The James Webb Space Telescope: Immersive engagement for all in Planetarium domes

Lead Research Organisation: Centre for Life
Department Name: Education and Outreach

Abstract

The British Association of Planetaria is a network of planetarium professionals who play a significant, high-impact role in the education, public engagement and communication of space sciences within the UK.

Between the fixed planetarium facilities at science centres and observatories and the smaller, mobile, travelling domes, there are very few areas of the UK that are not reached by our members. Large planetaria are mainly based in cities and have a spreading catchment, the mobile domes reach out into rural schools and travel to under-served communities.
The total reach of UK Planetarium domes is over 1.5 million children and adults every year. 750,000 of these visitors have a presenter-led planetarium experience.

This project aims to inspire and involve these planetarium audiences with the fantastic stories, science, engineering and people behind the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). It will produce exceptional and unique graphical content that can be projected across the 180 degree surface of the dome to create a fully immersive and captivating experience of the JWST inside the planetarium dome. We aim to raise awareness, excitement and pride for the UK involvement in the JWST mission, share the breath-taking science, technology and engineering and celebrate the diverse team that makes this mission unique.

Over 150,000 children and adults will experience planetarium shows that include this content, which will be used far beyond the project period to support ongoing public engagement with the JWST mission.

In addition, a key objective of this project is to ensure that this UK science is shared with all: all ages, genders, abilities, beliefs and backgrounds. Care and consideration will be taken to ensure that the design, development and delivery of the planetarium content has diversity and social inclusion embedded, in order to support all audiences. We hope that all will be inspired, engaged and be able to identify with the stories, science and people celebrated in this project. To support this aim, mobile planetarium visits will be available for a limited time at a subsidised cost for schools in areas high on the Index of Multiple Deprivation (or UK national equivalent).

Through bespoke, eye-catching graphics and resources with diversity designed in, through to a national event for planetarium professionals which showcases STFC scientists and highlights inclusive methods of communication and professionalisation of the UK planetarium network, this project will be a step-change in the way in which the British Association of Planetaria lead their members in reaching new audiences and disseminating STFC science and technology.

Publications

10 25 50
 
Title Fulldome Planetarium Resources 
Description Available across the broad range of format and resolutions required for small, large, fixed and mobile planetarium domes, the project has created 9 minutes of full dome animated content + a further 3 minutes of fulldome creative content using real data and astronomical images to showcase the science of the Webb Telescope. All are free for project participants to download and use without restriction. These resources are also available in rectilinear 16:9 format, though not designed for use in this medium. 
Type Of Art Film/Video/Animation 
Year Produced 2019 
Impact Resources have been shared with 30 planetarium domes across the UK and academics and industry professionals working in JWST areas of science and engineering. They have already been enjoyed by hundred of planetarium dome visitors. 
 
Description Collaborations During National Astronomy Week 2020 
Organisation Association for Science and Discovery Centres
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Co-developing and delivering an online series of talks and workshops for schools and the public during November 2020 reaching 2387 children and adults during the week of delivery (many more due to legacy of youtube content)
Collaborator Contribution Co-developing a series of talks, themed around 'Encounter Mars' but featuring wider celebration of space science and astronomy, including STFC researchers and industry professionals.
Impact https://www.youtube.com/nationalastronomyweek
Start Year 2020
 
Description Collaborations During National Astronomy Week 2020 
Organisation British Astronomical Association
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Co-developing and delivering an online series of talks and workshops for schools and the public during November 2020 reaching 2387 children and adults during the week of delivery (many more due to legacy of youtube content)
Collaborator Contribution Co-developing a series of talks, themed around 'Encounter Mars' but featuring wider celebration of space science and astronomy, including STFC researchers and industry professionals.
Impact https://www.youtube.com/nationalastronomyweek
Start Year 2020
 
Description Collaborations During National Astronomy Week 2020 
Organisation Federation of Astronomical Societies
Sector Learned Society 
PI Contribution Co-developing and delivering an online series of talks and workshops for schools and the public during November 2020 reaching 2387 children and adults during the week of delivery (many more due to legacy of youtube content)
Collaborator Contribution Co-developing a series of talks, themed around 'Encounter Mars' but featuring wider celebration of space science and astronomy, including STFC researchers and industry professionals.
Impact https://www.youtube.com/nationalastronomyweek
Start Year 2020
 
Description Collaborations During National Astronomy Week 2020 
Organisation Royal Astronomical Society
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Co-developing and delivering an online series of talks and workshops for schools and the public during November 2020 reaching 2387 children and adults during the week of delivery (many more due to legacy of youtube content)
Collaborator Contribution Co-developing a series of talks, themed around 'Encounter Mars' but featuring wider celebration of space science and astronomy, including STFC researchers and industry professionals.
Impact https://www.youtube.com/nationalastronomyweek
Start Year 2020
 
Description Collaborations During National Astronomy Week 2020 
Organisation South Downs Planetarium and Science Centre
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Co-developing and delivering an online series of talks and workshops for schools and the public during November 2020 reaching 2387 children and adults during the week of delivery (many more due to legacy of youtube content)
Collaborator Contribution Co-developing a series of talks, themed around 'Encounter Mars' but featuring wider celebration of space science and astronomy, including STFC researchers and industry professionals.
Impact https://www.youtube.com/nationalastronomyweek
Start Year 2020
 
Description Graphical Content Development 
Organisation National Space Centre
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution We have provided content providers with strong briefs , materials and researched areas of Webb Telescope Science to produce the planetarium graphics for the community
Collaborator Contribution NSC Creative (part of the National Space Centre) are the designers and developers of the animated graphical content The Royal Observatory Greenwich will be providing their expertise in producing a suite of real data / real image content to enhance the animated content from NSC Creative and provide real IR images to support the narrative for planetarium presenters.
Impact Stunning graphical content developed for planetarium domes which is sought-after, bespoke and of highest quality and resolution. All clips are freely available to download from a shared google drive.
Start Year 2018
 
