iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Decent potato crop and good quality despite the dry summer and no watering. Had my little helper again.

Newly dug potatoes drying on the surface of the soil with green plastic bucket and potato fork in background. Variety is Wilja.

Robin beside newly dug potatoes drying on the surface of the soil.

Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

It was great to welcome 100 science educators to @enuteachered.bsky.social yesterday for a great day of high quality subject-specific professional learning. Thanks to all the speakers, exhibitors, IOPS Coaches, ASE Scotland committee members and the Education Academy Scotland who made it possible.

Stuart Farmer of the Institute of Physics Scotland welcomes delegates to the BGE Sciences Conference at Edinburgh Napier University.

Heather Earnshaw gives the keynote talk at the BGE Sciences Conference at Edinburgh Napier University.

IOP stand in the exhibition area at the BGE Sciences Conference at Edinburgh Napier University.

IOP Scotland Physics Coach presents a session on teaching space science at the BGE Sciences Conference at Edinburgh Napier University.

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

A recorded message from Andreas Schleicher of OECD at #SonS2026. @missmcf.bsky.social, I think you will be happy with part of his message.

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

The Science on Stage 2026 Festival is opened in style by the President of Lithuania and Lithuania’s Minister of Education, Science and Sport

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

I completed my 100th parkrun (all walked rather than run) and 25th volunteer milestones at Hazlehead parkrun this morning. Thanks to all the volunteers that make parkrun happen every Saturday morning.

Me standing in a park wearing a blue parkwalk vest behind the Hazlehead parkrun sign

Me walking down a tarmac path in Hazlehead Park with a stick and wearing a blue parkwalk vest.

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Staying overnight in Glasgow in a hotel in the Merchant Quarter. The room is decorated appropriately. #trafficcone

Photograph of the Duke of Wellington statue with obligatory cone on head on Glasgow hotel bedroom wall above bed.

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

And of course one of the main reasons teachers are leaving the profession. See the two papers based on the research done with Mark Whalley published earlier this year www.researchgate.net/profile/Stua...

Title and abstract of paper 'Exploring the reasons why former physics teachers in Scotland left teaching'

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

After the dreichness of yesterday, today’s drive was in pretty much perfect conditions. Slightly longer route from Wanaka to Timaru as several of the higher more direct routes were still blocked by snow. Arrived in time to meet up with @aweatherall.bsky.social for dinner.

Huge volume of water being released from Clyde hydroelectric dam. Grass in foreground, snow-capped mountains in background under blue sky.

Snow covered fields in front of snow covered mountains and a blue sky.

A clear road through snow covered hills with a blue sky with some white clouds.

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

Absolutely miserable day for the drive from Hokitika to Wanaka via Haast Pass. A good day for waterfalls if not for getting out of the car to see them.

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 26/10/2025

The west coast of New Zealand between Cape Foulwind and Hokatika

A white lighthouse and a radio mast surrounded by shrubby subtropical vegetation

A rocky coastline with a point of land ending in jagged rocks

Rough ocean waves crashing against a rocky coastline under a grey sky

The word Hokitika spelt out using drift wood on a beach of grey rocks and sand. There are patches of blue sky in an otherwise cloudy sky.

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 26/10/2025

Good drive from Hanmer Springs to Hokitika today through the reopened Lewis Pass where repairs are ongoing. Sunny at both ends but lots of heavy rain and some sleet in the mountains

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 25/10/2025

Lots of evidence of the storms and heavy rain that have recently hit New Zealand on the short flight from Wellington to Christchurch

Mountains, some snow-capped, and a river delivering lots of brown silt-laden water into an otherwise blue ocean.

Mountains, some snow-capped, and several rivers delivering lots of brown silt-laden water into an otherwise blue ocean.

A view from an aircraft window of a large river delivering lots of brown silt-laden water into the ocean.

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 22/10/2025

Now that is what I call a volcano - Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki

Te Papa-Kura -o-Taranaki - a snow-capped conical volcano in the distance beyond flat grass fields

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 22/10/2025

Southward Car Museum - some of the more mundane - an amazing collection of cars, bikes, some boats and aircraft, models and lots of old memorabilia

A Series 1 Land Rover and early Toyota Land Cruiser

A Singer Gazelle similar to one we had when I was a child

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 22/10/2025

Southward Car Museum - some of the exotica

Ford GT40 endurance racer from late 1960s in classic Gulf colours

McLaren similar to the one in which Bruce McLaren lost his life when testing at Goodwood

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 22/10/2025

After a busy but very interesting day discussing curriculum at Victoria University Wellington, the NZ Ministry of Education and at a meeting of the NZ Inst of Physics I am on the start of my road trip around the North Island. heading to New Plymouth via the amazing Southward Car Museum

TR750 Suzuki raced by Pat Hennen, first American to win a GP

Huge collection of old vehicles across two floors in Southward Car Museum north of Wellington, New Zealand.

