Discover how gamification can transform your classroom! Join us as we explore proven strategies with Valary Oleinik, a learning experience alchemist who specializes in using games to simplify complex topics, spark curiosity, and keep students engaged.

Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education

About Valary Oleinik

Valary Oleinik is a learning strategist, keynote speaker, and workshop facilitator known for her innovative and engaging approach to education. With a unique blend of creativity, technology, and gameful experiences, she helps individuals and organizations design more effective and memorable learning journeys.

Her passion for learning stems from an innate curiosity—one she believes is contagious. Embracing her identity as Valary with a WHY, she inspires others to question traditional methods and explore new possibilities in education. Her expertise lies in translating complex concepts into simple, actionable strategies, making her a sought-after voice in the world of learning and development.

Valary serves as the Chair of the Advisory Board for the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA), where she contributes to shaping the future of distance education. With over two decades of experience in instructional design, facilitation, and project management, she continues to push the boundaries of engagement, helping educators and learners alike thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

When not crafting dynamic learning experiences, Valary is assisted by her cat and bunny—who may not be great at typing but excel at shredding paper.

Find out more
https://www.valarywithawhy.com/

Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education

With interviews with leading science educators and STEM thought leaders, this science education podcast is about highlighting different ways of teaching kids within and beyond the classroom. It's not just about educational practice & pedagogy, it's about inspiring new ideas & challenging conventions of how students can learn about their world!

https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/

Know an educator who'd love this STEM podcast episode? 

Share it!

The FizzicsEd podcast is a member of the Australian Educators Online Network (AEON )

http://www.aeon.net.au/

Discover how gamification can transform your classroom! Join us as we explore proven strategies with Valary Oleinik, a learning experience alchemist who specializes in using games to simplify complex topics, spark curiosity, and keep students engaged.
Hosted by <a href="https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/team/ben-newsome/">Ben Newsome</a> from <a href="https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/">Fizzics Education</a>
About Valary Oleinik
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/valaryoleinik/">Valary Oleinik</a> is a learning strategist, keynote speaker, and workshop facilitator known for her innovative and engaging approach to education. With a unique blend of creativity, technology, and gameful experiences, she helps individuals and organizations design more effective and memorable learning journeys.
Her passion for learning stems from an innate curiosity&mdash;one she believes is contagious. Embracing her identity as <a href="https://www.valarywithawhy.com/">Valary with a WHY</a>, she inspires others to question traditional methods and explore new possibilities in education. Her expertise lies in translating complex concepts into simple, actionable strategies, making her a sought-after voice in the world of learning and development.
Valary serves as the Chair of the Advisory Board for the <a href="https://usdla.org/">United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)</a>, where she contributes to shaping the future of distance education. With over two decades of experience in instructional design, facilitation, and project management, she continues to push the boundaries of engagement, helping educators and learners alike thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
When not crafting dynamic learning experiences, Valary is assisted by her cat and bunny&mdash;who may not be great at typing but excel at shredding paper.
Find out more
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.valarywithawhy.com/">https://www.valarywithawhy.com/</a></li>
</ul>
Hosted by <a href="https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/team/ben-newsome/">Ben Newsome</a> from <a href="https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/">Fizzics Education</a>
With interviews with leading science educators and STEM thought leaders, this science education podcast is about highlighting different ways of teaching kids within and beyond the classroom. It's not just about educational practice &amp; pedagogy, it's about inspiring new ideas &amp; challenging conventions of how students can learn about their world!
<a href="https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/">https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/</a>
Know an educator who'd love this STEM podcast episode?&nbsp;
Share it! The FizzicsEd podcast is a member of the Australian Educators Online Network&nbsp;(AEON ) <a href="http://www.aeon.net.au/">http://www.aeon.net.au/</a>

For educators and teachers working to make STEM amazing... no matter whether you're teaching science in grade 1, running a high school lab or delivering science shows in a museum, this education show helps you teach science & technology the way kids want to learn. The FizzicsEd Podcast brings in educators from across Australia and around the world to talk about tips, tricks, lessons and learnings they've had whilst working with students in the classroom and beyond. Hosted by Ben Newsome, a science teacher, author and founder of the multi-award winning science outreach team at Fizzics Education.

The FizzicsEd Podcast

For educators wanting to make STEM awesome! No matter whether you're teaching science in grade 1, running a high school lab or delivering  science shows in a museum, this show helps you teach science & technology the way kids want to learn.

The FizzicsEd Podcast brings in educators from across Australia and around the world to talk about tips, tricks, lessons and learnings they've had whilst working with students in the classroom and beyond. Hosted by Ben Newsome, a science teacher, author and founder of the multi-award winning science outreach team at Fizzics Education.