Description Graphical Content Development 
Organisation Royal Observatory Greenwich
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution We have provided content providers with strong briefs , materials and researched areas of Webb Telescope Science to produce the planetarium graphics for the community
Collaborator Contribution NSC Creative (part of the National Space Centre) are the designers and developers of the animated graphical content The Royal Observatory Greenwich will be providing their expertise in producing a suite of real data / real image content to enhance the animated content from NSC Creative and provide real IR images to support the narrative for planetarium presenters.
Impact Stunning graphical content developed for planetarium domes which is sought-after, bespoke and of highest quality and resolution. All clips are freely available to download from a shared google drive.
Start Year 2018
 
Description Planetarium Development Partners (Research, Content, Promotion, Evaluation) 
Organisation Centre for Life
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution In Year 1, this team of planetarium professionals we brought together as the programme development team. Through continuous connection, this team supported the development of graphical and written resources that have been co-created with the planetarium community to ensure they are both useful and used by the community. In Year 2, individuals within the development continue to pilot and inform the ongoing evaluation of the programme. Ondata Research bringing together the interim evaluation report of the impact of developed resources and training events on planetarium professionals
Collaborator Contribution This group of consultants have framed the direction of the graphical resources which then was co-assessed and advised on by STFC scientists and inclusion specialists. Members of this group have also been involved with the brand assets and promotion of the programme within the planetarium community and will also be involved in the planetarium training event and piloting the resources and the evaluation techniques for this programme.
Impact This group will contribute to the following outputs: 1. High quality, inspirational and bespoke immersive graphics that create an exciting and captivating experience of the James Webb Space Telescope inside planetarium domes (completed) 2. Excellent, planetarium-relevant written resources to support and improve the knowledge and confidence of planetarium presenters and signpost audiences to link with other James Webb Space Telescope resources, events and projects (continually updated) 3. A CPD training event for planetarium professionals which brings together STFC scientists and researchers, inclusion specialists and planetarium presenters to utilise both the USP of the planetarium dome and the skills of planetarium presenters to the very best of their ability (May 2019)
Start Year 2018
 
Description Planetarium Development Partners (Research, Content, Promotion, Evaluation) 
Organisation Cosmos Planetarium
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution In Year 1, this team of planetarium professionals we brought together as the programme development team. Through continuous connection, this team supported the development of graphical and written resources that have been co-created with the planetarium community to ensure they are both useful and used by the community. In Year 2, individuals within the development continue to pilot and inform the ongoing evaluation of the programme. Ondata Research bringing together the interim evaluation report of the impact of developed resources and training events on planetarium professionals
Collaborator Contribution This group of consultants have framed the direction of the graphical resources which then was co-assessed and advised on by STFC scientists and inclusion specialists. Members of this group have also been involved with the brand assets and promotion of the programme within the planetarium community and will also be involved in the planetarium training event and piloting the resources and the evaluation techniques for this programme.
Impact This group will contribute to the following outputs: 1. High quality, inspirational and bespoke immersive graphics that create an exciting and captivating experience of the James Webb Space Telescope inside planetarium domes (completed) 2. Excellent, planetarium-relevant written resources to support and improve the knowledge and confidence of planetarium presenters and signpost audiences to link with other James Webb Space Telescope resources, events and projects (continually updated) 3. A CPD training event for planetarium professionals which brings together STFC scientists and researchers, inclusion specialists and planetarium presenters to utilise both the USP of the planetarium dome and the skills of planetarium presenters to the very best of their ability (May 2019)
Start Year 2018
 
Description Planetarium Development Partners (Research, Content, Promotion, Evaluation) 
Organisation Explorer Dome
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution In Year 1, this team of planetarium professionals we brought together as the programme development team. Through continuous connection, this team supported the development of graphical and written resources that have been co-created with the planetarium community to ensure they are both useful and used by the community. In Year 2, individuals within the development continue to pilot and inform the ongoing evaluation of the programme. Ondata Research bringing together the interim evaluation report of the impact of developed resources and training events on planetarium professionals
Collaborator Contribution This group of consultants have framed the direction of the graphical resources which then was co-assessed and advised on by STFC scientists and inclusion specialists. Members of this group have also been involved with the brand assets and promotion of the programme within the planetarium community and will also be involved in the planetarium training event and piloting the resources and the evaluation techniques for this programme.
Impact This group will contribute to the following outputs: 1. High quality, inspirational and bespoke immersive graphics that create an exciting and captivating experience of the James Webb Space Telescope inside planetarium domes (completed) 2. Excellent, planetarium-relevant written resources to support and improve the knowledge and confidence of planetarium presenters and signpost audiences to link with other James Webb Space Telescope resources, events and projects (continually updated) 3. A CPD training event for planetarium professionals which brings together STFC scientists and researchers, inclusion specialists and planetarium presenters to utilise both the USP of the planetarium dome and the skills of planetarium presenters to the very best of their ability (May 2019)
Start Year 2018
 
