Getting students interested in science doesn't always have to involve textbooks or whiteboards.
Sometimes, it just takes the right inspiration: something a bit unexpected that catches their eye and gets them talking or asking questions. That’s where science jewellery can come in.
A Solar System necklace or a pair of Chromatography earrings aren't only fun accessories. They are tiny conversation starters that can lead to bigger questions and those little “wait, are those...?!” moments. In this post, I’ll share a few ideas for how teachers can use Oh Pluto jewellery in the classroom to start engaging and fun discussions, introduce new concepts, and sneak a fashion into their lesson plans.
Why Wearable Science Matters
Objects have a powerful ability to convey ideas. When you see a structure or symbol in a physical form, it can solidify otherwise abstract concepts. For example, a model of the solar system, a classic teaching tool, makes planetary orbits easier to grasp because you can properly visualise relative positions and shapes. Wearing a Solar System Necklace can bridge a similar gap, transforming a single lesson into an everyday visual cue. Each time students notice the necklace’s planets they’re reminded of the order, relative size and colour of each of the 8 planets.
Beyond visual reinforcement, wearable science encourages questions. If a student asks, “Ms. Jones, why are you wearing a pair of earrings that look like DNA strands?” you’ve opened the door to talking about molecular biology. Rather than waiting for quiz day to assess understanding, jewellery creates spontaneous teachable moments. It also humanizes the teacher as someone who values and celebrates science, modelling enthusiasm that students are more likely to emulate.
Introducing Oh Pluto’s Science Collection
Oh Pluto specializes in science-inspired laser-cut acrylic jewellery, designed and handmade in Melbourne, Australia. Each piece reflects a particular discipline, from Astronomy and Physics to Biology and Paleontology, and is crafted to be both visually appealing and educational. Here are a few standout designs:
- Plant and Animal Cell Earrings: Asymmetrical earrings depicting a plant cell on one side and an animal cell on the other, highlighting the similarities and differences in cell biology.
- Statement Acrylic Solar System Necklace: Our Solar Systems planets (plus a couple of other well loved celestial bodies) are strung together in vibrant and fun acrylics.
- Golden Ratio, Fibonacci Sequence Acrylic Earrings: Featuring a spiral pattern based on the Fibonacci sequence, these earrings illustrate a mathematical phenomenon underpinning many natural features.
- Micropipette Earrings: A staple laboratory tool, micropipettes represent the precision that is often required when working in molecular biology, biochemistry and cell cultures.
By collecting a range of designs, you can showcase multiple disciplines throughout the semester, giving students fresh points of engagement in different units.
Ideas for Harnessing Science Jewellery in the Classroom
Biology & Chemistry: DNA Earrings, Plant and Animal Cell Earrings, Bacteria and Virus Earrings
Biology-themed jewellery provides direct access to life science discussions. The DNA Earrings depict the iconic double-helix structure. When you wear them, even younger students will notice the twisting ladder shape. Use that curiosity to segue into lessons on DNA base pairs, genetic inheritance, or protein synthesis. For example:
- Labeling Exercise: Give students a printed outline of the double helix. Ask them to label the sugar-phosphate backbone and base pairs (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine).
- Real-World Connection: Discuss how DNA analysis helps solve crimes or trace ancestry, linking the earrings’ design to tangible scientific applications.
The Plant and Animal Cell Earrings pair highlights cellular differences. On one side, you see chloroplasts and a rigid cell wall (plant cell), while the other has a round shape and centrioles (animal cell). Wear these on a day you introduce cell biology:
- Visual Comparison: Hold up a diagram of a typical plant cell and an animal cell. Ask students to locate each organelle as you point to it on the earring design.
- Labelling Challenge: Provide a blank diagram and have students fill in organelles, then compare answers to the earring’s features.
For a microbiology twist, the Bacteria and Virus Asymmetrical Earrings depict, on one side, a stylized bacterium and, on the other, a bacteriophage. When students notice the unusual shapes, you can discuss how viruses infect cells, the importance of antibiotics (for bacteria), and vaccination concepts. This leads naturally into lessons on infectious disease, immunology, and public health.
Astronomy in the Classroom: Solar System Necklace
Astronomy often captures students’ imaginations—after all, who isn’t fascinated by stars, planets, and black holes? The solar system necklace makes a perfect conversation piece. When worn, it acts as a mini lecture: students might notice that each planet is sized roughly to scale (within the constraints of jewellery design), prompting them to ask about planetary characteristics. You can build a brief lesson around it:
- Introduction: Wear the Solar System Necklace on the day you introduce unit content about our solar system.
- Discussion Prompt: Ask students to identify the planets by colour or order from the sun. Use the necklace to physically point out Mercury, Venus, Earth, and so on.
- Interactive Activity: After class, let small groups handle a model (or printed diagram) of the necklace layout. Ask them to sketch their own version, perhaps showing orbital distances as well.
Where to Begin: Selecting the Right Piece
If you’re new to science jewellery, start with the discipline you’re teaching first. Here are some quick suggestions:
- Biology: DNA Earrings, Plant and Animal Cell Earrings, Bacteria and Virus Earrings, Chromosome Earrings (genetics),
- Chemistry: Caffeine Molecule Necklace, Chromatography Earrings, Gold and Silver Periodic Table Earrings
- Physics/Engineering: Resistor Earrings with Ohm Toppers, Concave and Convex Lens Earrings, Colour Wheel Earrings
- Astronomy: Solar System Necklace, Earth and Moon Arch Earrings, Space Capsule Brooch
- Earth Science: Earth Core Brooch, Sedimentary Layer Earrings, Volcano Earrings
- Mathematics: Golden Ratio Earrings, Mobius Strip Earrings, Assorted Equation Earrings
Choose one or two pieces that resonate with your personality and lesson plans. Even if you teach multiple grades or subjects, rotate the jewellery throughout the week to cover more ground. Over time, you’ll notice students approaching you with questions; sometimes more effectively than lectures alone.
Conclusion: Wear Your Passion,, Inspire your Students.
Science jewellery from Oh Pluto can become a teaching tool that encourages questions, and reinforces learning in a memorable way. Transform simple daily interactions (a student noticing your earrings in the hallway) into opportunities for student learning. Furthermore, involving students, whether through discussion, creative contests, or mini fashion shows, deepens their engagement and solidifies complex topics in their minds.
Ready to elevate your classroom? Browse the full collection at ohpluto.com.au and discover the perfect piece to complement your next lesson. After all, when science becomes fashion, it’s not only more visible, it’s unforgettable.
