Bridge Building Podcast Episode 75: Datta Podcast: Bringing Scientists to School with Emmanuelle Buecher Hall
Release Date: 03/12/2025
Bridge Building Podcast Episode 85: Datta Podcast: Structuring Design Education with Andrew Scott
DattaQueensland's podcast
In this episode of the Bridge Building Podcast: From Technology to the Trades, Stephen Anderson sits down with Andrew Scott, co-author of the Design for QCE textbooks and an experienced industrial design educator. Andrew unpacks the challenge of helping students use their time productively in design projects—whether in high school or university. Drawing on years of teaching first-year design, he explains why structure, constraints, and collaboration are key to unlocking creativity and progress. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to structure design projects to keep students moving...
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Bridge Building Podcast Episode 84: Datta Podcast: From the Tools to the Classroom – Mark Agnew on the Trade to Teach Journey
DattaQueensland's podcast
In this episode of the Bridge Building Podcast: From Technology to the Trades, Stephen Anderson chats with Mark Agnew, a former industrial plumber now teaching Industrial Technology and Design at Mabel Park State High School through Queensland’s Trade to Teach program. Mark explains how the program helps experienced tradespeople transition into teaching, the challenges and rewards of working in a diverse school community, and the importance of building relationships with students. He also shares an extraordinary story about creating adaptive tools for a legally blind...
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Bridge Building Podcast Episode 83: Datta Podcast: Celebrating a Legacy of Hands-On Innovation with Terry Grieger
DattaQueensland's podcast
Episode Overview In this episode of the Bridge Building Podcast: From Technology to the Trades, we celebrate the extraordinary career of DATTA QLD’s 2025 Teacher of the Year, Terry Grieger. With over three decades of service to Design and Technologies education, Terry has turned classrooms into creative workshops where theory meets real-world problem-solving. Terry shares how he brought CNC milling to Far North Queensland in the 80s, built working printing presses with his students, and even ran radio-controlled yacht regattas—all while nurturing critical thinking and ingenuity. As he...
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Bridge Building Podcast Episode 82: Datta Podcast: Reimagining Education for an AI-Driven Future with Tracy Sheen
DattaQueensland's podcast
In this episode of the Bridge Building Podcast: From Technology to the Trades, we sit down with Tracy Sheen, a digital innovator and author of AI and You: Reimagine Business. Tracy shares her incredible journey from tinkering with electronics as a child in rural Queensland to becoming a mentor for businesses navigating the AI revolution. With AI transforming industries from hospitality to education, Tracy offers insights into how teachers can equip students with the skills needed for a workforce where roles are rapidly evolving. She challenges us to rethink traditional education, emphasizing...
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Bridge Building Podcast Episode 81: Datta Podcast: Agents of Change – Social Impact & Storytelling with Margaret O’Brien and Natasha Ratajczek
DattaQueensland's podcast
Episode Overview In Episode 81 of the Bridge Building Podcast, host Stephen Anderson previews two inspiring sessions from the 2025 DATTA QLD Conference. Margaret O’Brien, CEO and co-founder of Young Change Agents, is our Friday morning keynote. She shares how design and technologies education can be a springboard for young people to solve real-world problems and create social impact. Margaret offers a powerful call to action for teachers as mentors, changemakers, and facilitators of “FLARN”—failing and learning. Natasha Ratajczek from the Queensland State Library joins us to discuss...
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Bridge Building Podcast Episode 80: Datta Podcast: Innovation in Education – Previewing the 2025 DATTA QLD Conference with Michael Mikhail and Jacqueline Niblett
DattaQueensland's podcast
Episode Overview In Episode 80 of the Bridge Building Podcast, host Stephen Anderson previews two powerhouse sessions from the upcoming 2025 DATTA QLD Conference (June 19–20, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre). He’s joined by Michael Mikhail, a Melbourne-based engineer and fibre laser innovator, and Jacqueline Niblett, a University of Queensland educator who’s bringing creative firepower to the classroom. Together, they represent the exciting blend of industry, innovation, and education shaping this year’s conference. This episode is packed...