Description Planetarium Development Partners (Research, Content, Promotion, Evaluation) 
Organisation National Space Centre
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution In Year 1, this team of planetarium professionals we brought together as the programme development team. Through continuous connection, this team supported the development of graphical and written resources that have been co-created with the planetarium community to ensure they are both useful and used by the community. In Year 2, individuals within the development continue to pilot and inform the ongoing evaluation of the programme. Ondata Research bringing together the interim evaluation report of the impact of developed resources and training events on planetarium professionals
Collaborator Contribution This group of consultants have framed the direction of the graphical resources which then was co-assessed and advised on by STFC scientists and inclusion specialists. Members of this group have also been involved with the brand assets and promotion of the programme within the planetarium community and will also be involved in the planetarium training event and piloting the resources and the evaluation techniques for this programme.
Impact This group will contribute to the following outputs: 1. High quality, inspirational and bespoke immersive graphics that create an exciting and captivating experience of the James Webb Space Telescope inside planetarium domes (completed) 2. Excellent, planetarium-relevant written resources to support and improve the knowledge and confidence of planetarium presenters and signpost audiences to link with other James Webb Space Telescope resources, events and projects (continually updated) 3. A CPD training event for planetarium professionals which brings together STFC scientists and researchers, inclusion specialists and planetarium presenters to utilise both the USP of the planetarium dome and the skills of planetarium presenters to the very best of their ability (May 2019)
Start Year 2018
 
Description Planetarium Development Partners (Research, Content, Promotion, Evaluation) 
Organisation We The Curious
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution In Year 1, this team of planetarium professionals we brought together as the programme development team. Through continuous connection, this team supported the development of graphical and written resources that have been co-created with the planetarium community to ensure they are both useful and used by the community. In Year 2, individuals within the development continue to pilot and inform the ongoing evaluation of the programme. Ondata Research bringing together the interim evaluation report of the impact of developed resources and training events on planetarium professionals
Collaborator Contribution This group of consultants have framed the direction of the graphical resources which then was co-assessed and advised on by STFC scientists and inclusion specialists. Members of this group have also been involved with the brand assets and promotion of the programme within the planetarium community and will also be involved in the planetarium training event and piloting the resources and the evaluation techniques for this programme.
Impact This group will contribute to the following outputs: 1. High quality, inspirational and bespoke immersive graphics that create an exciting and captivating experience of the James Webb Space Telescope inside planetarium domes (completed) 2. Excellent, planetarium-relevant written resources to support and improve the knowledge and confidence of planetarium presenters and signpost audiences to link with other James Webb Space Telescope resources, events and projects (continually updated) 3. A CPD training event for planetarium professionals which brings together STFC scientists and researchers, inclusion specialists and planetarium presenters to utilise both the USP of the planetarium dome and the skills of planetarium presenters to the very best of their ability (May 2019)
Start Year 2018
 
Description Planetarium National Delivery Partners 
Organisation Aberdeen Science Centre
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Development and co-delivery of bespoke, high quality, inspirational and unique planetarium resources that captivate audiences celebrating the technology, science, engineering and people of the Webb Telescope, alongside the relevance and personal value of the science.
Collaborator Contribution To promote STFC scientists, researchers and the science, technology, engineering of the JWST to a large audience across the UK, including emphasis on underserved communities, areas of geographical isolation and areas of social deprivation.
Impact A total of 78,521 children and adults visiting a planetarium event. Dwell time between 30 min and 1hr 20 mins 1238 engagement events taking place across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales
Start Year 2019
 
Description Planetarium National Delivery Partners 
Organisation Armagh Observatory and Planetarium
Department Armagh Planetarium
Country Ireland 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Development and co-delivery of bespoke, high quality, inspirational and unique planetarium resources that captivate audiences celebrating the technology, science, engineering and people of the Webb Telescope, alongside the relevance and personal value of the science.
Collaborator Contribution To promote STFC scientists, researchers and the science, technology, engineering of the JWST to a large audience across the UK, including emphasis on underserved communities, areas of geographical isolation and areas of social deprivation.
Impact A total of 78,521 children and adults visiting a planetarium event. Dwell time between 30 min and 1hr 20 mins 1238 engagement events taking place across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales
Start Year 2019
 
Description Planetarium National Delivery Partners 
Organisation Centre for Life
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Development and co-delivery of bespoke, high quality, inspirational and unique planetarium resources that captivate audiences celebrating the technology, science, engineering and people of the Webb Telescope, alongside the relevance and personal value of the science.
Collaborator Contribution To promote STFC scientists, researchers and the science, technology, engineering of the JWST to a large audience across the UK, including emphasis on underserved communities, areas of geographical isolation and areas of social deprivation.
Impact A total of 78,521 children and adults visiting a planetarium event. Dwell time between 30 min and 1hr 20 mins 1238 engagement events taking place across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales
Start Year 2019
 
Description Planetarium National Delivery Partners 
Organisation Cosmos Planetarium
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Development and co-delivery of bespoke, high quality, inspirational and unique planetarium resources that captivate audiences celebrating the technology, science, engineering and people of the Webb Telescope, alongside the relevance and personal value of the science.
Collaborator Contribution To promote STFC scientists, researchers and the science, technology, engineering of the JWST to a large audience across the UK, including emphasis on underserved communities, areas of geographical isolation and areas of social deprivation.
Impact A total of 78,521 children and adults visiting a planetarium event. Dwell time between 30 min and 1hr 20 mins 1238 engagement events taking place across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales
Start Year 2019
 
Description Planetarium National Delivery Partners 
Organisation Explorer Dome
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Development and co-delivery of bespoke, high quality, inspirational and unique planetarium resources that captivate audiences celebrating the technology, science, engineering and people of the Webb Telescope, alongside the relevance and personal value of the science.
Collaborator Contribution To promote STFC scientists, researchers and the science, technology, engineering of the JWST to a large audience across the UK, including emphasis on underserved communities, areas of geographical isolation and areas of social deprivation.
Impact A total of 78,521 children and adults visiting a planetarium event. Dwell time between 30 min and 1hr 20 mins 1238 engagement events taking place across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales
Start Year 2019
 
Description Planetarium National Delivery Partners 
Organisation Glasgow Science Centre
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Development and co-delivery of bespoke, high quality, inspirational and unique planetarium resources that captivate audiences celebrating the technology, science, engineering and people of the Webb Telescope, alongside the relevance and personal value of the science.
Collaborator Contribution To promote STFC scientists, researchers and the science, technology, engineering of the JWST to a large audience across the UK, including emphasis on underserved communities, areas of geographical isolation and areas of social deprivation.
Impact A total of 78,521 children and adults visiting a planetarium event. Dwell time between 30 min and 1hr 20 mins 1238 engagement events taking place across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales
Start Year 2019
 
