Dan Wisemantel, is our wise, down-to-earth HSC Earth and Environmental Science presenter! With 20 years of teaching experience, he brings knowledge of the HSC science marking system and is equipped with marking strategies to maximise marks and make revision easy and enjoyable. We sat down with Dan, Head of Science at Hunter Valley Grammar School, to get to know him better and his love for teaching Earth and Environmental Science.
Engaging, passionate, fun and hopefully a nice bloke!
Earth and Environmental Science is incredibly relevant to students today and will be into the future. Our world is facing huge environmental issues and we need the best and brightest students taking a deep dive into understanding them so they can help be a part of the solution and to communicate to others the issues Earth is facing.
I always had an interest in geology and the environment, and I also love camping in National Parks and seeing the beauty of Australian landscapes. I also had job in the mining industry while studying science teaching so I saw the problems first-hand.
Everywhere! From making decisions as they become more independent and move out of home (eg. what to do with solid waste and local strategies to reduce energy use) to more focused and specialised use in Environmental Management roles in private or public enterprises.
The most challenging aspect is the linking of geographical locations in the world with examples of plate boundaries/volcanic centres/rock types/earthquake depth.
I print an A3 map for my students and they annotate as they complete the Module 6 Hazards part of the course to ensure they have a good revision tool.
Edrolo is a great tool to have someone else other than your teacher present subject matter. I know that sometimes my students get sick of listening to me saying the same thing over and over again.
Edrolo is a circuit breaker which can help students understand a concept because it is being presented from a slightly different perspective. It is also great for consolidating what is being learnt in the classroom.
Years ago when doing a chlorophyll extraction experiment with Y11 biology, a student knocked over a bottle with methylated spirits near their Bunsen burner. The methylated spirits spilled over their blazer and it caught on fire alongside the workbench. Not funny at the time, but afterwards was a good laugh and a safety reminder for all classes!
Meal: Pepperoni Pizza
Movie/tv show: Breaking Bad
Music (band or album): Anything from Nine Inch Nails, Primus or Tool.
I've always wanted to be a rock star lol! I'm still trying at the age of 41.
Best things - seeing students have their eureka or aha moment. And seeing their skills evolve through hard work and reflection.
Worst things - paperwork!
How technology is changing education and teaching - what will education look like in 5-10 years time and how will AI impact education.
