Waiter there really is a computer in my soup and it's telephoning me! : Revealing invisible computers.

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The planned method for delivering effective and sustainable public engagement impact is an interactive science show in combination with drama and supporting web based materials for public and educational use. Who will benefit? -At Public events this will be children, families, adults, and young adults -At School events this will be pupils, teachers, and Education authorities -The participant organisations: Glasgow Science centre (GSC), Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD), Universities of Stirling and Glasgow -Government and policy makers How will they benefit? For those attending the shows, benefits will be to: -experience and engage effectively with new emerging computer and communication technology -reflect upon the usability and applicability of the technology -be aware of possible future applications of the technology and how these might impact on daily life -consider and form their own opinions and perceptions about the acceptability of the technology now and in future -record their opinions, hopes, or concerns in an anonymous and/or personal way (via EVS, on-line questionnaire, or message board) -access to further information through a dedicated web site about the research and its applications The Education community will have the benefits above and in addition: -pupils will engage in preparation and follow up activities providing a richer and deeper experience -teachers will benefit from a comprehensive multi-disciplinary learning package with explicitly stated curriculum links and suitable for use in computing/ICT, or personal and social education -education authorities will benefit from exemplar education materials to which schools can be directed. The material will be particularly suitable for the new Curriculum for Excellence implementation in Scottish schools. Benefits to participant organisations; -a fully developed science show and support materials with a plan for long term sustainability -a collaboration with GSC beyond the lifetime of the project particularly for analysing public and school feedback data. -potential for disseminating the show to other science centres in the UK and for developing further educational support materials to suit other school systems. -closer links between University Science, Education, Arts and Science centre communities with potential for staff and students to engage more widely in PE activities in collaboration with GSC Government and policy makers Whilst there is no direct link anticipated with government and policy makers, a well received PE event with strong public input and feedback can certainly provide evidence for actions and policy making as well as potential routes for collaboration. What will be done to ensure the benefit is achieved/delivered? Overall we consider this to be a low risk strategy with a high chance of achieving the planned impacts. -Collaboration with GSC, an established PE provider, will ensure that; audience targets are met; show and materials developed are appropriate and engaging and the project is sustainable beyond the grant period -University staff and researchers will all receive professional public engagement training to ensure the highest standards in the development of the show and support materials. -shows will employ theatre (video format) to introduce both a technical and social aspects in an accessible and familiar setting. -the show will employ high quality off the shelf and adapted laboratory equipment to address the technological aspects is a realistic way -professional drama and video production in collaboration with RSAMD will ensure an effective introduction to the show themes. -electronic voting systems will be used to motivate an audience wide participation in the show but in an anonymous and non-threatening way -additional web-based information for schools and the public will provide further opportunities engagement with the subject matter and a forum for feedback and discussion