Description Planetarium National Delivery Partners 
Organisation National Space Centre
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Development and co-delivery of bespoke, high quality, inspirational and unique planetarium resources that captivate audiences celebrating the technology, science, engineering and people of the Webb Telescope, alongside the relevance and personal value of the science.
Collaborator Contribution To promote STFC scientists, researchers and the science, technology, engineering of the JWST to a large audience across the UK, including emphasis on underserved communities, areas of geographical isolation and areas of social deprivation.
Impact A total of 78,521 children and adults visiting a planetarium event. Dwell time between 30 min and 1hr 20 mins 1238 engagement events taking place across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales
Start Year 2019
 
Description Planetarium National Delivery Partners 
Organisation Observatory Science Centre
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Development and co-delivery of bespoke, high quality, inspirational and unique planetarium resources that captivate audiences celebrating the technology, science, engineering and people of the Webb Telescope, alongside the relevance and personal value of the science.
Collaborator Contribution To promote STFC scientists, researchers and the science, technology, engineering of the JWST to a large audience across the UK, including emphasis on underserved communities, areas of geographical isolation and areas of social deprivation.
Impact A total of 78,521 children and adults visiting a planetarium event. Dwell time between 30 min and 1hr 20 mins 1238 engagement events taking place across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales
Start Year 2019
 
Description Planetarium National Delivery Partners 
Organisation Our Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Development and co-delivery of bespoke, high quality, inspirational and unique planetarium resources that captivate audiences celebrating the technology, science, engineering and people of the Webb Telescope, alongside the relevance and personal value of the science.
Collaborator Contribution To promote STFC scientists, researchers and the science, technology, engineering of the JWST to a large audience across the UK, including emphasis on underserved communities, areas of geographical isolation and areas of social deprivation.
Impact A total of 78,521 children and adults visiting a planetarium event. Dwell time between 30 min and 1hr 20 mins 1238 engagement events taking place across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales
Start Year 2019
 
Description Planetarium National Delivery Partners 
Organisation Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Development and co-delivery of bespoke, high quality, inspirational and unique planetarium resources that captivate audiences celebrating the technology, science, engineering and people of the Webb Telescope, alongside the relevance and personal value of the science.
Collaborator Contribution To promote STFC scientists, researchers and the science, technology, engineering of the JWST to a large audience across the UK, including emphasis on underserved communities, areas of geographical isolation and areas of social deprivation.
Impact A total of 78,521 children and adults visiting a planetarium event. Dwell time between 30 min and 1hr 20 mins 1238 engagement events taking place across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales
Start Year 2019
 
Description Planetarium National Delivery Partners 
Organisation We The Curious
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Development and co-delivery of bespoke, high quality, inspirational and unique planetarium resources that captivate audiences celebrating the technology, science, engineering and people of the Webb Telescope, alongside the relevance and personal value of the science.
Collaborator Contribution To promote STFC scientists, researchers and the science, technology, engineering of the JWST to a large audience across the UK, including emphasis on underserved communities, areas of geographical isolation and areas of social deprivation.
Impact A total of 78,521 children and adults visiting a planetarium event. Dwell time between 30 min and 1hr 20 mins 1238 engagement events taking place across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales
Start Year 2019
 
Description Written Content Development and Masterclass Training 
Organisation Centre for Life
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Bringing together individuals from these organisations interested in diversity and best practice in inclusive science communication within the sector. Bringing together, presenting, sharing and collating information relevant for planetarium professionals sharing the science and stories of the James Webb Space Telescope. Partnership building with other organisations who support teachers and provide inspiring and curriculum relevant resources, sharing content and training ideas to provide a platform for these resources to be showcased to the planetarium community and encouraged through this programme.
Collaborator Contribution Centre for Life, We the Curious and Explorer Dome have been involved in pooling knowledge, piloting shows, holding focus groups and working with field experts such as Weston College to produce guidance and examples on best practice for inclusive science communication. Strands of this will be brought into the training event and be provided as written guidance as delivery starts, to support all attending the masterclass event who are striving to reach out to a wider audience than those who traditionally attend science events, centres and festivals. ESERO UK based at the National STEM Learning Centre are providing our programme with ideas for pre and post visit resources that can support teachers attending planetarium events with their class, in order to embed the learning and bolster the impact of the single planetarium event. Astroboost, an programme supported by the Royal Astronomical Society and STFC has been brought into the partnership, including the masterclass training team to provide ideas and inspiration for the planetarium professionals who may wish to bring low-cost, hands-on elements into the show to support all learners. Imperial College London provided an expert in Inclusion and Diversity. The University of Leicester and University of Sussex and UK ATC provided expertise, scientists and engineers providing short talks and chairing in-depth discussions with planetarium professionals about their area of expertise for sharing with the public through planetarium domes. The University of the West of England, Science Communication Unit were involved in the evaluation of the programme.
Impact Excellent, planetarium-relevant written resources for delivery and evaluation to support and improve the knowledge and confidence of planetarium presenters, including a google drive containing written guides of 'top tips' to inclusive presentation, questions and answers from experts in the field, signposted hands-on resources and further information to link with other James Webb Space Telescope resources, events and projects (continuously updated)
Start Year 2018
 
