on 28/10/2024
At SASTA, we are proud to celebrate individuals who inspire and innovate within the science education community. This year, we are thrilled to recognise Jarrod Johnson, whose commitment to engaging students with science has earned him the 2024 Honour Award. Jarrod’s dedication is part of a broader tradition of excellence in our SASTA community.
A Passion for Science Education
Jarrod’s journey in education spans an impressive 19 years, during which he has inspired countless middle school students with his enthusiasm for science. Since joining SASTA in 2018 and taking on a role as a board member in 2023, Jarrod has been a strong advocate for educational excellence. His dedication goes beyond the classroom, as he continually seeks new ways to engage young learners and foster a love for scientific inquiry.
Innovative Projects and Community Involvement
Jarrod is well-known for his creative and forward-thinking teaching methods. In 2019, he captured the imagination of teachers with the engaging “Escape Mr Johnson’s Science Class,” a unique event that combined interactive problem-solving with scientific learning. His recent contributions include an article in the 2024 Journal, titled "AI in the Science Classroom," and he is preparing a series of blogs on AI for the SASTA member resources. Looking ahead, Jarrod will be leading a webinar on Artificial Intelligence in 2024, highlighting his dedication to staying at the cutting edge of technology in education.
Beyond his own classroom, Jarrod’s commitment to science education extends to the broader community. He is an active participant in educational networks such as the UniSA C3L, Google Educators Group, and AI for Education. His ongoing volunteer work, including his contributions to Science Alive and the SASTA blog, further exemplifies his passion for making science accessible to all.
A Key Contributor to SASTA’s Success
Jarrod’s involvement with SASTA is both extensive and invaluable. He has been instrumental in organising and participating in several key events, such as the Annual Conferences in 2018 and 2019. In recent years, Jarrod has made significant contributions at the Early Career Teachers Conferences, sharing his knowledge with emerging educators in 2023 and 2024. He is set to present two workshops at the 2024 STEM Conference, focusing on integrating AI and technology into science education.
Another one of Jarrod’s impactful roles has been his commitment to the Oliphant Science Awards. As a judge and coordinator, he has played a vital part in nurturing the next generation of scientists, encouraging young minds to explore their curiosity and passion for science.
His passion for teaching and his commitment to nurturing the curiosity of students have left a lasting impact not only on his own pupils but also on educators and young scientists throughout South Australia.
We are excited to celebrate Jarrod’s achievements and look forward to his continued contributions to SASTA’s mission of inspiring science education. His work aligns with the spirit of the SASTA community, celebrating educators like Jane Hosking, who also received the 2024 Honour Award.
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