SunSpaceArt - Phase II
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Applied Maths and Theoretical Physics
Abstract
The 'SunSpaceArt - Phase II' project brings together a team of professional artists and scientists to work with teachers and children in UK schools, at both upper primary, KS2, and lower secondary, KS3, levels. Members of the team run workshops in schools focused on science related to the Sun and Space. The topics covered link closely to the National Curriculum, in particular the solar system, gravity, light, sound, energy, magnetism, beyond the visible (Ultraviolet, Infra-red). Environmental science (extreme environments, climate change, space weather) will be include in SunSpaceArt - Phase II. The remit covers famous scientists (eg Galileo, Newton, Einstein, Herschel, Annie Maunder etc) together with contemporary scientists, astronauts and polar explorers. The artists cover different techniques (collage, 3D-art, graphics, printing, smart materials, textiles etc) in relation to their own art work and to that of famous historic artists. The children are encouraged to develop their own creativity in the production of pieces of art which reinforce the science they have covered. They are also encouraged to ask questions, find answers, write facts, text and poems about the topic. In 'SunSpaceArt - Phase II' closer links will also be made with mathematics and 'numeracy'. The response to these STEAM (STEM with Art) activities has so far been wholly positive from the children and teachers alike. The project aims to support teachers with CPD (Continued Professional Development) workshops at different locations around the UK. A dedicated SunSpaceArt website will showcase the school workshops and provide resources (both science and art worksheets). In addition, the team is keen to train younger scientists and artists to lead STEAM workshops themselves, and to apply for their own funding, hence leaving a lasting legacy for this project. This will be achieve by hosting 'guest' participants in the project activities and also by mentoring young scientists and artists.
Organisations
- University of Cambridge (Fellow, Lead Research Organisation)
- Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) (Collaboration)
- HARVARD UNIVERSITY (Collaboration)
- University College London (Collaboration)
- Science Museum Group (Collaboration)
- Manchester University (Collaboration)
- Physical Research Laboratory (Collaboration)
- Diocese of Ely (Collaboration)
- Astronomical Institute Czech Republic (Collaboration)
- The Ideas Foundation (Collaboration)
- Spacelink Learning Foundation (Collaboration)
- Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) (Collaboration)
- Royal Observatory Greenwich (Collaboration)
- SolarSphere Festival (Collaboration)
People |
ORCID iD |
| Helen Mason (Principal Investigator / Fellow) |
Publications
Del Zanna G
(2019)
Hinode EIS line widths in the quiet corona up to 1.5 R ?
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Gupta G
(2019)
Exploring the damping of Alfvén waves along a long off-limb coronal loop, up to 1.4 R ?
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Mulay S
(2018)
Flare-related Recurring Active Region Jets: Evidence for Very Hot Plasma
in Solar Physics
Mulay S
(2021)
Thermodynamic evolution of a sigmoidal active region with associated flares
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
| Title | Sun, Space and Art |
| Description | The SunSpaceArt project runs workshops with scientists and artists in primary schools. |
| Type Of Art | Artwork |
| Year Produced | 2018 |
| Impact | Beautiful artwork has been produced by the school children. |
| Description | SSA has brought together a diverse team of scientists and artists to work with UK schools, teachers and children, mainly at upper primary (KS2) level. The SSA team have also run many family workshop activities at museums and science/STEM festivals throughout the UK. The SSA team has worked with around 200 schools, targeting those schools in socio-economically deprived regions and most in need of science support (high Pupil Premium), reaching around 10,000 children and 1200 teachers. They have also engaged thousands of families and members of the public through 'in person' and online activities and talks. In March 2020, the COVID-19 epidemic resulted in the cancellation of all planned 'in person' SSA activities. This forced the SSA team to be more innovative in the delivery of their project (see article 'We Love STEAM', Astronomy and Geophysics, February 2021). The SSA team successfully moved from 'in person' activities to 'virtual' on-line activities, accessible both to schools and for home learning. Between March 2020 and March 2021, the SAA team released 18 new videos (see SunSpaceArt YouTube channel), ran 13 school workshops, 10 CPD (Continued Professional Development) sessions for teachers, participated in 5 STEM/Astronomy Festivals and hosted their own 12 hour STEAM (Arts + STEM) Festival in February 2021. The SunSpaceArt.org website was released in March 2020 to support home and school education. It showcases school workshops, provides STEAM activity worksheets and videos for teachers. These resources together with sessions led by SSA team members have already been incorporated into local and national STEM activities. The SSA website has had on average 50 views per day, with many more hits (hundreds) during special campaigns. Post COVID the SSA team has once again engaged with 'in person' activities. There has been a continued high demand from teachers for SSA workshops, also for family 'drop-in' sessions at festivals and for online resources. The children have produced impressive, original, imaginative and beautiful art which communicates (verbally and in writing) a deeper understanding of the Sun, solar system and space. The children have engaged well with the science, showing insights and asking lots of good questions. They have expressed an enjoyment of the workshops, an appreciation of the creative aspects, and have been inspired by the science. Some children said that they had never met a 'scientist' before. The teachers have really liked the art/science combination which has inspired creativity in their students. The SSA workshops build confidence for children who sometimes have difficulty in engaging with science or in expressing themselves. Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, SEND, or whose first language is not English (EAL), seem to respond particularly well to the project, with a longer than normal attention span and level of confidence not normally exhibited (feedback on this is specifically requested). 'Really enjoyable, seeing such a raising of aspiration within a day.' 'Huge impact. Amazing.' 'The level of enthusiasm and interest stirred by having such knowledgeable visitors was palpable.' 'The workshop leaders came and spoke to our SEN children and took the time to look at the art they had made.' (Teachers' feedback). The team have also run many CPD (Continued Professional Development) workshops for teachers throughout the UK. The feedback has been very good. 'Thank you for an interesting workshop - it has made me think more about how the children can learn through Art in many subject areas.' 'Today has highlighted how many opportunities I am missing at linking science and art.' 'As a Regional mentor for the PSTT, Primary Science Teaching Trust, I work with schools that need support with science. With tight budgets and a lack of funding for CPD and enrichments, some areas have a real need. These schools benefit from and appreciate enrichment and support which is at no cost to them. Many being remote, lack expert visitors. The SSA project helps give these schools hope, some real-life experts, sharing their expertise. I have heard such positive responses from pupils and staff. Both have felt so excited, invigorated, and enthusiastic about science before, during and most importantly after the sessions. Where Helen and her team have delivered their sessions, schools seemed to be very uplifted and feel positive about science.' (Kulvinder Johal) |
| Exploitation Route | The resources developed in this project are available on the sunspaceart.org website and youtube for teachers to download and use. The individual team members and other working with the SunSpaceArt team have developed skills which enable them to deliver STEAM (STEM +Arts) workshops, and also to apply for their own funding. Members of the team have worked together to support and mentor each other. |
| Sectors | Education |
| URL | https://www.sunspaceart.org/ |
| Description | The impact of the SunSpaceArt project is reflected in the educational benefit to children, their enhanced interest in science and innovation. 'Thank you for coming into Sacred Heart school last week. Once again you were an inspiration to the trainees, staff and pupils. The teachers have been buzzing with ideas and showing a passion for science since you left. The impact you have on the teachers is immense, the passion instilled will go on to be shared with hundreds of pupils and will hopefully inspire the next generation of scientists.' Bernie Furey, Director of the Strategic Director of Teach Heart Alliance |
| First Year Of Impact | 2021 |
| Sector | Education |
| Impact Types | Societal |
| Description | Consolidated grant |
| Amount | £248,560 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | ST/P000665/1 |
| Organisation | Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2017 |
| End | 03/2020 |
| Description | SunSpaceArt - 2021 |
| Amount | £15,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | ST/W001896/1 |
| Organisation | Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2021 |
| End | 02/2023 |
| Title | CHIANTI - Atomic Database |
| Description | CHIANTI is an atomic database developed by the Atomic Astrophysics research group at DAMTP, funded by STFC. It is now universally used by the solar physics community for the analysis of solar spectra, and is also widely used in the astrophysical community. Giulio Del Zanna is a key member of the CHIANTI team, and has led several CHIANTI papers and releases. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | CHIANTI has facilitated the analysis of solar spectra leading to over 3350 citations. |
| URL | http://www.chiantidatabase.org/ |
| Description | Associate Scientist on NASA's IRIS project |
| Organisation | Harvard University |
| Department | Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | This collaboration has resulted in several joint research papers. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Joint research papers. |
| Impact | Research papers |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Associated scientist with CfA on various missions/proposals |
| Organisation | Harvard University |
| Department | Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Contribute to various proposals for space missions (COSIE, MAGIXS), to the analysis of current missions (IRIS). Also contributed to AIRSPEC, an new infrared spectrometer, and DKIST, a ground-based solar telescope. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Provide access to data and resources. |
| Impact | Various research papers. |
| Start Year | 2010 |
| Description | Co-I of Hinode EIS team |
| Organisation | University College London |
| Department | Department of Space and Climate Physics (MSSL) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Over the years we have contributed to the Hinode EIS team in proposing observations, providing atomic data, instrument calibration, and helping young researchers into the use of the instrument. |
| Collaborator Contribution | This is a large international collaboration. MSSL is the leading institute that has provided most of the hardware. |