Description Written Content Development and Masterclass Training 
Organisation Explorer Dome
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Bringing together individuals from these organisations interested in diversity and best practice in inclusive science communication within the sector. Bringing together, presenting, sharing and collating information relevant for planetarium professionals sharing the science and stories of the James Webb Space Telescope. Partnership building with other organisations who support teachers and provide inspiring and curriculum relevant resources, sharing content and training ideas to provide a platform for these resources to be showcased to the planetarium community and encouraged through this programme.
Collaborator Contribution Centre for Life, We the Curious and Explorer Dome have been involved in pooling knowledge, piloting shows, holding focus groups and working with field experts such as Weston College to produce guidance and examples on best practice for inclusive science communication. Strands of this will be brought into the training event and be provided as written guidance as delivery starts, to support all attending the masterclass event who are striving to reach out to a wider audience than those who traditionally attend science events, centres and festivals. ESERO UK based at the National STEM Learning Centre are providing our programme with ideas for pre and post visit resources that can support teachers attending planetarium events with their class, in order to embed the learning and bolster the impact of the single planetarium event. Astroboost, an programme supported by the Royal Astronomical Society and STFC has been brought into the partnership, including the masterclass training team to provide ideas and inspiration for the planetarium professionals who may wish to bring low-cost, hands-on elements into the show to support all learners. Imperial College London provided an expert in Inclusion and Diversity. The University of Leicester and University of Sussex and UK ATC provided expertise, scientists and engineers providing short talks and chairing in-depth discussions with planetarium professionals about their area of expertise for sharing with the public through planetarium domes. The University of the West of England, Science Communication Unit were involved in the evaluation of the programme.
Impact Excellent, planetarium-relevant written resources for delivery and evaluation to support and improve the knowledge and confidence of planetarium presenters, including a google drive containing written guides of 'top tips' to inclusive presentation, questions and answers from experts in the field, signposted hands-on resources and further information to link with other James Webb Space Telescope resources, events and projects (continuously updated)
Start Year 2018
 
Description Written Content Development and Masterclass Training 
Organisation Imperial College London
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Bringing together individuals from these organisations interested in diversity and best practice in inclusive science communication within the sector. Bringing together, presenting, sharing and collating information relevant for planetarium professionals sharing the science and stories of the James Webb Space Telescope. Partnership building with other organisations who support teachers and provide inspiring and curriculum relevant resources, sharing content and training ideas to provide a platform for these resources to be showcased to the planetarium community and encouraged through this programme.
Collaborator Contribution Centre for Life, We the Curious and Explorer Dome have been involved in pooling knowledge, piloting shows, holding focus groups and working with field experts such as Weston College to produce guidance and examples on best practice for inclusive science communication. Strands of this will be brought into the training event and be provided as written guidance as delivery starts, to support all attending the masterclass event who are striving to reach out to a wider audience than those who traditionally attend science events, centres and festivals. ESERO UK based at the National STEM Learning Centre are providing our programme with ideas for pre and post visit resources that can support teachers attending planetarium events with their class, in order to embed the learning and bolster the impact of the single planetarium event. Astroboost, an programme supported by the Royal Astronomical Society and STFC has been brought into the partnership, including the masterclass training team to provide ideas and inspiration for the planetarium professionals who may wish to bring low-cost, hands-on elements into the show to support all learners. Imperial College London provided an expert in Inclusion and Diversity. The University of Leicester and University of Sussex and UK ATC provided expertise, scientists and engineers providing short talks and chairing in-depth discussions with planetarium professionals about their area of expertise for sharing with the public through planetarium domes. The University of the West of England, Science Communication Unit were involved in the evaluation of the programme.
Impact Excellent, planetarium-relevant written resources for delivery and evaluation to support and improve the knowledge and confidence of planetarium presenters, including a google drive containing written guides of 'top tips' to inclusive presentation, questions and answers from experts in the field, signposted hands-on resources and further information to link with other James Webb Space Telescope resources, events and projects (continuously updated)
Start Year 2018
 
Description Written Content Development and Masterclass Training 
Organisation National STEM Learning Centre
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Bringing together individuals from these organisations interested in diversity and best practice in inclusive science communication within the sector. Bringing together, presenting, sharing and collating information relevant for planetarium professionals sharing the science and stories of the James Webb Space Telescope. Partnership building with other organisations who support teachers and provide inspiring and curriculum relevant resources, sharing content and training ideas to provide a platform for these resources to be showcased to the planetarium community and encouraged through this programme.
Collaborator Contribution Centre for Life, We the Curious and Explorer Dome have been involved in pooling knowledge, piloting shows, holding focus groups and working with field experts such as Weston College to produce guidance and examples on best practice for inclusive science communication. Strands of this will be brought into the training event and be provided as written guidance as delivery starts, to support all attending the masterclass event who are striving to reach out to a wider audience than those who traditionally attend science events, centres and festivals. ESERO UK based at the National STEM Learning Centre are providing our programme with ideas for pre and post visit resources that can support teachers attending planetarium events with their class, in order to embed the learning and bolster the impact of the single planetarium event. Astroboost, an programme supported by the Royal Astronomical Society and STFC has been brought into the partnership, including the masterclass training team to provide ideas and inspiration for the planetarium professionals who may wish to bring low-cost, hands-on elements into the show to support all learners. Imperial College London provided an expert in Inclusion and Diversity. The University of Leicester and University of Sussex and UK ATC provided expertise, scientists and engineers providing short talks and chairing in-depth discussions with planetarium professionals about their area of expertise for sharing with the public through planetarium domes. The University of the West of England, Science Communication Unit were involved in the evaluation of the programme.
Impact Excellent, planetarium-relevant written resources for delivery and evaluation to support and improve the knowledge and confidence of planetarium presenters, including a google drive containing written guides of 'top tips' to inclusive presentation, questions and answers from experts in the field, signposted hands-on resources and further information to link with other James Webb Space Telescope resources, events and projects (continuously updated)
Start Year 2018
 
