on 03/11/2025
At this year’s World Teachers’ Day celebration, Sarah Todd was honoured with the SASTA Honour Award, recognising her outstanding contribution to science education in South Australia. Known for her hands-on, inquiry-driven approach and her passion for environmental learning, Sarah’s work exemplifies the very best of what science education can offer.
“The best ideas often come from outside the classroom.”
Throughout her career, Sarah has embraced opportunities to take learning beyond the four walls of her classroom.
“Going on field trips like BushBlitz and the Ediacaran expeditions gave me the chance to work with leading scientists. I could bring those insights back and answer student questions in a meaningful way.”
One moment that stood out was being featured on Behind the News (BTN) after her class recorded sightings of the Southern Brown Bandicoot using motion-sensor cameras—equipment she purchased through her very first Grassroots Grant.
“That was a proud moment—for me, but especially for the students. It really showed the power of citizen science.”
Turning Grants into Biodiversity Action
Sarah is a skilled grant-writer and has turned funding opportunities into impactful, community-focused science projects. Last year, she secured three separate grants, which allowed her school to transform an underused space into a thriving habitat.
“We installed habitat boxes and planted native vegetation around a new access ramp. It was part of our Science Week celebrations—which turned into Science Term!”
Students also use a nesting box camera to monitor the area for wildlife visitors, gaining firsthand insights into biodiversity, ecosystems and environmental change.
“It’s been so rewarding to see how life has returned to that space over the past year.”
Meeting Students Where They Are
As student needs and learning styles evolve, so has Sarah’s approach to teaching.
“I’ve slowed the pace of content delivery and built in more check-ins and reflections. Students respond well to digital technologies—they’re using them to collect data, record observations and complete assessment tasks.”
Embracing the Challenges of Coding
Even in areas where she’s less confident, Sarah embraces new technologies with a sense of curiosity and courage. Recently, she participated in the Mission:SPACE Mars Challenge—a Scitech initiative supported by the Australian Space Agency.
“We used Microbits coded to measure G-Force in Mars lander prototypes. The Year 4s were my first group to try it with—some of them knew more than I did! It was great to explore that kind of tech together.”
A Lesson with a Legend
If she could co-teach a science lesson with any scientist, Sarah’s choice was an easy one: Dr Jane Goodall.
“I’d love to teach students to slow down and really observe living things, just like she did. Her passion for the natural world is something I try to model every day.”
A Well-Deserved Honour
Sarah Todd’s recognition with the SASTA Honour Award is a testament to her dedication to authentic, student-centred science education. Through her leadership, grant-funded initiatives, and deep respect for nature, she continues to make science real, relevant and inspiring for the next generation.
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