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 19/10/2025

There is a Superbike fan in Melbourne #Toprak

Australian road signs with one to Toorak changed to Toprak - 3 times World Superbike champion

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 19/10/2025

Some other interesting old machines on display. A TR750 Suzuki in Sheene colours (which got a run out on track earlier in the weekend) an XR69 Suzuki in Croz colours and some beautiful road going 916 Ducatis and an MV F4.

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 19/10/2025

Some interesting bikes taking part in the classic superbikes support races at #AustralianGP RC30, GSXR, FZR, ZX-7R, 851, 888, Katana etc.

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 17/10/2025

An opportunity to promote study and careers in the STEM subjects in amongst the usual trade stands #MotoGP Getting a lot of interest from kids. #STEM outreach.

RMIT exhibition with kart in front of tent with robots and other exhibits at Australian MotoGP 2025

Lots of interest from young people in robotics at RMIT exhibition at Australian MotoGP

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 17/10/2025

A little lunchtime entertainment from Red Bull aerial display #MotoGP

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 17/10/2025

I think I have selected a decent grandstand seat for the weekend #MotoGP

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 16/10/2025

Only one place with an ocean view like this - Phillip Island #MotoGP

View from Lukey Heights across The Hayshed and Siberia corners to the Bass Strait at Phillip Island GP Circuit. The circuit is damp.

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

A nice sunny day for a few hours being a tourist in Melbourne before I speak to a Vicphysics meeting for physics teachers at the Deakin University Downtown campus.

Looking west along Yarra River. Eureka Tower with Skydeck viewing floor on left.

View south towards the ocean from Skydeck, Melbourne.

View east from Skydeck of the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Rod Laver Arena where Australian Open tennis is held.

View northeast from Skydeck across Yarra River, Flinders Street Station and Central Business District.

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

An interesting day visiting Whittlesea Tech School and the Victorian Space Science Education Centre (VSSEC) to find out about how the STEM subjects are being encouraged. Thanks to all the staff who gave of their time so freely to show me around and discuss education in the STEM subjects.

Entrance to Whittlesea Tech School, Epping, Melbourne

Primary science lab designed to simulate a space station on Mars at the Victorian Space Science Education Centre in Strathmore, Melbourne.

Mission to Mars Mission Control at the Victorian Space Science Education Centre in Strathmore, Melbourne.

Simulated Martian surface at the Victorian Space Science Education Centre in Strathmore, Melbourne.

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 13/10/2025

It is hard to believe it is week since I left Aberdeen for Australia. After time with family in Adelaide and Bendigo it is on to some of the business part of the trip.

University of Melbourne Physics Building

Door to The David Caro Building, the School of Physics at the University of Melbourne

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 10/09/2025

A somewhat bizarre result from TeacherTapp. 55% say their school improvement plan meets their school’s needs but only 46% are going to act on it. However, that about half selected neither shows bigger problems with the whole school improvement planning process, something I am not surprised by.

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 21/07/2025

Not something you will find in the supermarket veg isle. Home grown tatties 😂

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 15/07/2025

Something special to have with a fish pie for lunch

A pan containing freshly picked and shelled peas.

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

It was good to hear from the first cohort of STEM Leader 7 students at their showcase event today.

STEM Leaders 7 introduce their showcase event

First cohort of STEM Leader 7 students and project leader Graeme Rough

Cup cakes at STEM Leader 7 showcase event

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

Delegates at yesterday's 50th IOP Scotland Stirling Physics Teachers Meeting use hand rules to determine the deflection of electrons in magnetic fields to focus electron beams in electron microscopes during the @perimeterinstitute.ca workshop on Quantum Technology with @stuartphysics.bsky.social

Delegates, sitting in groups around takes but looking towards the front of the room, use various orientations of their hands to solve a physics problem about the deflection of electrons in a magnetic field.

Delegates, sitting in groups around tables, work to solve a physics problem about the deflection of electrons in a magnetic field which is shown on screen at the front of the room. There are two banner stands, one for the Institute of Physics Scotland and the other for the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics.

