That's What I Call Science!

Episode 290: Breaking Down the Numbers

Returning guest Priya Kitchener joins us to unpack Australia’s PISA study results and what they say about how well our students are performing in mathematics.With experience in both public and private school systems and now working as an engineer at a scientific software company, Priya shares her insights on how teachers, schools, and communities can use data to make meaningful change. From maths anxiety to student confidence, Priya dives into the complexity of maths education and the cultural shift that needs to happen for Tasmania to thrive.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodThank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)Co-Host: Zi Yi Kho. (‪@ziyikho.bsky.social‬)Production: Richard Siu (Insta: richard.siu.photography)Media & Promotion: Zi Yi Kho. 

Episode 289: Learning Literacy

Nearly 50% of Tasmanians struggle with literacy. Kaitlyn shares her lived experience with literacy and the changes she decided to make for herself by joining 26Ten as an adult learner. She shares her past struggles, and we celebrate her newfound love of reading and writing.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodThank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week! Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)Co-Host: Anna Abela Production: Ryan SmithMedia & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Episode 288: AI Ethics & Information

Ever wondered why librarians tell you to only use sources from the last 5 years? Or what makes research "powerful"? Join us as we chat with a 25-year veteran librarian from the University of Tasmania who's been helping students crack the code of academic research for decades.Our guest describes themselves as a "jack of all trades and a master of none," but don't be fooled - they're experts at turning confused students into research detectives! We dive into the fascinating world of information literacy, exploring everything from why research might have an expiration date to the mysterious differences between grey and black literature.But here's where it gets really interesting - as AI tools like ChatGPT become everyday helpers for students, how do we use them ethically? Our librarian guest is at the forefront of figuring this out, and they share their honest thoughts about whether AI is friend or foe in academic research.We also explore the dark side of research - fraudulent studies that can damage entire fields - and discover why librarians might be more important than ever in our AI-powered future.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodThank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week! Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)Co-Host: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)Production:  Ryan SmithMedia & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

Episode 287: Deadly Reptiles & STEM Yarns

In this episode, we sit down with proud Kamilaroi man, author, and science champion Corey Tutt to talk about his latest book Caution! This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles. We explore how this vibrant and educational book blends Indigenous knowledge with western science to inspire a new generation of curious minds - especially kids - about Australia’s most misunderstood creatures. Corey shares his journey as founder of the award-winning charity Deadly Science, which provides science resources to remote schools across the country. We discuss the power of representation in STEM, the importance of sharing First Nations science, and how reptiles - feared by many - can become a gateway to deeper respect for Country and culture. Get ready for a conversation that slithers between storytelling, science, and social change!Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Dr Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Co-Host: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCstles)Production: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)Media & Promotion: Ella Burgun (@ebburgun)

Episode 286: How quantum computing could break the world…and fix it again

Could you play Minecraft on a quantum computer?In this episode, we’re joined by Professor Susan Coppersmith from the University of New South Wales to explore the strange and fascinating world of quantum computing.We talk about why quantum computers are so different from the ones we use every day, what a qubit is, what makes this technology so powerful, and how it could reshape things like encryption and digital security.This episode peeks into a future that’s already being built—qubit by qubit.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodThank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week! Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)Co-Host: Georgia Stewart Production: Dr Simin SalarpourMedia & Promotion: Georgia Stewart