences. In this interview we talk about how Rebekah and her team went about designing SparkLab from scratch, and how they decided what kind of experiences they wanted visitors to have. We also talk about the challenges of running a hands-on science centre in a post-pandemic world where cleanliness and sanitisation is a constant concern.
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Find out more about the Boilerhouse Discovery S...2021-06-2026 minCuriosity Built the BoilerhouseDr Lorien Parker and SciencePlay KidsLorien Parker founded SciencePlay Kids to inspire young children by showing them that science is everywhere and in everything. After beginning her career as a medical research scientist, Lorien decided to change gears and become a small business owner bringing science education experiences to communities in Victoria. In this interview we chat the challenges involved in a research career that made Lorien decide to change directions and embark on her new mission. We also chat about how understanding scientific principles can empower kids to create and explore the world around them.
Find out more about SciencePlay Kids2021-06-1322 minCuriosity Built the BoilerhouseJackie Randles and Inspiring AustraliaJackie Randles is the NSW Manager of Inspiring Australia, a government backed initiative to create meaningful connections between scientists and society. Often this takes the form of science themed events that invite communities to come along, learn about science, meet a real scientist and get to know what real science is like. In this interview we talk about Jackie’s working bringing together Regional Science Hubs, groups of individuals and organisations that work together to present science events to regional communities across NSW.
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Find out more about the Boilerhouse Di...2021-06-0730 minCuriosity Built the BoilerhouseDr Dorothy Smith on STEM educationDr Dorothy Smith is the head of STEM education at the University of New England. In this interview we talk about the challenges of teaching STEM in the face of student disengagement, and rampant misinformation. We also talk about how effective science education lies in making concepts relatable and relevant to students. Having recently joined UNE, Dorothy is looking forward to collaborating with teachers and researchers in the New England region.
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Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington Bear (Used under licence - Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0)2021-05-3118 minCuriosity Built the BoilerhouseNaomi Blakey and Tamworth Powerstation MuseumNaomi Blakey is the Cultural Collections Officer for Tamworth Regional Council. In this interview we talk about the Tamworth Powerstation Museum, a volunteer run, community driven museum that celebrates the history of electricity. Naomi takes us on a tour through the museum’s collections and tells some of the stories behind the collections. We also chat about the mammoth task of moving collections into online repositories and the challenges of running cultural institutions and public spaces during a global pandemic.
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Find out more about the Boilerhouse Discovery Space...2021-05-2428 minCuriosity Built the BoilerhouseKathy Stubberfield and Laura Snow on Twisted ScienceKathy Stubberfield founded Twisted Science, or the Scientwists as it was known then, back in 2005, doing kids science shows. Fifteen years later Twisted Science has a science centre in Echuca in regional Victoria, and is now expanding its horizons and opening a new science centre in Melbourne. Laura Snow is the Operations Manager of Twisted Science in Echuca oversees the management of their custom designed interactive science centre. In this interview we chat about the importance of bringing science education to underserved regional communities and the challenges of communicating complex science to diverse communities.
Find out more...2021-05-1637 minCuriosity Built the BoilerhouseAlissa Van Soest and the Discovery Science and Technology CentreAlissa 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.
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Music: ‘Phat in the Flat...2021-05-1031 minCuriosity Built the BoilerhouseJared Wilkins and QuestaconJared 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.
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Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington Bear (Us...2021-05-0228 minCuriosity Built the BoilerhouseDr Bobby Cerini and QuestaconBobby 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.
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Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington...2021-04-2624 minCuriosity Built the BoilerhouseProf. Tony Okely and Early StartTony 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.
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Music: ‘Phat in the F...2021-04-1933 minCuriosity Built the BoilerhouseGalia Urquhart and Yarm GwangaGalia 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.
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Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Pod...2021-04-1221 minCuriosity Built the BoilerhouseJohn Marsden on the Candlebark School and Alice Miller SchoolJohn 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...2021-04-0533 minCuriosity Built the BoilerhouseJohn Stewart and the Living SchoolJohn 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.
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Find out more abo...2021-03-2930 minCuriosity Built the BoilerhouseDr Kristin Alford and the Museum of DiscoveryKristin 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.
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...2021-03-2132 minCuriosity Built the BoilerhouseStuart Creal and Science SpaceStuart 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.
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Music...2021-03-1438 minCuriosity Built the BoilerhouseBen Newsome and Fizzics EducationBen 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.
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Find out more about the Boilerhouse Discovery Space2021-03-0828 minCuriosity Built the BoilerhouseMartha Johnson and the Early Start Discovery SpaceMartha Johnson is the manager of education and experiences at Early Start Discovery Space at the University of Wollongong. In this interview Martha takes us on a journey through the Early Start Discovery Space and the experiences waiting for kids and their families inside. We also talk about how parents and teachers can enhance play-based learning by getting involved themselves, and letting kids take the lead, guiding the grown-ups through play.
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Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by P...2021-03-0128 minCuriosity Built the BoilerhouseAdam Sellinger and Children's DiscoveryAdam Sellinger is the Director of Children’ Discovery, an organisation dedicated to bringing playful learning experiences to children and their families across Australia. In this interview we talk about how Children’s Discovery began with a mission to build an immersive children’s museum. This mission eventually transpire with the construction of Early Start Discovery Space at the University of Wollongong. We also talk about what makes for a great play-space experience, and how to design interactive kids’ activities.
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Music: ‘...2021-02-2229 minCuriosity Built the BoilerhouseStephen Long and ArchitectusStephen Long is the Principal Architect for the Boilerhouse Discovery Space. He and his colleagues at Architectus, along with their partner James Cubitt Architects, will be bringing this state of the art discovery space to reality. In this interview we talk about how Stephen and his team will be turning a decommissioned industrial building into an inspiring play space for kids in regional NSW. We also talk about how architects work and collaborate to bring their clients’ visions to life.
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Mu...2021-02-1526 minCuriosity Built the BoilerhouseDr Sue Elliott on early childhood educationDr Sue Elliott is a Senior Lecturer at the University of New England and specialises in studying early childhood education practices. In this interview we talk about how education is embracing practices like nature-play and play-based learning. This represents a shift away from previous tendencies to “cotton-wool” kids and protect them from any and all risks. Research is showing that the desire to protect kids from experiencing risk may be doing more harm than good in the long run.
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Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington Bear (Used und...2021-02-0826 minCuriosity Built the BoilerhouseWelcome to Curiosity Built the BoilerhouseCuriosity Built the Boilerhouse follows the journey of a decommissioned industrial building in regional Australia being rebuilt into a children's discovery space. Each episode features an interview with experts in education, STEAM, play-based learning, architecture, design and more! If you are interested in early childhood education, play space design, science centres and children's museums then this is the podcast for you!
This podcast is brought to you by the University of New England
Find out more about the Boilerhouse Discovery Space
Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington Bear (Used under licence - Attr...2021-01-1902 min