Carrie Ann Booth
Education is the passport out of poverty, and science can change lives.
Carrie Ann Booth is a multi-award-winning Science Edu-tainer, Founder and CEO of The Science Booth and The STEAM Educators’ Staff Room. With nearly two decades of secondary teaching experience, she has turned her passion for making science engaging and accessible into a national movement, inspiring thousands of young people through explosive, interactive shows and supporting hundreds of educators in building sustainable STEAM businesses.
Her personal journey, starting from childhood, shaped by poverty, to then building a thriving community founded on collaboration, has defined her mission. Carrie Ann is committed to empowering educators and helping young people discover their potential. Through The Science Booth and her wider advocacy work, she consistently demonstrates that when teachers are supported and students are inspired, change becomes possible for everyone, no matter what their background is.
About the talk
Be prepared to be entertained and surprised as Carrie Ann will share how science transformed her sense of identity, giving her a passport out of poverty. Through real stories of students and educators, she will demonstrate that with belief, support, and passion, anyone can become a catalyst for change. Carrie Ann will challenge audiences to recognise that education is far more than knowledge; it’s about helping people see who they could become and believe they matter. Her talk is a powerful reminder that when we invest in inspiring the next generation, we unlock their potential and create possibilities that go beyond the classroom.
Interesting Facts
Interesting thing about you that people won’t know
Something most people don’t know about me is that I survived an 8.0 earthquake and tsunami while volunteering in Peru in 2007. I’d spent the summer teaching children about protecting our beaches and the importance of not eating penguins, turtles, or dolphins. When the quake struck, the ground shook for what felt like forever, the longest two minutes of my life. We escaped to safety, but when the tsunami hit, the water rose to our knees, forcing us to flee barefoot. Strangers offered me a slipper and a trainer so I could walk to the next village. We were incredibly lucky…we lived. Over 500 people didn’t. That experience changed me forever. It taught me resilience, gratitude, and the power of kindness in chaos. It also reminded me how small we are in the face of nature, and how powerful we can be when we help each other rebuild.
What achievement makes you most proud?
When The STEAM Educators’ Staff Room won “Community of the Year” at the BSN Awards 2024, I was utterly shocked. I felt like a tiny fish in a very big pond. But that moment proved that what we were building mattered. Seeing educators go on to create their own businesses, charities, and missions because of our community, that ripple effect, is exactly what I dreamed of when I started.
What do you get up to in your spare time?
Family time always comes first! Adventures with my husband Gary, our daughter Roxy (10), and our Springer Spaniel, Loco. I love dog walks, woodland trails, swimming, and relaxing in the hot tub. I’m happiest exploring new places, listening to a good audiobook, or cooking Asian food. My weekly trip to the health club is sacred, it’s where I finally breathe, reflect, and just be.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing now, what would you be doing instead?
I’d still be inspiring people…just on a bigger stage. My dream is to become a global motivational speaker, travelling the world and spreading messages of hope, curiosity, and courage. Japan is top of my list, I’m fascinated by its culture, creativity, and respect for learning.