Inclusive astronomy: Combining citizen science and expressive arts therapy approach
Lead Research Organisation:
UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
Abstract
The Zooniverse group, based in the Physics department in Oxford, will develop and pilot an innovative format of accessible, interactive astronomy and astrophysics activities for population groups with low science capital. We will utilise evidence-based art therapy techniques, such as goal-oriented participatory music making, visual art, movement and storytelling, in a welcoming, structured group environment to help the participants explore complex concepts from the field of astrophysics through various sensory modalities.
The educational resources and methodology resulting from this work will be shared in an open, public training event held in Oxford and online.The training will enable educators and activity leaders to use this innovative STEM engagement methodology when working with vulnerable groups independently.
The unique range of competencies across the current Zooniverse team includes highest level professional expertise in astrophysics, citizen science, STEM outreach, as well as a specialist in neuroscience-based expressive art and music therapy. We will collaborate with three local groups in Oxford who work with underserved communities across a broad range of ages:
1) youth and adults with additional needs (aged 8-14, 15-19, 20-64) (KEEN Oxford);
2) adults with mental health conditions and neurodivergent adults (aged 20-64) (Tandem Befriending);
3) adults 65+ (Oxford Longevity Project).
People with additional needs, as well as older people, might have less opportunity to participate in STEM activities. From a large survey conducted on zooniverse.org in 2024, we know that this is often related to health issues, differences in sensory processing, physical mobility challenges and social anxiety or communication preferences. At the same time, the participants - persons with additional needs and older people - shared that the platform enabled them to participate in science activities and make a meaningful contribution to science.
We expect that during the pilot programme, approximately 75 persons from local marginalised communities will directly engage in inclusive STEM activities with the Zooniverse groups facilitators, and over 200 people will participate in the programme. The methodology will be taught to future facilitators outside of the Zooniverse group, including the representatives of our partner organisations.
The specific goals of the programme support STFC’s five strategic aims for public engagement (1 - 5):
Celebrating STFC Science, Technology People and Careers (Aim 1); Improving our connections with diverse audiences (Aim 4); Delivering high quality public engagement activities and evaluating outcomes (Aim 5).
to pilot an innovative multimodal, multidisciplinary programme to lower the barriers to participation of under-served population groups in STFC-funded real-time science discovery,
to provide the participants from these groups (and their families or support persons, if any) with knowledge and inspiration to continue engaging in science discovery after the end of the programme,
to highlight the scientific achievements of the programme participants through an accessible, inclusive "Share Your Cosmos" community event in Oxford;
Working in partnerships (Aim 2).
to develop partnerships with Oxfordshire organisations supporting groups with low science capital
Building Capacity (Aim 3).
to rigorously assess this innovative format of science engagement and its relevance, benefits and potential for the targeted population groups,
to create a reusable set of materials (e.g. music records, session plans, illustrations) necessary to facilitate the same or similar programmes in the future,
to hold an open training event for the local and international science educators and activity leaders, providing new insights, guidelines and materials for science engagement of populations with additional needs.
The educational resources and methodology resulting from this work will be shared in an open, public training event held in Oxford and online.The training will enable educators and activity leaders to use this innovative STEM engagement methodology when working with vulnerable groups independently.
The unique range of competencies across the current Zooniverse team includes highest level professional expertise in astrophysics, citizen science, STEM outreach, as well as a specialist in neuroscience-based expressive art and music therapy. We will collaborate with three local groups in Oxford who work with underserved communities across a broad range of ages:
1) youth and adults with additional needs (aged 8-14, 15-19, 20-64) (KEEN Oxford);
2) adults with mental health conditions and neurodivergent adults (aged 20-64) (Tandem Befriending);
3) adults 65+ (Oxford Longevity Project).
People with additional needs, as well as older people, might have less opportunity to participate in STEM activities. From a large survey conducted on zooniverse.org in 2024, we know that this is often related to health issues, differences in sensory processing, physical mobility challenges and social anxiety or communication preferences. At the same time, the participants - persons with additional needs and older people - shared that the platform enabled them to participate in science activities and make a meaningful contribution to science.
We expect that during the pilot programme, approximately 75 persons from local marginalised communities will directly engage in inclusive STEM activities with the Zooniverse groups facilitators, and over 200 people will participate in the programme. The methodology will be taught to future facilitators outside of the Zooniverse group, including the representatives of our partner organisations.
The specific goals of the programme support STFC’s five strategic aims for public engagement (1 - 5):
Celebrating STFC Science, Technology People and Careers (Aim 1); Improving our connections with diverse audiences (Aim 4); Delivering high quality public engagement activities and evaluating outcomes (Aim 5).
to pilot an innovative multimodal, multidisciplinary programme to lower the barriers to participation of under-served population groups in STFC-funded real-time science discovery,
to provide the participants from these groups (and their families or support persons, if any) with knowledge and inspiration to continue engaging in science discovery after the end of the programme,
to highlight the scientific achievements of the programme participants through an accessible, inclusive "Share Your Cosmos" community event in Oxford;
Working in partnerships (Aim 2).
to develop partnerships with Oxfordshire organisations supporting groups with low science capital
Building Capacity (Aim 3).
to rigorously assess this innovative format of science engagement and its relevance, benefits and potential for the targeted population groups,
to create a reusable set of materials (e.g. music records, session plans, illustrations) necessary to facilitate the same or similar programmes in the future,
to hold an open training event for the local and international science educators and activity leaders, providing new insights, guidelines and materials for science engagement of populations with additional needs.