Speaker
Description
Our talk addresses how an educational science programme can challenge traditional public engagement methods at the age of 9/10 years old. The Scientists Return to School Programme, implemented in Portugal, brings together several innovative concepts and methods to promote a shift in education: transitioning from traditional methods, anchored mostly in memorisation, to a more hands-on, participative, and relatable approach.
The programme is rooted in the concept of Circular Education, promoting the return of scientists to their primary schools to deliver practical science workshops with 4th graders. Literature shows that children’s interest in science drastically decreases between the ages of 10 and 14. By bridging the gap between the classroom and real-world science practice, scientists act as relatable role models for these children, since they share a common socio-cultural background.
Additionally, scientists are trained in this approach beforehand and encourage children to participate in their process of learning. During these workshops, children develop skills like critical thinking and curiosity and can picture themselves in the shoes of real scientists, building a humanized and accurate vision of scientists and science, and increasing their confidence and interest in science.
The programme also involves the teachers making them feel less detached from the scientific community and motivating them to use more practical engagement methods. Scientists are invited to share their experiments and activities with the teachers, helping build their confidence and giving them new ideas to try in the classroom.
Impact assessment shows that there is a 30% decrease in the presence of words associated
with scientific stereotypes when comparing pre- and post-workshop children’s worksheets.
This difference is statistically significant and indicates that, after participating in the programme, children have a more accurate and broad perception of science and scientists.
The talk will highlight how merging these methods into a non-formal science programme can transform science education to become more inclusive, practical and inspirational.
