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.

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How would your students describe you?

Engaging, passionate, fun and hopefully a nice bloke!

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What makes you excited about HSC Earth and Environmental Science?

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.

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What led you to choose HSC Earth and Environmental Science as your teaching specialisation?

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.

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Where would students use the skills they gain from studying HSC Earth and Environmental Science in 'real life'?

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. 

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In your experience, what do students find the most challenging about HSC Earth and Environmental Science, and how do you support them with this?

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.

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What do you see as a key benefit for students and/or teachers in using Edrolo?

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.

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What's the funniest thing that's ever happened in your 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!

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If you were stranded on a desert island, and you could take one thing from each of the following categories with you, what would they be?

Meal: Pepperoni Pizza  

Movie/tv show: Breaking Bad

Music (band or album): Anything from Nine Inch Nails, Primus or Tool.

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If you weren't a teacher, what would you be?

I've always wanted to be a rock star lol! I'm still trying at the age of 41.

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Best and worst things about teaching?

Best things - seeing students have their eureka or aha moment. And seeing their skills evolve through hard work and reflection.

Worst things - paperwork!

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What's your Roman Empire? 

How technology is changing education and teaching - what will education look like in 5-10 years time and how will AI impact education.

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