STEM Education: Innovating for the Future

How do we prepare children for a rapidly changing technological landscape and the complexities of the climate crisis? In this episode of The Learning Curve, Dr. Shannon Babbie is joined by STEM education pioneers Fraser Hepburn and John Duff to explore the future of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in our classrooms. From a chemist who fled the monotony of industry to a professional golfer turned computer science advocate, our guests share their unique pathways into teaching and explain why Aberdeen is at the leading edge of STEM pedagogy. Discover how to teach complex computational thinking without a computer (including a mandatory lesson on the algorithm of brushing your teeth!), how virtual simulations are transforming science labs, and how the university is tackling the critical shortage of STEM teachers in Scotland with an innovative new "2+2" college transition program launching in September 2026. Whether you are a student teacher looking to build confidence in the sciences, an experienced educator interested in interdisciplinary learning, or simply curious about how we bridge the gap between classroom experiments and real-world issues like climate literacy, this episode is packed with practical tools, research-led insights, and inspiring ideas. Listen now to discover why great STEM teaching isn’t about expensive kits—it’s about curiosity, creativity, and passion.