The challenge
The 'Science: So What? So Everything' campaign is funded by the
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). It aims to
highlight the science behind our everyday lives.
In June 2009, the Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics Network (STEMNET) approached EdComs on behalf of BIS.
The goal was to design and deliver a science roadshow that would
tour seaside towns during the summer holiday period. The roadshow
was also delivered in Guildford as part of the British Science
Festival.
The main objectives were to:
- show young people how much fun science can be
- give them the opportunity to meet some real-life scientists,
all of whom were volunteer ambassadors on behalf of STEMNET.
Our approach
Each two-hour show took place on seaside promenades across
England. They included a variety of spectacular demonstrations and
experiments.
EdComs designed the roadshow's content. We selected a mixture of
visually pleasing and interactive demonstrations and
experiments.
Two presenters were trained to deliver the roadshow and great
care was taken to ensure that their explanations of the science
behind each activity were accurate and engaging. Additionally,
30 STEM ambassadors received a day's training to help prepare them
to deliver some of the activities themselves.
Each show began with an exciting demonstration of how liquid
nitrogen can be used to freeze objects quickly; this always
guaranteed that a sizeable audience would be generated. Other
activities included balloon kebabs, water rockets and magic
writing.
Where it was safe to do so, the presenters asked volunteers in
the audience to assist with the demonstrations. Towards the end of
the show, the younger members of the audience were offered the
opportunity to carry out some simple chemistry experiments on their
own, supervised by the presenters and ambassadors.
Outcomes
The roadshow was a huge success, with many audience members
staying for the whole two-hour show at each event. The
roadshow received considerable press attention and was featured in
two local news bulletins.
Feedback from ambassadors at the training day showed that they
appreciated the opportunity to prepare for presenting to an
audience full of children and young people. Many of them had
previously felt less confident about delivering the activities in
such an environment. Many ambassadors commented on how
rewarding it was to see young people engaging in science.
"I don't normally work with young people so
this was a new experience for me. I was a bit nervous about
presenting to an audience but it was so much fun and I feel like
I've done my bit to help promote science". STEM Ambassador,
Brighton
"It was awesome! I really liked seeing how ice
cream can be made." 7 year old, Guildford