Stemiverse 0001 – Jenny Lynch and science communication 

In this episode of Stemiverse, Dr. Peter Dalmaris and Marcus Schappi talk with Jenny Lynch.

Jenny wears many colorful hats, and depending on the day she is a science communicator, a trainer, an educator and a designer of science kits for toy companies. She is the founder of Creative Science, a Sydney-based science communication business.

In this conversation, Jenny shares with us her experiences and lots of actionable advice for science teachers.

This is Stemiverse podcast episode 1.

Stemiverse podcast is brought to you by Tech Explorations, a leading provider of educational resources for Makers, STEM students, and teachers. Go to techexplorations.com to see a complete list of our books and courses covering the Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and electronics.

Show Notes

• [00:00] Introduction – Introducing Jenny Lynch
• [00:56] Jenny Lynch talks about her background in Science Communication, Professional Development Workshops for Early Childhood Educators, designing Science Kits for Toy Companies and more
• [04:08] Jenny Lynch talks about the process of becoming a Science Communicator
• [05:59] Communications Degree components
• [06:52] Necessary qualities for teachers of science and engineering courses: focusing on the student
• [09:09] Teaching programs in Australia that help teachers improve their science communication and day-to-day teaching skills
• [10:19] Tips, Tools and Tricks for teachers to use on a daily basis
• [12:33] How to interest young children in science – Pirate Science Kit example
• [14:33] How Art relates to how people learn, to STEM, and how it helps strengthen our ability to teach and learn
• [19:22] Jenny Lynch’s Product Development process of Science Kits and Toys
• [23:47] Prototyping Ideas
• [24:45] Script Writing Process for Marketing Products
• [26:30] Discussing the current state of the Science Kit market and sales of such products in households and classrooms
• [29:56] Rapid Fire Questions
• [30:42] Who is the Most Influential Person in shaping the way that you teach: Many people have influenced Jenny’s teaching
• [31:54] What App can you not live without? Google Apps
• [32:09] Advice to Educators just starting out: Find a Mentor
• [33:39] Favorite Teaching Book: The Art of Electronics (“electronics being an art”)
• [34:39] The keys to Teaching and Presenting in front of a large audience of students: Preparation, Practice, Knowledge, and Improvisation
• [35:24] Worse Age Group to Teach: Year 9 being harder to respond – Alan Alda’s Improvisation Exercises
• [37:51] Professional Development Conferences and Workshops and the importance of the scientific method and scientific thinking
• [39:15] Recommended Teachers’ Conference: University Colloquia and Public Lectures, keeping up with the latest research
• [41:44] Parting Thoughts, Dos and Don’ts: The importance of balancing between STEM integration and separation of disciplines
• [43:06] Jenny Lynch’s company Creative Science, links and contact information