OzGrav Australian Space and Astronomy Olympiad

From The FizzicsEd Podcast · 32:34

Show by Ben Newsome

How do we inspire the next generation of astrophysicists and space scientists? In this episode, we explore the exciting world of competitive astronomy education with three guests driving Australia's presence on the world stage: Lachlan McGinness, Penelope Hale, and student medalist Abby Zhao. Together, they share how the Australian Space and Astronomy Olympiad was built, what it takes to compete internationally, and why space science offers such a powerful pathway for secondary students. Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education About the GuestsLachlan McGinness Lachlan is a physics education researcher, outreach officer, and organiser of the Australian Space and Astronomy Olympiad. He helps run the national Olympiad, online training programs, and winter school, supporting Australian teams sent to the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) and inspiring the next generation of astronomers. Penelope Hale Penelope is the Assistant Head of Science at John Monash Science School (JMSS)—a selective-entry public school in Victoria for Years 10–12 located on the Monash University campus. A passionate teacher of physics and astrophysics, Penelope previously mentored a student team to the IOAA in India (where student Michael Tikhanov earned a silver medal). Alongside Lachlan McGinness, she helped establish the Australian Space and Astronomy Olympiad to select and prepare national teams, including the senior team competing in Vietnam and the junior team heading to Thailand for IOAA-Jr. Abby Zhao Abby is a Year 12 student and STEM Captain at Fintona Girls’ School in Melbourne. As a member of Australia’s first nationally selected team, Abby recently won a bronze medal at the 19th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics in Hanoi, Vietnam. She is passionate about sharing science with younger students and highlighting how mathematics and physics unlock our understanding of the cosmos. Key Highlights & OrganisationsAustralian Space and Astronomy OlympiadThe national selection and training pathway for secondary students aiming for international competition, featuring nationwide exams, online training, and immersive winter schools. OzGrav (ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery)Bringing together researchers across Australian universities to detect and decode ripples in spacetime from colliding black holes and neutron stars, opening a brand-new window on the universe. Resources & Links Australian Space and Astronomy Olympiad Website Contact Lachlan [email protected] Learn more about OzGrav Learn more about John Monash Science School Learn more about Fintona Girls' School 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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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