Royal Society scientists in schools

Fogg-Rogers, Laura A.; Wilkinson, Clare; Weitkamp, Emma

Abstract

Scientists are increasingly being urged to participate in education outreach programmes as part of the public engagement agenda, to connect society with science and improve attitudes to STEM subjects. Although often taking place in a formal educational context, education outreach programmes can share many of the characteristics of informal science learning opportunities, in that they are not bound by the constraints of the curriculum and school timetabling and can provide access to resources (people and equipment) which are not otherwise available in schools.

This project explored the perceptions of Royal Society Research Fellows to education outreach and the drivers that stimulated them to undertake it. The presentation will also report on the successes and challenges of a pilot training course for Research Fellows on education outreach. Qualitative and quantitative data on perceptions and value of outreach will be presented, along with recommendations for scientists engaging with schools.

The key recommendations are:
• The Royal Society should continue to provide an Education Outreach Training Course for Research Fellows.
• The training course could be adapted to cater for different experience levels, and should provide more structured time to share peer experiences and develop individual outreach activities.
• The Royal Society should continue to advocate and lobby for the greater perceived value of education outreach for academic and research career paths, by working with governments, funding bodies, schools and Higher Education organisations.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: Association for Science Education Conference
• Start Date: Jan 6, 2016
• End Date: Jan 8, 2016
• Acceptance Date: Jan 7, 2016
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 7, 2019
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: education outreach, public engagement, scientists, Royal Society
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/918860
• Additional Information: Title of Conference or Conference Proceedings : Association for Science Education