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Bridge Building Podcast Episode 79: Datta Podcast: Previewing the 2025 DATTA QLD Conference with Sally Lawrence and Leighann Ness-Wilson
DattaQueensland's podcast
Episode Overview Stephen Anderson fuels excitement for the 2025 DATTA QLD Conference in Episode 79, recorded on May 5 and 7, 2025, with Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi educator Sally Lawrence and QUT PhD researcher Leighann Ness-Wilson. This episode previews their June 19 sessions at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, offering insights for design and technology educators. Sally and artist Lesley Gordon Morabalista Warraba dive into Aboriginal tools, fibres, and plant uses, linking cultural knowledge to design. Leighann shares her work on the engineering syllabus and PhD insights on teacher...
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Bridge Building Podcast Episode 78: Datta Podcast: Kicking Off the 2025 DATTA QLD Conference Series with Justine Hawkins and Wayne van den Bos
DattaQueensland's podcast
Episode Overview Stephen Anderson launches the 2025 DATTA QLD Conference Series in Episode 78, recorded on April 28 and 30, 2025, with design educators Justine Hawkins and Wayne van den Bos. This episode previews their June 20 sessions at the DATTA QLD Conference, offering a sneak peek into practical tools and syllabus updates for design and technology teachers. Justine shares her passion for fashion and textiles, detailing workshops on drawing soft furnishings and a discussion on Year 10 design courses. Wayne, a syllabus co-writer, unpacks assessment changes, a new IA1 template, and...
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Bridge Building Podcast Episode 77: Datta Podcast: Launching the 2025 Teacher Excellence Awards with Cleveland State High Students
DattaQueensland's podcast
Episode Overview Stephen Anderson sits down with five Year 11 and 12 students from Cleveland State High School to launch the 2025 Teacher Excellence Awards and Service to Design and Technology Education Award. Recorded on March 26, 2025, this episode celebrates the educators and supporters shaping design and technology education in Queensland. The students share heartfelt stories about teachers who go above and beyond—think quirky sayings, passionate literature lessons, and collaborative classrooms. Stephen also shares a gem from his own past: an English teacher who wove Jake and The Fatman...
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Bridge Building Podcast Episode 76: Datta Podcast: Virtual STEM and Rural Wins with Tim from Roma State High
DattaQueensland's podcast
Episode Overview Stephen Anderson sits down with Tim Bateup, a STEM teacher from Roma State High School, who’s kicking goals in rural education. Recently awarded a $10,000 Toyota STEM scholarship, Tim’s headed to London to bring back fresh ideas for his Southwest Queensland students. From his roots in digital technologies to pioneering virtual lessons in the Queensland Virtual STEM Academy, Tim shares how he’s bridging the gap for kids in the bush. We explore his gypsy-like teaching journey, the power of virtual learning, and why country life beats the city chaos any day. Key...
info_outlineIn this episode, Stephen Anderson sits down with Emmanuelle Buecher Hall, a science teacher at Mansfield State High School in Brisbane. A former marine biologist who’s researched jellyfish in South Africa and sailed the world with her family, Emmanuelle now brings real scientists into her school to spark curiosity in students. Stephen first heard her speak at the Future of Education Conference, then organized a trip for his Nanango students to attend one of her after-school science talks—a trip that left a lasting impression. We dive into her journey, her innovative incursions program, and how she’s inspiring the next generation of scientists, one curious mind at a time.
Key Topics Discussed
From Marine Biology to the Classroom
Emmanuelle shares her winding path—from studying jellyfish in Cape Town to teaching science in Brisbane—proving it’s never a straight line to inspiring students.
Scientists in School: The Incursions Program
Learn how Emmanuelle invites scientists—over 50 in five years!—to Mansfield for informal talks on topics from volcanoes to quantum physics, open to all curious students.
Beyond the Curriculum: Fostering Curiosity
Forget marks—this is about passion. Emmanuelle explains how real-world science exposure helps students discover what they love, no textbook required.
Tips for Teachers: Starting Your Own Program
Emmanuelle offers practical advice on reaching out to scientists and adapting her model for other schools or subjects—like tech or engineering.
A Regional Road Trip to Brisbane
Stephen reflects on bringing Nanango students to Mansfield and how regional schools can tap into this big-city science buzz.
Links and Resources:
• Mansfield State High School: www.mansfieldshs.eq.edu.au (Check for school programs and events)
• Contact Emmanuelle Buecher Hall: Via School Website
• Future of Education Conference: https://www.thefutureofeducationsummit.com/
• DATTA Queensland: www.dattaqld.org.au
Connect With Us:
● Host: Stephen Anderson – [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])