Description Written Content Development and Masterclass Training 
Organisation Royal Astronomical Society
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Bringing together individuals from these organisations interested in diversity and best practice in inclusive science communication within the sector. Bringing together, presenting, sharing and collating information relevant for planetarium professionals sharing the science and stories of the James Webb Space Telescope. Partnership building with other organisations who support teachers and provide inspiring and curriculum relevant resources, sharing content and training ideas to provide a platform for these resources to be showcased to the planetarium community and encouraged through this programme.
Collaborator Contribution Centre for Life, We the Curious and Explorer Dome have been involved in pooling knowledge, piloting shows, holding focus groups and working with field experts such as Weston College to produce guidance and examples on best practice for inclusive science communication. Strands of this will be brought into the training event and be provided as written guidance as delivery starts, to support all attending the masterclass event who are striving to reach out to a wider audience than those who traditionally attend science events, centres and festivals. ESERO UK based at the National STEM Learning Centre are providing our programme with ideas for pre and post visit resources that can support teachers attending planetarium events with their class, in order to embed the learning and bolster the impact of the single planetarium event. Astroboost, an programme supported by the Royal Astronomical Society and STFC has been brought into the partnership, including the masterclass training team to provide ideas and inspiration for the planetarium professionals who may wish to bring low-cost, hands-on elements into the show to support all learners. Imperial College London provided an expert in Inclusion and Diversity. The University of Leicester and University of Sussex and UK ATC provided expertise, scientists and engineers providing short talks and chairing in-depth discussions with planetarium professionals about their area of expertise for sharing with the public through planetarium domes. The University of the West of England, Science Communication Unit were involved in the evaluation of the programme.
Impact Excellent, planetarium-relevant written resources for delivery and evaluation to support and improve the knowledge and confidence of planetarium presenters, including a google drive containing written guides of 'top tips' to inclusive presentation, questions and answers from experts in the field, signposted hands-on resources and further information to link with other James Webb Space Telescope resources, events and projects (continuously updated)
Start Year 2018
 
Description Written Content Development and Masterclass Training 
Organisation UK Astronomy Technology Centre (ATC)
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Bringing together individuals from these organisations interested in diversity and best practice in inclusive science communication within the sector. Bringing together, presenting, sharing and collating information relevant for planetarium professionals sharing the science and stories of the James Webb Space Telescope. Partnership building with other organisations who support teachers and provide inspiring and curriculum relevant resources, sharing content and training ideas to provide a platform for these resources to be showcased to the planetarium community and encouraged through this programme.
Collaborator Contribution Centre for Life, We the Curious and Explorer Dome have been involved in pooling knowledge, piloting shows, holding focus groups and working with field experts such as Weston College to produce guidance and examples on best practice for inclusive science communication. Strands of this will be brought into the training event and be provided as written guidance as delivery starts, to support all attending the masterclass event who are striving to reach out to a wider audience than those who traditionally attend science events, centres and festivals. ESERO UK based at the National STEM Learning Centre are providing our programme with ideas for pre and post visit resources that can support teachers attending planetarium events with their class, in order to embed the learning and bolster the impact of the single planetarium event. Astroboost, an programme supported by the Royal Astronomical Society and STFC has been brought into the partnership, including the masterclass training team to provide ideas and inspiration for the planetarium professionals who may wish to bring low-cost, hands-on elements into the show to support all learners. Imperial College London provided an expert in Inclusion and Diversity. The University of Leicester and University of Sussex and UK ATC provided expertise, scientists and engineers providing short talks and chairing in-depth discussions with planetarium professionals about their area of expertise for sharing with the public through planetarium domes. The University of the West of England, Science Communication Unit were involved in the evaluation of the programme.
Impact Excellent, planetarium-relevant written resources for delivery and evaluation to support and improve the knowledge and confidence of planetarium presenters, including a google drive containing written guides of 'top tips' to inclusive presentation, questions and answers from experts in the field, signposted hands-on resources and further information to link with other James Webb Space Telescope resources, events and projects (continuously updated)
Start Year 2018
 
Description Written Content Development and Masterclass Training 
Organisation University of Leicester
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Bringing together individuals from these organisations interested in diversity and best practice in inclusive science communication within the sector. Bringing together, presenting, sharing and collating information relevant for planetarium professionals sharing the science and stories of the James Webb Space Telescope. Partnership building with other organisations who support teachers and provide inspiring and curriculum relevant resources, sharing content and training ideas to provide a platform for these resources to be showcased to the planetarium community and encouraged through this programme.
Collaborator Contribution Centre for Life, We the Curious and Explorer Dome have been involved in pooling knowledge, piloting shows, holding focus groups and working with field experts such as Weston College to produce guidance and examples on best practice for inclusive science communication. Strands of this will be brought into the training event and be provided as written guidance as delivery starts, to support all attending the masterclass event who are striving to reach out to a wider audience than those who traditionally attend science events, centres and festivals. ESERO UK based at the National STEM Learning Centre are providing our programme with ideas for pre and post visit resources that can support teachers attending planetarium events with their class, in order to embed the learning and bolster the impact of the single planetarium event. Astroboost, an programme supported by the Royal Astronomical Society and STFC has been brought into the partnership, including the masterclass training team to provide ideas and inspiration for the planetarium professionals who may wish to bring low-cost, hands-on elements into the show to support all learners. Imperial College London provided an expert in Inclusion and Diversity. The University of Leicester and University of Sussex and UK ATC provided expertise, scientists and engineers providing short talks and chairing in-depth discussions with planetarium professionals about their area of expertise for sharing with the public through planetarium domes. The University of the West of England, Science Communication Unit were involved in the evaluation of the programme.
Impact Excellent, planetarium-relevant written resources for delivery and evaluation to support and improve the knowledge and confidence of planetarium presenters, including a google drive containing written guides of 'top tips' to inclusive presentation, questions and answers from experts in the field, signposted hands-on resources and further information to link with other James Webb Space Telescope resources, events and projects (continuously updated)
Start Year 2018
 
