How do we meaningfully incorporate citizen science into classroom teaching?

To celebrate Citizen Science Month this April, we’re joined by citizen science advocate Michelle Neil to explore citizen science is, how it supports STEM learning, and how classroom projects can spark real-world change. We also detail some upcoming Citizen Science Month events and opportunities for schools to get involved.

Ready to get your class involved?

We’ve created a national guide to highlighting Citizen Science Month events and projects. Visit Get into STEM and download the guide and get started!

Michelle Neil

Michelle Neil is an analytical chemist with a background in forensic toxicology, specialising in coronial investigations and quality assurance. Beyond her scientific career, she has been a driving force in Australia’s citizen science movement, holding several leadership positions with the Australian Citizen Science Association (ACSA). Michelle is a passionate advocate for bringing real-world science into classrooms and supporting educators to integrate citizen science into STEM teaching.

Hosted by Michelle Hamill for Get into STEM

The Get into STEM podcast is created for Get into STEM (The Diversity in STEM Toolkit). Get into STEM delivers resources to support diverse students at primary and secondary school to see a future for themselves in STEM education and careers. The Get into STEM website and its content provides evidence-based, Australian-curriculum-aligned, educational support resources for teachers, families and carers.

Get into STEM is funded by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources and managed by Education Services Australia.

Find out more at www.getintostem.edu.au.

If you have any feedback or want to get involved with the Get into STEM podcast, send us an email at info@getintostem.edu.au.

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How do we inspire and equip the next generation of STEM teachers? In this episode, we’re joined by Professor Rachel Sheffield, a leading expert in STEM education working with pre‑service teachers. We discuss how to build confidence in pre‑service teachers as STEM educators, the value of an integrated STEM approach in classroom teaching and why recognising STEM teachers as STEM professionals matters for the entire education and STEM workforce pipeline.

About Professor Rachel Sheffield

Professor Rachel Sheffield is a professor in the School of Education at Curtin University, Australia and prior to her academic career, she was a secondary science educator. Professor Rachel Sheffield is an expert in STEM education, with a focus on inclusive teaching practices and curriculum innovation. She has contributed extensively to research on engaging under-represented communities in science and technology and is a passionate advocate for equity in education. In 2015, Professor Sheffield and her colleagues created STEMinists to develop confidence and competence in STEM.

Hosted by Michelle Hamill for Get into STEM

The Get into STEM podcast is created for Get into STEM: The Diversity in STEM Toolkit. Get into STEM delivers resources to support all students at primary and secondary school to see a future for themselves in STEM education and careers. The Toolkit also provides evidence-based educational support resources for their teachers, families and carers, aligned to the Australian Curriculum.

Get into STEM: Diversity in STEM Toolkit project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources and managed by Education Services Australia.

Find out more at www.getintostem.edu.au

If you have any feedback or want to get involved with the Get into STEM podcast, send us an email at info@getintostem.edu.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Get Into STEM is a new podcast supporting Australian educators to engage every student in meaningful STEM learning, regardless of background, ability, or experience.

Join STEM educator, writer, and creative Michelle Hamill as she chats with guests about creating neuro‑affirming STEM classrooms, the role of school leaders in STEM education, citizen science in schools, and the opportunities and resources available across the STEM education landscape.

Subscribe now and let's Get into STEM.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.