| Impact | A large number of papers and conferences. |
| Start Year | 2007 |
| Description | Collaboration with Dr. Dudik on Non-Maxwellians |
| Organisation | Astronomical Institute Czech Republic |
| Country | Czech Republic |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We have an ongoing collaboration with Dr J. Dudik (Astronomical Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences), a former RS Newton International Fellow at DAMTP (2013--2015), on developing modelling to search for spectroscopic signatures of non-Maxwellian electrons in the solar corona. We have provided the atomic data, mostly from the results of the APAP grants, and knowledge of spectral observations. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Dr. Dudik has contributed in coordinating new observations and writing scientific papers. |
| Impact | Several scientific papers have been published, and others are forthcoming. |
| Start Year | 2013 |
| Description | Collaboration with IUCAA, Pune |
| Organisation | Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) |
| Country | India |
| Sector | Learned Society |
| PI Contribution | Collaboration with Prof Durgesh Tripathi, IUCAA, Pune has resulted in several joint publications on active regions and solar jets. Helen Mason visited IUCAA in November 2014 and November 2015, 2016, 2017. Prof Tripathi visited Cambridge in July 2015. Helen Mason is working on a major outreach project with IUCAA SciPop called 'Surya: Here Comes the Sun'. Project resources for schools, teachers and students have been developed and delivered. She visited India in November 2015, 2016, 2017 and worked with school and university students. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Join research papers. Collaborative educational projects and resources. |
| Impact | Workshops have been delivered to teachers and students in India, in November 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Collaboration with PRL, India |
| Organisation | Physical Research Laboratory |
| Country | India |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The contributions will be on the analysis and atomic data for the upcoming Indian space X-ray spectrometer, to be launched in 2018. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Provide access to the observations. |
| Impact | not yet. |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | Ely Cathedral - SunSpaceArt workshops |
| Organisation | Diocese of Ely |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | Have run SunSpaceArt 'family drop-in' sessions annually at the Ely Cathedral Science Festivals |
| Collaborator Contribution | Providing the venue and facilities. |
| Impact | Reaching approximately 200 family members. |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | Festival of Tomorrow, Swindon |
| Organisation | Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | The Festival of Tomorrow is held in Swindon in February each year. We have given talks and run SunSpaceArt workshops at this event, both online and in person. |
| Collaborator Contribution | STFC fund the SunSpaceArt activities at the Festival of Tomorrow. The event is hosted and organised by the Festival of Tomorrow team. |
| Impact | Hundreds of family members have participated in these science/art activities. Details are given in the report to STFC. |
| Start Year | 2021 |
| Description | Get Space |
| Organisation | Spacelink Learning Foundation |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Participation in the annual Get Space workshops for school children organised by SpaceLink. Giving talks and running SunSpaceArt workshops. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Facilitating the Get Space Workshops. |
| Impact | Worked with over 200 children and 20 teachers. The feedback has been superb. 'I found the day amazing. I love science even more now', 'I enjoyed it very much and it was inspiring'. We distributed around 50 STFC leaflets. Continued participation. |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | Great Science Share |
| Organisation | Manchester University |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The Great Science Share is an annual event involving hundreds of school children. We have participated in this event for several years in collaboration with Lynne Bianchi, Fascinate Science, University of Manchester. We have participated in the event in Manchester several times, and in 2018, joined schools and teachers in London. 2019, in collaboration with the National Botanical Gardens, Wales. In 2020 we joined the on-line sessions. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The Great Science Share is organised by Lynne Bianchi and colleagues, and has grown each year, until it is now a national event. They provide facilities. Talks and SunSpaceArt workshops in Wales. |
| Impact | We have reached hundreds of primary school students and teachers. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Royal Observatory Greenwich |
| Organisation | Royal Observatory Greenwich |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | Participation in a number of activities aimed at the public and school children, talks about the Sun and STFC funded solar research. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Facilitating these activities, making a video for social media. |
| Impact | Reaching around 300 members of the public and students. |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | Science Museum - the Sun |
| Organisation | Science Museum Group |
| Department | The Science Museum |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | The SunSpaceArt team have been running many activities associated with 'The Sun - Living with a Star' exhibition at the Science Museum London. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The Science Museum have been very keen on our participation and facilitated this, also provided art resources. |
