蜜桃社区

Q&A with Liam Johnson

What would be your advice to educators who are working with colleagues going above and beyond, but are yet to nominate them for an 蜜桃社区 Education prize?

My advice would be: don鈥檛 wait. 

If you see colleagues going above and beyond to make science engaging, inclusive and impactful, take the time to recognise their efforts. Nominating someone for an 蜜桃社区 Education Prize is not just about the award - it鈥檚 a way of celebrating their dedication to inspiring others. 

Many who go above and beyond for their students don鈥檛 seek recognition - your nomination can give them the acknowledgement they deserve. If you see someone going above and beyond, call it out!

How did you first become interested in chemistry or science?

I鈥檝e always been fascinated by how the world works, from the tiniest chemical reactions to the way nature operates all around us.

For this reason, I think science the easiest subjects to fall in love with. It鈥檚 the subject of asking questions and exploring the reasons behind them.

I also love watching others become interested in science and passionate about it. This includes watching my colleagues, who are completely enamoured by the subject and inspire others, as well as students discovering chemistry and science for the first time, seeing their experiment come alive as they mix, observe and test - moments that make them say, 鈥淲ow, that actually works!鈥� or, my favourite question, 鈥淲ell, what if鈥�?鈥�

I am lucky enough to share that sense of wonder with children every day, which is incredibly rewarding.

Who or what has inspired you to have a role in education?

In truth, education wasn鈥檛 a career I initially considered, but I soon realised it was my vocation. I was lucky to have people in my life who made learning exciting, both at school and at home.

Reflecting on the impact these people had on me has inspired me to follow the same path. I hope to create those 'aha!' moments for others and help them see that science is for everyone.

What motivates you?

There鈥檚 nothing like seeing a pupil鈥檚 eyes light up when they understand something for the first time.

If I can make a child excited about learning - and maybe leave a little glitter or goo behind in the process - then I鈥檓 happy.

How have your students inspired you?

Children inspire me constantly, and when they buzz about a concept, their enthusiasm becomes contagious. I love that the smallest spark can ignite their curiosity and set off questions like a fuse on blue touch paper! 

I also love that it takes a strong dose of caffeine for me to mimic even a fraction of their energy.

What advice would you give to a young person considering a career in chemistry?

Be curious, be brave, and don鈥檛 be afraid to make a mess! Most importantly, have fun - if you can enjoy the 鈥渨hat if?鈥� moments, you鈥檙e already on the right path.

How can good science education support solving global challenges?

Children are mad geniuses. The danger is that, as we educate them, we might accidentally turn their brilliant, quirky ideas into copies of our own. That would be a tragedy! Letting them experiment, explore and think in ways that surprise us today could lead to the breakthroughs the world desperately needs tomorrow.

Why is chemistry education important?

In short, it turns wonder into knowledge and messy experiments into discovery.

What has been a highlight for you (either personally or in your career)?

One of the highlights has been establishing the Humber STEM Event. Watching children, educators and professionals come together to explore science in the controlled chaos is incredible. Seeing students鈥� faces light up during experiments reminds me why I love what I do.

What has been a challenge for you (either personally or in your career)?

Being a teacher is a lifestyle, and one of the biggest challenges is balancing it so that education doesn鈥檛 become all-consuming. It鈥檚 important to find time for yourself so you can bring your best self to your class every day. I am lucky enough to have a family who support this.

How are the chemical sciences making the world a better place?

Chemistry saves lives, powers the planet and makes dessert possible - basically, it鈥檚 a superhero in a lab coat.

Why do you think teamwork is important in science education?

Two brains are usually better than one - especially when one of them remembers where you put the safety goggles.

Who or what has supported you in your career as an educator?

I was especially lucky to have grown up with such supportive parents at home. 

I am also fortunate to be a part of such a great team at Inmans Primary School and Humber STEM. 

On top of everything else, I鈥檓 lucky to have a partner who cheers me on, keeps me motivated and somehow manages to organise me!

Finally for a bit of fun...What is your favourite element?

Nitrogen. I grew up on a farm, so I鈥檝e seen first-hand how important it is. It makes up 78% of the air we breathe and thanks to turning nitrogen gas into ammonia, we can grow enough food to feed nearly half the world. In short, nitrogen keeps plants alive, keeps farmers busy and keeps the world fed! I think that's pretty impressive.