Gamification in STEM with Valary Oleinik

From her roots on a New South Wales farm to leading education for Cotton Australia, Jenny Hughes is cultivating the future of natural fibre education. Learn classroom-ready ideas for teaching about cotton in your classroom, whether you're from the city or the country.

Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education

About Jenny Hughes

Jenny Hughes brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role as Education Manager at Cotton Australia, where she leverages her background in teaching, event organisation, communications, and hospitality. Originally from a sheep and wheat property in central New South Wales, Jenny’s deep-rooted connection to agriculture fuels her commitment to food and fibre education.

In her current role, she is a strategic thought leader and influencer, known for her advanced relationship skills and extensive network. Her responsibilities include managing the Cotton Classroom resource library, creating curriculum-linked educational materials, and supporting teachers and undergraduates through scholarships to attend relevant events. She also oversees the Teach the Teacher Field Trips program, delivers workshops at education and career events, and manages Cotton Australia's interactive displays at major agricultural shows like The Sydney Royal and EKKA.

About Cotton Australia

Cotton Australia is the peak body for Australia’s cotton growers, representing up to 1,500 cotton farming families, predominantly in New South Wales and Queensland with a committed and increasing number of growers in the emerging markets of the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

Learn more
For Cotton Classroom to access free curriculum-linked resources and request a Cotton Sample Kit posted to your school, click here.
YouTube Channel


Seed to Sock Video


Water Allocations Explained


Sustainability in Cotton


Google Arts & Culture page


Facebook

Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education

With interviews with leading science educators and STEM thought leaders, this science education podcast is about highlighting different ways of teaching kids within and beyond the classroom. It's not just about educational practice & pedagogy, it's about inspiring new ideas & challenging conventions of how students can learn about their world!

https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/

Know an educator who'd love this STEM podcast episode? 

Share it!

From her roots on a New South Wales farm to leading education for Cotton Australia, Jenny Hughes is cultivating the future of natural fibre education. Learn classroom-ready ideas for teaching about cotton in your classroom, whether you're from the city or the country.
Hosted by <a href="https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/team/ben-newsome/">Ben Newsome</a> from <a href="https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/">Fizzics Education</a>
About Jenny Hughes
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-hughes-5b8a22a1/">Jenny Hughes</a> brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role as Education Manager at Cotton Australia, where she leverages her background in teaching, event organisation, communications, and hospitality. Originally from a sheep and wheat property in central New South Wales, Jenny&rsquo;s deep-rooted connection to agriculture fuels her commitment to food and fibre education.
In her current role, she is a strategic thought leader and influencer, known for her advanced relationship skills and extensive network. Her responsibilities include managing the Cotton Classroom resource library, creating curriculum-linked educational materials, and supporting teachers and undergraduates through scholarships to attend relevant events. She also oversees the Teach the Teacher Field Trips program, delivers workshops at education and career events, and manages Cotton Australia's interactive displays at major agricultural shows like The Sydney Royal and EKKA. About Cotton Australia
Cotton Australia is the peak body for Australia&rsquo;s cotton growers, representing up to 1,500 cotton farming families, predominantly in New South Wales and Queensland with a committed and increasing number of growers in the emerging markets of the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
Learn more
<ul>
<li>For Cotton Classroom to access free curriculum-linked resources and request a Cotton Sample Kit posted to your school, <a href="https://cottonaustralia.com.au/">click here.</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcTsQcz7PRPX1bl3J3ORv-g">YouTube Channel</a></li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6plTYrBth4&amp;t=14s">Seed to Sock Video</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_4l5GDUTL0&amp;list=PLSlNIel13u0D4qd8O29NtOZyaaCEcCwRp">Water Allocations Explained</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Q4czBgq8K0&amp;list=PLSlNIel13u0D4qd8O29NtOZyaaCEcCwRp&amp;index=2">Sustainability in Cotton</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/cotton-australia">Google Arts &amp; Culture page</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://facebook.com/CottonAustralia">Facebook</a>
</li>
</ul>
Hosted by <a href="https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/team/ben-newsome/">Ben Newsome</a> from <a href="https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/">Fizzics Education</a>
With interviews with leading science educators and STEM thought leaders, this science education podcast is about highlighting different ways of teaching kids within and beyond the classroom. It's not just about educational practice &amp; pedagogy, it's about inspiring new ideas &amp; challenging conventions of how students can learn about their world!
<a href="https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/">https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/</a>
Know an educator who'd love this STEM podcast episode?&nbsp;
Share it!

Using cotton to teach science with Jenny Hughes

Get inspired as we hear from Cran Middlecoat, aviator, survivor, and relentless motivator. His story is extraordinary and he now works with students through to boardrooms on helping us overcome our own barriers to perfection & failure and in doing so, build resilience and opportunities for success.

Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education

About Cran Middlecoat

From his earliest days in Brisbane, Australia, Cran's profound connection with the skies was unmistakable, achieving his pilot's license well before most people even learned to drive. This early passion saw him taking his school teachers on flights, a testament to an innate love for aviation that would become deeply ingrained in his life. Cran's journey soared through thousands of hours in the cockpit, an odyssey that spanned the vast and rugged landscapes of outback Australia while serving with the Royal Flying Doctors, to the dynamic environments of international airports where he skillfully piloted massive jet airliners.

However, Cran's narrative took a significant turn when confronted with his own mortality, waking up in intensive care with a permanently altered perspective. From this challenging experience emerged a man with a clear purpose: to redefine the concept of failure, dismantle the myth of perfection, and embrace the necessary discomfort of personal growth. Today, Cran's influence extends beyond the cockpit as a highly sought-after motivational keynote speaker. From corporate boardrooms to global auditoriums, his message resonates deeply with those seeking transformation. He powerfully conveys that failure is not a finality but an essential stage in the journey toward success, and that genuine progress requires the resilience developed through practice.

Hailing from Brisbane, Cran is also a dedicated father to two young aspiring aviators, nurturing in them the same fervent passion for flight that defines his own life. As Cran travels the world, his core message remains constant: failure should not be feared but embraced, as it holds the potential for remarkable growth. Through his authentic storytelling and unwavering spirit, Cran ignites a sense of resilience in his audiences, reminding everyone that even in the face of adversity, our capacity to rise above is limitless.

Learn more
https://cranmiddlecoat.com/

Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education

With interviews with leading science educators and STEM thought leaders, this science education podcast is about highlighting different ways of teaching kids within and beyond the classroom. It's not just about educational practice & pedagogy, it's about inspiring new ideas & challenging conventions of how students can learn about their world!

https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/

Know an educator who'd love this STEM podcast episode? 

Share it!

Get inspired as we hear from Cran Middlecoat, aviator, survivor, and relentless motivator. His story is extraordinary and he now works with students through to boardrooms on helping us overcome our own barriers to perfection &amp; failure and in doing so, build resilience and opportunities for success.
Hosted by <a href="https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/team/ben-newsome/">Ben Newsome</a> from <a href="https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/">Fizzics Education</a>
About Cran Middlecoat
From his earliest days in Brisbane, Australia, Cran's profound connection with the skies was unmistakable, achieving his pilot's license well before most people even learned to drive. This early passion saw him taking his school teachers on flights, a testament to an innate love for aviation that would become deeply ingrained in his life. Cran's journey soared through thousands of hours in the cockpit, an odyssey that spanned the vast and rugged landscapes of outback Australia while serving with the Royal Flying Doctors, to the dynamic environments of international airports where he skillfully piloted massive jet airliners.
However, Cran's narrative took a significant turn when confronted with his own mortality, waking up in intensive care with a permanently altered perspective. From this challenging experience emerged a man with a clear purpose: to redefine the concept of failure, dismantle the myth of perfection, and embrace the necessary discomfort of personal growth. Today, Cran's influence extends beyond the cockpit as a highly sought-after motivational keynote speaker. From corporate boardrooms to global auditoriums, his message resonates deeply with those seeking transformation. He powerfully conveys that failure is not a finality but an essential stage in the journey toward success, and that genuine progress requires the resilience developed through practice.
Hailing from Brisbane, Cran is also a dedicated father to two young aspiring aviators, nurturing in them the same fervent passion for flight that defines his own life. As Cran travels the world, his core message remains constant: failure should not be feared but embraced, as it holds the potential for remarkable growth. Through his authentic storytelling and unwavering spirit, Cran ignites a sense of resilience in his audiences, reminding everyone that even in the face of adversity, our capacity to rise above is limitless. Learn more <a href="https://cranmiddlecoat.com/">https://cranmiddlecoat.com/</a><a href="https://futureyouaustralia.com.au/imagining-the-future/"></a>
Hosted by <a href="https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/team/ben-newsome/">Ben Newsome</a> from <a href="https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/">Fizzics Education</a>
With interviews with leading science educators and STEM thought leaders, this science education podcast is about highlighting different ways of teaching kids within and beyond the classroom. It's not just about educational practice &amp; pedagogy, it's about inspiring new ideas &amp; challenging conventions of how students can learn about their world!
<a href="https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/">https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/</a>
Know an educator who'd love this STEM podcast episode?&nbsp;
Share it!