| Impact | We have participated in: Panel discussion associated with the '8 Mins' performance on the opening evening (200 members of the public), running SunSpaceArt activities at the 'Family Sun Festivals' held in Nov 2018 (300 family members) and March 2019 (500 family members), the Lates in November 2018 (300 adults) and the 'Night Owls' (50 families with autistic youths). We have enriched the exhibition with STFC funded solar science information (eg about solar space projects, including Solar Orbiter) and the distribution of 500 STFC leaflets. In total, we have worked with over 1300 children, families and young adults, informing them about the Sun and solar research, making creative art. We have distributed over 500 STFC leaflets on the Sun and Moon. The feedback has been exceptional for all these events. 'Fantastic workshop, very informative' (parent). We have been contacted by people who attended for more information about the STFC funded SunSpaceArt project. |
| Start Year | 2018 |
| Description | Science and creativity with the Ideas Foundation |
| Organisation | The Ideas Foundation |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | I have been working together with the Ideas Foundation to develop and provide activities for school students, in particular relating science (Sun, space) with creative activities (art, design). We have engaged with a school in Liverpool and a school in Essex, more recently in Maidstone and Greater Manchester. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The Ideas Foundation provide the creative input, and networking opportunities. |
| Impact | Workshops have been run at LiverpoolFACT and Hockerill Anglo-European College, Maidstone Arts Festival and in Greater Manchester. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | SolarSphere Festival |
| Organisation | SolarSphere Festival |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | The SolarSphere Festival is an annual Science/Music/Crafts festival held in Builth Wells, Wales. HEM has participated on several occasions, giving talks and running SunSpaceArt workshops. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Providing the venue and facilities. |
| Impact | Reaching about 200 family members. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | ASE - the Art and Science of Creativity |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | An article written by Dr Helen Mason 'The Art and Science of Creativity' was published in the Association of Science Educators magazine for Primary school teachers. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://www.ase.org.uk/resources/primary-science/issue-171/art-and-science-of-creativity-mason |
| Description | Association of Science Educators - TeachMeet, 2020, 2021, 2022 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Regular presentation and updates about the SunSpaceArt project at the Association of Science Educators TeachMeets |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020,2021,2022 |
| URL | https://www.ase.org.uk/ |
| Description | Association of Science Educators Conference - Reading, 9-11 Jan, 2020 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | SunSpaceArt workshop for teachers, and participation in the Pop-Up Primary event. Outcome - to inform primary school teachers about our SunSpaceart project. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| URL | https://aseannualconference2020.sched.com |
| Description | Association of Science Educators, ASE, SunSpaceArt Workshops for teachers |
| 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 | SunSpaceArt workshops for teachers have been run at several national (ASE conferences, 2019, Birmingham, 2020, Reading) and international (PSEC - Primary Science Educators Conference, 2019) events, reaching many hundreds of teachers. Dedicated SunSpaceArt CPD sessions have also been run at other teachers' events in Manchester and East Anglia. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018,2019,2020 |
| URL | https://aseannualconference2020.sched.com/dr_helen_e_mason.1x3s33fx |
| Description | Astronomy and Geophysics - We Love STEAM |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The SunSpaceArt team have written an article about their activities which has been published in Asronomy and Geophysics, February 2021. This is the magazine of the Royal Astronomical Society which has a very large circulation, both in peint and online. The article called 'We Love STEAM' celebrates the achievement of the SunSpaceArt team, and in particular how they have adapted their activities during the COVID19 pandemic over the past year. It contains some beautiful exaples of artwork by children. We are grateful for all the support which STFC has given us. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://ras.ac.uk/journals/astronomy-and-geophysics |
| Description | Astronomy talks and participation in Astronomy Festivals |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Members of the SunSpaceArt team (in particular Emma Wride, AstroCymru, and Helen Mason) have participated in several on-line Astronmy Festivals (Elan Dark Valley, SolarSphere, Cardiff Science Festival, ASE StarGazing) and also given talks to astronomy clubs (both in the UK and India). These events have involved workshops about the SunSpaceArt project, and also talks about the Sun and Solar Orbiter. These have have been very well received and have resulted in requests for more talks. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020,2021 |
| URL | https://www.elanvalley.org.uk |