Description Written Content Development and Masterclass Training 
Organisation University of Sussex
Department Astronomy Centre
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Bringing together individuals from these organisations interested in diversity and best practice in inclusive science communication within the sector. Bringing together, presenting, sharing and collating information relevant for planetarium professionals sharing the science and stories of the James Webb Space Telescope. Partnership building with other organisations who support teachers and provide inspiring and curriculum relevant resources, sharing content and training ideas to provide a platform for these resources to be showcased to the planetarium community and encouraged through this programme.
Collaborator Contribution Centre for Life, We the Curious and Explorer Dome have been involved in pooling knowledge, piloting shows, holding focus groups and working with field experts such as Weston College to produce guidance and examples on best practice for inclusive science communication. Strands of this will be brought into the training event and be provided as written guidance as delivery starts, to support all attending the masterclass event who are striving to reach out to a wider audience than those who traditionally attend science events, centres and festivals. ESERO UK based at the National STEM Learning Centre are providing our programme with ideas for pre and post visit resources that can support teachers attending planetarium events with their class, in order to embed the learning and bolster the impact of the single planetarium event. Astroboost, an programme supported by the Royal Astronomical Society and STFC has been brought into the partnership, including the masterclass training team to provide ideas and inspiration for the planetarium professionals who may wish to bring low-cost, hands-on elements into the show to support all learners. Imperial College London provided an expert in Inclusion and Diversity. The University of Leicester and University of Sussex and UK ATC provided expertise, scientists and engineers providing short talks and chairing in-depth discussions with planetarium professionals about their area of expertise for sharing with the public through planetarium domes. The University of the West of England, Science Communication Unit were involved in the evaluation of the programme.
Impact Excellent, planetarium-relevant written resources for delivery and evaluation to support and improve the knowledge and confidence of planetarium presenters, including a google drive containing written guides of 'top tips' to inclusive presentation, questions and answers from experts in the field, signposted hands-on resources and further information to link with other James Webb Space Telescope resources, events and projects (continuously updated)
Start Year 2018
 
Description Written Content Development and Masterclass Training 
Organisation University of the West of England
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Bringing together individuals from these organisations interested in diversity and best practice in inclusive science communication within the sector. Bringing together, presenting, sharing and collating information relevant for planetarium professionals sharing the science and stories of the James Webb Space Telescope. Partnership building with other organisations who support teachers and provide inspiring and curriculum relevant resources, sharing content and training ideas to provide a platform for these resources to be showcased to the planetarium community and encouraged through this programme.
Collaborator Contribution Centre for Life, We the Curious and Explorer Dome have been involved in pooling knowledge, piloting shows, holding focus groups and working with field experts such as Weston College to produce guidance and examples on best practice for inclusive science communication. Strands of this will be brought into the training event and be provided as written guidance as delivery starts, to support all attending the masterclass event who are striving to reach out to a wider audience than those who traditionally attend science events, centres and festivals. ESERO UK based at the National STEM Learning Centre are providing our programme with ideas for pre and post visit resources that can support teachers attending planetarium events with their class, in order to embed the learning and bolster the impact of the single planetarium event. Astroboost, an programme supported by the Royal Astronomical Society and STFC has been brought into the partnership, including the masterclass training team to provide ideas and inspiration for the planetarium professionals who may wish to bring low-cost, hands-on elements into the show to support all learners. Imperial College London provided an expert in Inclusion and Diversity. The University of Leicester and University of Sussex and UK ATC provided expertise, scientists and engineers providing short talks and chairing in-depth discussions with planetarium professionals about their area of expertise for sharing with the public through planetarium domes. The University of the West of England, Science Communication Unit were involved in the evaluation of the programme.
Impact Excellent, planetarium-relevant written resources for delivery and evaluation to support and improve the knowledge and confidence of planetarium presenters, including a google drive containing written guides of 'top tips' to inclusive presentation, questions and answers from experts in the field, signposted hands-on resources and further information to link with other James Webb Space Telescope resources, events and projects (continuously updated)
Start Year 2018
 
Description Written Content Development and Masterclass Training 
Organisation We The Curious
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Bringing together individuals from these organisations interested in diversity and best practice in inclusive science communication within the sector. Bringing together, presenting, sharing and collating information relevant for planetarium professionals sharing the science and stories of the James Webb Space Telescope. Partnership building with other organisations who support teachers and provide inspiring and curriculum relevant resources, sharing content and training ideas to provide a platform for these resources to be showcased to the planetarium community and encouraged through this programme.
Collaborator Contribution Centre for Life, We the Curious and Explorer Dome have been involved in pooling knowledge, piloting shows, holding focus groups and working with field experts such as Weston College to produce guidance and examples on best practice for inclusive science communication. Strands of this will be brought into the training event and be provided as written guidance as delivery starts, to support all attending the masterclass event who are striving to reach out to a wider audience than those who traditionally attend science events, centres and festivals. ESERO UK based at the National STEM Learning Centre are providing our programme with ideas for pre and post visit resources that can support teachers attending planetarium events with their class, in order to embed the learning and bolster the impact of the single planetarium event. Astroboost, an programme supported by the Royal Astronomical Society and STFC has been brought into the partnership, including the masterclass training team to provide ideas and inspiration for the planetarium professionals who may wish to bring low-cost, hands-on elements into the show to support all learners. Imperial College London provided an expert in Inclusion and Diversity. The University of Leicester and University of Sussex and UK ATC provided expertise, scientists and engineers providing short talks and chairing in-depth discussions with planetarium professionals about their area of expertise for sharing with the public through planetarium domes. The University of the West of England, Science Communication Unit were involved in the evaluation of the programme.
Impact Excellent, planetarium-relevant written resources for delivery and evaluation to support and improve the knowledge and confidence of planetarium presenters, including a google drive containing written guides of 'top tips' to inclusive presentation, questions and answers from experts in the field, signposted hands-on resources and further information to link with other James Webb Space Telescope resources, events and projects (continuously updated)
Start Year 2018
 
