on 20/10/2025
Kangaroo Island Community Education’s Rachel Pillar is not only an inspiring science educator but also a passionate volunteer whose contributions to the Oliphant Science Awards have left a lasting impact. This year, she was recognised with a SASTA Volunteer Award for her commitment, innovation, and dedication to fostering student engagement in science. We caught up with Rachel to learn more about what drives her, and the moments that have shaped her teaching journey.
“The power of science to change lives – that’s what keeps me going.”
When asked to reflect on her career, Rachel doesn’t focus on accolades or grand achievements—instead, it’s the small but powerful moments that stand out.
“One moment I’ll never forget was when a former student—who’d left our school years earlier—emailed me to say I’d completely changed how they felt about science. They were about to start a science degree at university and wanted to thank me. It blew me away that they’d remembered me after all that time.”
Another standout memory came from working with a student who had struggled with school attendance.
“They chose to come to my science lessons, and we designed a project together on burger patties and flavour. They ended up cooking the experiment at home and excitedly explained the science to their family. For me, that really showed the power of science in bringing people together.”
Bringing Real-World Science into the Classroom
Rachel’s passion for connecting students with real-world science experiences is evident in her latest initiative—a sustainability project inspired by a speaker at the SASTA Annual Conference.
“After hearing Dr Nina Wootton speak about microplastics, a colleague and I successfully applied for a Grassroots Grant. We’ve just received an injection moulding kit, and we’ll be turning plastic collected from local beaches into useful products like pens and bag tags!”
The project is still in its early stages, but Rachel and her students are already excitedly planning beach excursions and gathering bottle tops.
“It’s hands-on, meaningful, and student-led—everything I love about teaching science.”
Evolving with Her Students
Over the years, Rachel’s teaching philosophy has shifted towards greater flexibility and student agency.
“I’ve learnt to listen more. Often I’ll start with a plan, and then through the students’ ideas and input, the lesson evolves into something so much richer. At senior levels, it’s more challenging—but also incredibly rewarding.”
She’s also been diving deep into the Australian Curriculum and SACE frameworks, looking for creative ways to give students more ownership over their learning.
“Taking risks in the classroom has helped me build stronger relationships with my students. I’ve found that the best outcomes happen when we’re willing to experiment together.”
If Only Einstein Could Visit Kangaroo Island…
Given the chance to co-teach with a scientist, Rachel couldn’t choose just one!
“I’d love to team-teach with Svante Arrhenius on the enhanced greenhouse effect—his contributions to science were so broad, and so relevant today. But I’d also love to have Einstein in the room for a lesson on Special Relativity with my Year 12 Physics students!”
The Science That Sticks
Some science facts just never fail to get a reaction. In Rachel’s classroom:
- Quantum tunnelling often leaves students “mind-blown” as they grapple with how particles can cross barriers without the energy to do so.
- And in Chemistry?
“They’re equal parts grossed out and fascinated by the fact that butyric acid is in both parmesan cheese and vomit. It’s the one they always share over dinner!”
Celebrating Volunteers Like Rachel
Rachel’s work with the Oliphant Science Awards and in the classroom embodies the spirit of SASTA’s mission: to inspire a passion for science and empower the next generation of curious thinkers. We’re proud to recognise her contributions and celebrate the energy, creativity, and compassion she brings to science education.
Share:
