The collision left him with accidents to his shoulder, backbone and coccyx, in addition to everlasting hip harm and persistent ache.
He returned to work on crutches, however the expertise made him rethink his future and practice as a major faculty instructor.
That call resulted in a “exceptional” journey into science training that in August noticed the 39-year-old awarded the 2026 Royal Society Hauksbee Award.
Regardless of having no formal science background, Mr Naismith has additionally constructed a global viewers by way of his free Stem with Mr N undertaking.
His science movies have recorded greater than 500,000 views on YouTube and 5.5 million on TikTok, whereas useful resource packs have been distributed to about 900 academics in 69 nations, with a possible attain of greater than 330,000 pupils.
One TikTok video, wherein an air-pressure experiment failed and coated him in pink liquid throughout a faculty meeting, attracted 2.4 million views.
Mr Naismith has now joined Kelvinside Academy in Glasgow as its new instructor of innovation, main hands-on tasks for each junior faculty 12 months and two S1 lessons.
“The accident was a turning level,” he mentioned.
“I had anticipated to proceed working in enterprise, but it surely compelled me to suppose significantly about whether or not that was what I needed to do with my life.
“I had thought-about instructing after I was youthful, so I utilized for the postgraduate major training course on the College of the West of Scotland.
“I had no thought it could ultimately result in science, by no means thoughts an award from the Royal Society.”
The Hauksbee Award recognises excellent scientific contributions by folks whose work is usually carried out behind the scenes or in assist of others.
Learn Extra:
His curiosity in Stem (science, know-how, engineering and arithmetic) started throughout his instructor coaching, when he requested his science lecturer why the world stopped showing yellow after he had worn tinted biking glasses for a time frame.
She returned with a proof of how his mind was correcting the color, however had additionally recognised one thing essential within the query.
“She observed that I appeared curious – and that stood out to her. That one commentary modified every thing,” Mr Naismith defined.
“You do not want to know each reply, however you do want the curiosity to ask the query.
“I hope folks hear my story and realise they don’t at all times want standard {qualifications} or a lifelong plan to pursue a ardour.
“Typically one query, one mentor or one surprising turning level can set you on a wholly completely different path.”
Stem with Mr N started throughout the Covid pandemic, when Mr Naismith was requested to offer science actions for major pupils studying at dwelling.
He filmed cheap experiments whereas caring for his new child son throughout the day and edited the movies at night time.
Six years on the undertaking remains to be going robust, with experiments starting from air-pressure water fountains to creating a easy sundial.
His Stem Profession Interviews, which introduce pupils to the alternatives out there in science, have additionally featured friends together with former Nasa astronaut Nicole Stott, forensic anthropologist Professor Dame Sue Black, and palaeontologist and Jurassic World scientific adviser Professor Steve Brusatte.
“The goal is at all times to clarify the ‘how’, moderately than merely ship the ‘wow’,” the instructor mentioned.
“An experiment would possibly catch a toddler’s consideration, however the worth comes from serving to them perceive why it occurred and what they might examine subsequent.”
He added: “Wanting up a solution has by no means been simpler, however discovering a solution isn’t the identical as understanding it.
“I need pupils to contemplate what they know, develop an thought, check it and resolve whether or not the proof helps it.
“AI is a strong software, however it isn’t infallible, whereas social media can current one thing as reality just because any person says it confidently.”
Dan Wyatt, rector of Kelvinside Academy, mentioned: “Stuart’s route into science training is exceptional, but it surely additionally carries an essential message for our pupils.
“Expertise and potential should not at all times revealed by way of a standard route.
“His capability to show curiosity into sensible studying aligns completely with our Innovation College.
“He’ll encourage pupils to query, create and check concepts whereas growing the arrogance to maintain working when the primary resolution doesn’t succeed.”