The BA is managing 6 Learning Awards.
ISOTOPE (Open University, Milton Keynes)
SEARCH (University of Bristol)
Encouraging science communication practitioners and experts from the Bristol and Open Universities to pool knowledge on the best methods of public engagement.
The ISOTOPE (Informing Science Outreach and Public Engagement) project will draw together a group of experts – including Open University academic staff, science practitioners, amateur professionals, and other relevant experts and specialists – to pool knowledge, experience and resources on practical ways of engaging citizens in contemporary science-based issues. These days it’s not uncommon for scientists to get involved in school projects, with the idea of motivating and inspiring children and young people to take up a career in science. These projects have the potential to encourage a future generation of scientists and scientific citizens – fostering an interest in authentic and relevant science-based issues.
Engineering Super Powers
Students learning more about how they can bioengineer superpowers with current research techniques and design their own ‘real’ superheroes with help from comic book artists.
Superheroes have been a part of popular culture from as early as the 1930s. Originally in comic books they have been developed for other media. Even with the huge advances that have been made in science since superheroes first emerged, only a few have super powers that are actually conceivable today. This project gives children the opportunity to engineer superheroes for the 22nd century, with their powers based on current biomedical technologies.
Making Chemistry Practical
Dedicated university laboratory for school groups.
The project will set up a dedicated laboratory space for schools to develop practical experiments within Sheffield University’s chemistry department. This unique laboratory would offer schools the opportunity to gain regular, valuable use of modern laboratory facilities. The target audience are currently Year 12 and 13 students, but there are plans to engage younger students.
Flipside Year 2&3
Science and technology magazine aimed at teenagers.
Flipside is a new commercially designed magazine aimed at 11-14 year-olds, featuring articles on music, movies, gadgets – and just a touch of science, technology and engineering. With a free copy being provided to every secondary school library in the country, NESTA’s Learning Award has allowed the magazine to launch in the hope of influencing positive perceptions of science in teen readers.
School Seismology in the UK (British Geological Survey)
Getting students to use school seismometers to gain seismological data and add to global results.
This project aims to pilot the initial stages of a network to facilitate school students to conduct real investigations using seismological data collected at school. School seismometers can provide teachers and students with the excitement of being able to record their own real scientific data which can be shared online with a global audience of other teachers, pupils and scientists. There are a handful of dedicated teachers in the UK who are already experimenting with seismology. This pilot project will capitalise on their existing efforts and co-ordinate the development of UK-specific teaching and learning resources that will enable a broad spectrum of UK teachers to participate in a UK schools seismic network.