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

Alison McLeod of Photonics Scotland presents a session on the good career opportunities and skills demands in the photonics sector in Scotland at the 50th IOP Scotland Stirling Physics Teachers Meeting yesterday. @instituteofphysics.bsky.social

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

Andy Buckley presents a workshop on cloud chambers at the 50th IOP Scotland Stirling Physics Teachers meeting yesterday @instituteofphysics.bsky.social

Andy Buckley presents a workshop to delegates on cloud chambers at the 50th IOP Scotland Stirling Physics Teachers meeting. He is standing in front of a screen with information about the history of cloud chambers. There are pint glasses and other parts to make a small cloud chamber on a table.

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

Andy Kirkwood describes how he has used Lesson Study to improve pupils practical and metacognitive skills and teacher professional learning at the 50th IOP Scotland Stirling Physics Teachers Meeting yesterday @instituteofphysics.bsky.social

Andy Kirkwood presents about Lesson Study at the 50th IOP Scotland Stirling Physics Teachers Meeting

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

A workshop on particle physics games with Cheryl Patrick and Gill Turnbull of the University of Edinburgh at yesterday's 50th IOP Scotland Stirling Physics Teachers Meeting @instituteofphysics.bsky.social

Cheryl Patrick of the University of Edinburgh introduces board games to help teach particle physics to school pupils to delegates at the 50th IOP Scotland Stirling Physics Teachers Meeting

A full room of 50th IOP Scotland Stirling Physics Teachers Meting delegates sitting around tables on which there are board games for teaching about particle physics

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

A warm welcome for delegates at the 50th IOP Scotland Stirling Physics Teachers Meeting yesterday from Karen Haughian, Vice-Chair of IOP Scotland, and Tom Grinyer, IOP CEO @instituteofphysics.bsky.social

Karen Haughian, Vice-Chair of IOP Scotland welcomes delegates to the 50th Stirling Physics Teachers Meeting.

Tom Grinyer, CEO of IOP, welcomes delegates to the 50th Stirling Physics Teachers Meeting.

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

It was great to celebrate 50 IOP Scotland Stirling Physics Teachers Meetings yesterday. Derek Walker, who has attended most of them, did the honours of cutting the anniversary cake. @instituteofphysics.bsky.social

In the centre, Derek Walker cuts the 50th IOP Scotland Stirling Physics Teachers Meeting cake. On the left is Karen Haughian, Vice-Chair of IOP Scotland. On the right is Tom Grinyer, CEO of IOP.

A table with three trays of jam sponge cake with white icing, napkins and tongs.

A slice of jam sponge cake with white icing on a black napkin.

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Self entitlement? Plenty on street parking within 50 m!

Range Rover with personalised registration parked on double yellow lines.

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

There is still some way to go to ensure the teacher collaboration and professional learning time afforded by in-service days are well used. All very consistent with my PhD findings stax.strath.ac.uk/concern/thes...

TeacherTapp results from 12 May 2025 showing only 11% of respondents considered their last in-service day activities very useful

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 10/05/2025

Good to meet up with @lynnescilt.bsky.social and Sheena Bell from @scilt.bsky.social at the @ipda-prof-learn.bsky.social Scotland symposium at @qmuniversity.bsky.social. They are the guests on the latest episode of the Talking Scottish Education podcast with me and @dnleslie.bsky.social #TalkScotEd

Lynne Jones and Sheena Bell from SCILT beside a tree in the grounds of Queen Margaret University Edinburgh on a sunny day

Lynne Jones from SCILT introduces a session on improving engagement in professional learning at the IPDA Scotland Symposium at Queen Margaret University Edinburgh

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 18/04/2025

It appears that our hotel room comes with a telescope, and a pretty good one at that

Celestron AstroMaster 76 telescope in the corner of a hotel room

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 04/04/2025

Arrived in Maynooth for the @irishsciteach.bsky.social Annual Conference this evening and tomorrow

Stuart Farmer beside sign welcoming ISTA Annual Conference to Maynooth University on Saturday 5 April 2025

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 09/01/2025

Alan and Miles introduce the soon to be published resource pack on Quantum Technology from the Perimeter Institute at the @associationscied.bsky.social #ASEConf2025

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 09/01/2025

As usual it is a packed room for James de Winter’s session at @ASEConf2025 on the ‘great minds’ of science education @associationscied.bsky.social

Full room with people sitting on the floor at James de Winter’s session

James de Winter starts his session on using research in science education

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