Somali Community Communicating Science
Lead Research Organisation:
Sphere Science Ltd
Department Name: Grants Administration
Abstract
For the Somali community in Leicester, to be introduced to STFC research and STEM concepts by presentations from local teenagers.
Teenage presenters will use high quality family science activities to present the STEM concepts to aid learning and enjoyment of science.
The work of STFC researchers will be shared with teenagers and families from St Matthew's Estate.
Teenage presenters will use high quality family science activities to present the STEM concepts to aid learning and enjoyment of science.
The work of STFC researchers will be shared with teenagers and families from St Matthew's Estate.
Planned Impact
Write this up as an example of public engagement in NCCPE.
Use Twitter to show the science club and family day
Invite VIPs to family day
Write an article in Sphere Science newsletter
Use Twitter to show the science club and family day
Invite VIPs to family day
Write an article in Sphere Science newsletter
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Sarah Sisson (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Sarah Sisson
(2023)
Five case studies from STFC's Wonder initiative phase 1
in Introducing complex space science to Leicester's Somali community through its teenagers
| Description | Teenagers are capable of explaining complex scientific concepts, but researchers must work with non-specialists to determine which ideas are the most relevant, understandable, and easy for teenagers to present. Providing resources such as scripts, images, and diagrams enables even the most nervous teenagers to focus on delivering their presentations of the research, while allowing others to elaborate further on the material. The co-creation lies in how the teenagers present the material, rather than in developing the content itself. Hosting family days within the local community can help boost attendance from nearby families. However, long-term commitments, such as a science club, may be challenging for teenagers to sustain due to other priorities. Shorter-term projects could be more manageable. For longer-term initiatives, greater flexibility in organisation, as was implemented in our project, should be considered to accommodate the needs of participants effectively. |
| Exploitation Route | Engaging teenagers as science communicators, especially those who are not naturally inclined to present, can be a highly valuable and underutilized resource. Their involvement not only provides audiences with relatable role models-seeing ordinary teenagers share their knowledge-but also allows the teenagers themselves to envision and embrace this role. Explaining complex topics within a supportive and safe environment helps build their confidence and communication skills. Public Engagement organisations can trust that this approach offers a unique and impactful alternative to polished, professional presentations, while remaining an essential and meaningful form of science communication. |
| Sectors | Communities and Social Services/Policy Creative Economy Education |
| URL | https://1drv.ms/v/s!AoLCYoQBUTongrN8uIgSa4NfGGTWgA?e=VmNlze |
| Description | Teenagers don't like standing up and presenting; generally, they shy away from it, but we've allowed them to do it in a safe space. We step back in a supportive way and let them go for it. And we've found that often teenagers are better at explaining things. Because they're not confident in a subject like we are, they share their learnings in a very relatable way What will be the project's legacy in the community? There are three - confidence, connections and opportunity. For the young people who presented, it's something they will always have - an experience they can use to impress potential employers. For SOCOPA and the wider community, they've got the connections and the experience to revisit some of the topics and activities to inspire fresh young people coming through. And the community's young people can benefit from established relationships. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2022 |
| Impact Types | Cultural Societal Economic |