Description Written Content Development and Masterclass Training 
Organisation Weston College
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Bringing together individuals from these organisations interested in diversity and best practice in inclusive science communication within the sector. Bringing together, presenting, sharing and collating information relevant for planetarium professionals sharing the science and stories of the James Webb Space Telescope. Partnership building with other organisations who support teachers and provide inspiring and curriculum relevant resources, sharing content and training ideas to provide a platform for these resources to be showcased to the planetarium community and encouraged through this programme.
Collaborator Contribution Centre for Life, We the Curious and Explorer Dome have been involved in pooling knowledge, piloting shows, holding focus groups and working with field experts such as Weston College to produce guidance and examples on best practice for inclusive science communication. Strands of this will be brought into the training event and be provided as written guidance as delivery starts, to support all attending the masterclass event who are striving to reach out to a wider audience than those who traditionally attend science events, centres and festivals. ESERO UK based at the National STEM Learning Centre are providing our programme with ideas for pre and post visit resources that can support teachers attending planetarium events with their class, in order to embed the learning and bolster the impact of the single planetarium event. Astroboost, an programme supported by the Royal Astronomical Society and STFC has been brought into the partnership, including the masterclass training team to provide ideas and inspiration for the planetarium professionals who may wish to bring low-cost, hands-on elements into the show to support all learners. Imperial College London provided an expert in Inclusion and Diversity. The University of Leicester and University of Sussex and UK ATC provided expertise, scientists and engineers providing short talks and chairing in-depth discussions with planetarium professionals about their area of expertise for sharing with the public through planetarium domes. The University of the West of England, Science Communication Unit were involved in the evaluation of the programme.
Impact Excellent, planetarium-relevant written resources for delivery and evaluation to support and improve the knowledge and confidence of planetarium presenters, including a google drive containing written guides of 'top tips' to inclusive presentation, questions and answers from experts in the field, signposted hands-on resources and further information to link with other James Webb Space Telescope resources, events and projects (continuously updated)
Start Year 2018
 
Description Evaluation Focus Groups and Interviews 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Planetarium professionals gathered at the British Association of Planetaria conference to participate in a session dedicated to this project. Content included an update on the project and project resources, reminders on who to access materials and contacts, offers for additional support and individual sessions for in-depth feedback about the outcomes from the training event held 5 months previously. One-to-one interviews conducted by a third party (MSc student at the Science Communication Unit) and demonstrated an overwhelmingly positive response to the masterclass training event and valued impact on practice within individuals engagement activities.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://jwst.org.uk/resource-network/articles/universal-space-webb/
 
Description National Masterclass training event on the James Webb Space Telescope 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact This event delivered training for planetarium professionals and researchers / industry professionals attending. This training promoted confidence in rigorous content on the areas of science and engineering of the James Webb Space Telescope and raised awareness and ability for planetarium professionals to address the issues of greater diversity and social inclusion within UK planetarium activities.
The focus of the event was to effectively reach out to new audiences and encourage a more diverse range of children and young people to be able to access, engage and identify with the engineering, science and stories of the Webb Telescope.
The event has been hugely valued and praised as one of the best training event attended for these professionals.
Planetarium professionals have reported increased understanding of the value of science capital and an active promotion and engagement with underserved communities, communities in areas of geographical isolation and areas of social deprivation with the planetarium resources shared at this event
Planetarium professionals have reported increased confidence to promote STFC scientists and researchers and the team behind the Webb Telescope mission and have resources that celebrate them as positive, diverse and motivational role models for their audiences.
Planetarium professionals and other stakeholder attending the event reported the value of attending the event from a networking, capacity-building perspective and reported feeling valued and strengthen as professionals in the field at a national and international level.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://jwst.org.uk/resource-network/articles/universal-space-webb/
 
Description Online Engagements with Universal Space 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact National Astronomy Week is an example of one of the shifts made within project delivery, sharing content with over 2000 schools and families during a week in November 2020 and featuring space and astronomy professionals in industry and research.
Many other online engagements have been taking place over the course of 2020, to be updated during our final data collection in June 2021.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020,2021
URL https://www.astronomyweek.org.uk/
 
Description Pilot Pubic interest focus groups (JWST) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Focus groups from holiday caravan and campsite in the South/South West across 5 venues to ask the public to vote on their areas of interest for JWST content of planetarium shows:
'How the space telescope actually works - like what the bits do, how a huge telescope fits inside a rocket or where it will be in space? (9%)'
'Finding out what it will tell us about how the earth formed and how other solar systems are formed?' (20%)
'Finding out about far off distant planets and how we could perhaps get an idea if there is life on those planets by looking at the air around them?' (59%),
'How much is 'out there/up there' that we can't actually see with our eyes - that's invisible to our eyes - but that this telescope will be able to see?' (20%)"
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Pilot School Visit (SEND) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact 41 teachers, carers and students attended 2 pilot shows to explore the best methods and apporaches to engage secondary school-aged students with MLD, SLD, PMLD and ASD with the stories and science of STFC.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description School and public planetarium shows 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact From June 2019, members of the British Association of Planetaria continue to engage children and adults with the engaging resources shared through this project. These practitioners work within large, small, fixed and mobile domes and the network pf those involved reaches out across all four nations of the UK. Planetaria therefore are in the process of inspiring and involving schools and the general public with the fantastic stories, science and technology behind the Webb Telescope inside their planetarium domes. This work will continue throughout 2020. To date (to March 2021) excluding online delivery, the reach of this delivery is 28,116 children and adults
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019,2020,2021