Going beyond failure with Cran Middlecoat

Learn how Future You aims to inspire children's STEM curiosity. Join Program Ambassador Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith, an award-winning astrophysicist renowned for making the universe accessible, as we explore how Future You helps kids imagine their future possibilities.

Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education

About Future You

Future You, a UNSW Sydney-led initiative, sparks STEM curiosity in 8-12 year olds through free, engaging resources for students, teachers, and parents. Connecting real-world STEM skills with the Australian Curriculum, the program offers practical activities, diverse role models, and inspiring fiction to make STEM relevant and exciting. Future You empowers families to explore the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics together.

Learn more
https://futureyouaustralia.com.au/
Webinar
Engaging Primary Students in STEM: Delving into the research
Future You Resources
Future You STEM Role Models aka, Pathfinders
Future You Adventures in STEM (free stories about STEM careers and space travel)

About Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith, Program Ambassador.

Lisa is an award-winning astrophysicist and author with a gift for making the universe accessible to all. With over 55 research papers and key roles in the development and operation of radio telescopes globally, her contributions to astronomy are many.

Lisa’s passion for sharing knowledge extends beyond research. She’s a best-selling author and an engaging keynote speaker. Her books have received national and international acclaim, and she’s a familiar face from ABC’s Stargazing Live. Lisa has also hosted live events featuring Apollo Moon astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Gene Cernan, and Charlie Duke, captivating audiences in sold-out theatres across the country. On top of all of that, she’s passionate about getting your students excited about the amazing and rewarding career possibilities within STEM.

Learn more
https://www.lisaharveysmith.com/

Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education

With interviews with leading science educators and STEM thought leaders, this science education podcast is about highlighting different ways of teaching kids within and beyond the classroom. It's not just about educational practice & pedagogy, it's about inspiring new ideas & challenging conventions of how students can learn about their world!

https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/

Know an educator who'd love this STEM podcast episode? 

Share it!

Learn how Future You aims to inspire children's STEM curiosity. Join Program Ambassador Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith, an award-winning astrophysicist renowned for making the universe accessible, as we explore how Future You helps kids imagine their future possibilities.
Hosted by <a href="https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/team/ben-newsome/">Ben Newsome</a> from <a href="https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/">Fizzics Education</a>
About Future You
Future You, a UNSW Sydney-led initiative, sparks STEM curiosity in 8-12 year olds through free, engaging resources for students, teachers, and parents. Connecting real-world STEM skills with the Australian Curriculum, the program offers practical activities, diverse role models, and inspiring fiction to make STEM relevant and exciting. Future You empowers families to explore the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics together. Learn more <a href="https://futureyouaustralia.com.au/">https://futureyouaustralia.com.au/</a>
<ul>
<li>Webinar <a href="https://youtu.be/C5_sjdYD0_M" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://youtu.be/C5_sjdYD0_M&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1746077359500000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3hw-Jcm3_UoxvsYwR7tGO4">Engaging Primary Students in STEM: Delving into the research</a></li>
<li><a href="https://futureyouaustralia.com.au/resources/">Future You Resources</a></li>
<li><a href="https://futureyouaustralia.com.au/pathfinders/">Future You STEM Role Models aka, Pathfinders</a></li>
<li><a href="https://futureyouaustralia.com.au/imagining-the-future/">Future You Adventures in STEM (free stories about STEM careers and space travel)</a></li>
</ul>
About Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith,&nbsp;Program Ambassador.
Lisa is an award-winning astrophysicist and author with a gift for making the universe accessible to all. With over 55 research papers and key roles in the development and operation of radio telescopes globally, her contributions to astronomy are many.
Lisa&rsquo;s passion for sharing knowledge extends beyond research. She&rsquo;s a best-selling author and an engaging keynote speaker. Her books have received national and international acclaim, and she&rsquo;s a familiar face from ABC&rsquo;s Stargazing Live. Lisa has also hosted live events featuring Apollo Moon astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Gene Cernan, and Charlie Duke, captivating audiences in sold-out theatres across the country. On top of all of that, she&rsquo;s passionate about getting your students excited about the amazing and rewarding career possibilities within STEM.
Learn more <a href="https://www.lisaharveysmith.com/">https://www.lisaharveysmith.com/</a>
Hosted by <a href="https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/team/ben-newsome/">Ben Newsome</a> from <a href="https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/">Fizzics Education</a>
With interviews with leading science educators and STEM thought leaders, this science education podcast is about highlighting different ways of teaching kids within and beyond the classroom. It's not just about educational practice &amp; pedagogy, it's about inspiring new ideas &amp; challenging conventions of how students can learn about their world!
<a href="https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/">https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/</a>
Know an educator who'd love this STEM podcast episode?&nbsp;
Share it!

Gamification in STEM with Valary Oleinik

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