Teacher Resources : A Scientist Just Like Me from the Primary Science Teaching Trust
Connecting children with real people doing real science in their neighbourhood is one of the most powerful ways to deepen engagement, break down stereotypes, and open minds to environmental careers. That’s why we are delighted that our Community Ecologist, Gerry Tissier, is featured in the Primary Science Teaching Trust’s A Scientist Just Like Me resource. Below, we explore who the Primary Science Teaching Trust is, their mission, and why resources like this are so valuable for teachers, and for the children they inspire.
About the Primary Science Teaching Trust
The Primary Science Teaching Trust is a UK charity dedicated to promoting excellence in primary science education. The Primary Science Teaching Trust supports teachers through innovative classroom resources, research-based guidance, and professional development opportunities.
Their mission is simple yet powerful: to ensure every child in every primary classroom experiences high-quality, engaging science learning that builds confidence, curiosity, and scientific understanding.
To achieve this, The Primary Science Teaching Trust provides:
Free and unique classroom resources, including “Whistle-stop Science Weeks,” “Pictures for Talk,” and A Scientist Just Like Me
Professional development and networks, such as mentoring, webinars, and subject leader support
Assessment tools like the Teacher Assessment in Primary Science project, helping schools evaluate scientific inquiry effectively
Commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that children see scientists who look like them and represent a range of experiences and careers
The Primary Science Teaching Trust’s approach helps reduce teacher workload, strengthen science leadership, and bring real-world relevance into the curriculum.
Meet A Scientist Just Like Me: Real Scientists, Real Stories
Primary Science Teaching Trust’s A Scientist Just Like Me resource celebrates real people working in science today — from climate researchers and engineers to ecologists and conservationists.
Each profile introduces a scientist, their background, their motivations, and the difference their work makes. The resource also includes teacher guidance, discussion prompts, and classroom activities, helping children make meaningful connections between science lessons and real careers.
It’s a wonderful way to challenge stereotypes about who can be a scientist and what scientists actually do, and that’s exactly where Gerry’s story fits in.
Spotlight on Gerry Tissier: ecoACTIVE’s Community Ecologist
Gerry Tissier, ecoACTIVE’s Project Manager and Community Ecologist, leads projects such as the Hackney Buzzline, a 4 km pollinator corridor linking parks and estates across Hackney.
His work combines ecology, education, and community engagement to create habitats, support biodiversity, and inspire local residents to protect nature.
Gerry’s journey into ecology wasn’t a straight line, after a career in charity communications, he retrained in wildlife conservation and applied his storytelling skills to community-based science. Today, he:
Designs and monitors pollinator and habitat surveys
Works with schools on hands-on ecological learning
Partners with councils and housing associations to create green corridors
Leads community engagement projects to empower local action
Gerry’s inclusion in A Scientist Just Like Me offers pupils a relatable, local example of how science can lead to creative, purpose-driven work that benefits people and the planet.
Why These Resources Matter: Empowering Teachers and Inspiring Pupils
High-quality resources like A Scientist Just Like Me support teachers and children in powerful ways:
1. Representation & Belonging
Seeing scientists from a variety of backgrounds helps children recognise that they too can pursue scientific paths, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or where they live.
2. Linking Science to Real Careers
By showcasing people like Gerry who apply science in community settings, pupils see how classroom topics connect to real environmental challenges and jobs.
3. Sparking Curiosity and Discussion
Scientist profiles invite open-ended questions: What skills do scientists need? What inspires them? How does their work help others? This helps teachers foster deeper inquiry.
4. Supporting Curriculum Integration
Because PSTT provides curriculum-linked guidance and activities, teachers can seamlessly use the profiles within existing units, whether they’re teaching habitats, biodiversity, or sustainability.
5. Building Science Capital
When children understand how science connects to their lives, they build “science capital” the knowledge, confidence, and sense of belonging that fuels long-term engagement with science.
Classroom Inspiration: How Teachers Can Use This Resource
Teachers can easily integrate this resource into lessons. Here’s a simple approach:
Introduce Gerry’s profile - read his story aloud and discuss his work as a community ecologist.
Ask reflective questions - What surprised you? What part of Gerry’s job sounds exciting?
Connect to the curriculum - explore topics like pollination, habitats, or ecosystems.
Take local action - investigate your school grounds or a nearby park for pollinators.
Reflect on futures - encourage pupils to imagine their own science journey and who inspires them.
If you’re a teacher, you can download Gerry’s profile and others in the series from PSTT’s website here:
👉 Explore A Scientist Just Like Me
