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Research Communication Workshop - Engaging School Students

Course Description

Aim: As graduate students, one way in which you may be asked to “popularise” your research or your subject area is as a STEM Ambassador, going into a local school to talk about what you do and – possibly – inspiring other young people to follow your lead. Although it may only be a few years since you were at school yourself, it can be quite hard to think back to when you didn’t know what you now know. The purpose of this workshop is to re-acquaint you with what is appropriate for school students and to help you develop the skills you need to give engaging and informative talks and demonstrations to the classroom.

Preparation: Prior to the workshop, students should think about why it is that are undertaking a research career, what it is about their science that inspires them, and how – in a relatively short space of time – they might inspire young people to follow in their footsteps. Note: you should be prepared to discuss the ups and downs of being a researcher, and to take on discussion of some of the more controversial aspects of your subject, as appropriate. Please look at the following website:

http://www.stemnet.org.uk/content/stem-ambassadors

 

10.00 - 10.45	Introductions
10.45 – 11.15	Key considerations of working with school students
11.15 – 11.30	Practical issues
11.30 – 11.45	Break
11.45 – 12.05	Introduction to the museums and collections
12.05 – 12.45	Key messages
12.45 - 13.45	Lunch
13.45 - 14.15	'Taster' session
14.15 - 15.00	Preparation of session outlines
15.00 – 15.15	Break
15.15 - 16.15	Presentations & feedback
16.15 – 17.00	Q&A / Discussion

Priority is given to students from the Natural Sciences, Medicine and Engineering

Researcher Development Framework Categories

D2) Communication and dissemination
D3) Engagement and impact

Course Recommended for

This course is particularly relevant to the following groups:

• 2nd Year Research Students
• 3rd Year Research Students
• Students in Biomedical Sciences
• Students in Engineering Sciences
• Students in Life Sciences
• Students in Mathematical & Physical Sciences

Course Organisers

• Course Tutor - Prof Steve Miller - (Science & Technology Studies)
  
• Course Tutor - Dr Karen Bultitude - (Science & Technology Studies)
  
• Administrator - Ms Kasia Bronk - (Graduate School)