| Description | BBC - Radio 4 - In Our Time - Solar Wind, 23 January 2020 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | BBC Radio 4 - In Our Time - Solar Wind, discussion of ESA's Solar Orbiter Mission. Excellent feedback sparking a lot of questions and discussions. Feedback from BBC - R4 ' Thanks so much for all you did to make such a great success of last'weeks programme. Melvyn Bragg was thrilled, and we had lost of enthusiastic messages from listeners who really warmed to the topic, what you said and how you said it. Wonderful.' The reach on the day was 2.5 million, with seveal more million online afterwards. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| URL | https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000dg9n |
| Description | BBC-R4-In Our Time - Solar Wind |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Helen Mason participated in 'In Our Time' about 'Solar Wind - Radio4 and on-line. The discussion included recent solar space missions, NASA's Parker Solar Probe and ESA's Solar Orbiter. The morning broadcast had around 2 million listeners and in the evening 450k. The podcast would have been downloaded (and heard) by around 800k people in the first week, |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | Blackpool - the Sun - SunSpaceArt workshops in collaboration with Prof Robert Walsh, UCLAN |
| 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 | Prof Robert Walsh organised a week long activitiy about 'The Sun' with a stunning artwork (which included real data from SDO), in Blackpool in October 2010 (funded by STFC). The SunSpaceArt team participated, running workshops for over 200 school children. Helen Mason also gave a public lecture. The children and general public were very enthusiastic and asked lots of questions. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://www.uclan.ac.uk/news/blackpool-light-festival.php |
| Description | Cambridge Science Festival |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Members of the Atomic Astrophysics Group, in particular Helen Mason and Giulio Del Zanna, with post-docs and graduate students, regularly participate in the Biennial Open Day at the Centre for Mathematical Sciences, University of Cambridge. They showcase their STFC funded solar research activities and handed out information about STFC science, including around 100 STFC leaflets. This event is always very popular and the number of people reached is thousands. The team engage individuals, both adults and children, with posters, discussions, videos and interactive activities. The people expressed their thanks and appreciation of this outreach activity. The public report an interest in the topic and an increase in their knowledge about solar space research. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015,2017,2019 |
| Description | Continued Professional Development, CPD, for teachers - SunSpaceArt workshops |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Several Continued Professional Development SunSpaceArt workshops have been run remotely in different regions (STEM NE, Bolton, Techniquest, Wales, ASE) for teachers and trainee teachers. The feedback has been excellent. the workshops involve scientific talks (the Sun, Mars, Moon) and some craft activities which the teacers can then use in the classroom. These have been led by Helen Mason, Helen Schell and Emma Wride (AstroCymru) SunSpaceArt team. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020,2021,2022 |
| URL | https://stemfest.org.uk/helen-schell-dr-helen-mason/ |
| Description | Festival of Tomorrow, 2021 and 2022 |
| 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 | Participation in the 'Festival of Tomorrow', online in February 2021 and 'in person' in February 2022. In 2021, we ran a SunSpaceArt workshop in a school, and I gave two lectures, one to the public and one to school children about the latest Solar Science. In 2022, the SunSpaceArt team ran family workshops, which around 400 people (adults and children) participated in. The outcomes were that the participants learnt about the Sun, in particular the UV radiation from the Sun. They also learnt art making techniques and produced some creative artwork. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022 |
| URL | https://www.festivaloftomorrow.com/ |
| Description | Great Science Share _ Botanical Gardens of Wales |
| 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 | In June 2019, the Great Science Share, GSS, was held at the National Botanical Gardens of Wales. Over 200 children nd their teachers participated. There was an exhibition of art work produced as a result of SunSpaceArt workshops run by the SunSpaceArt team (Emma Wride and Sarah Bridgland) at around ten different primary schools in Wales. The children responded extremely well to these Scince + Art activities. Helen Mason participated in the GSS, giving a talk to the children and in the evening giving a public lecture. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://www.ase.org.uk/events/great-science-share |
| Description | HEM promoting solar science on social media - twitter and facebook |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | HEM has very active Twitter and Facebook sites reaching thousands. Posts about space science, astronomy, NASA, ESA, STFC, school activities, Women in STEM, science and art etc. People oftne share or retweet posts about solar science or SunSpaceArt workshops. They express interest and share with others. STFC often shares HEM's posts. Connections are made with teachers, who request more information or school workshops. People often express an increase in their knowledge about the Sun and space. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015,2016,2017,2018,2019,2020,2021,2022 |
| URL | https://twitter.com/helen_hm11 |
| Description | IAU - Communicating Astronomy to the Public, May 2021 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Online talk given at the IAU - CAP 2021 meeting about the SunSpaceArt project |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://www.iau.org/science/meetings/past/2563/ |
| Description | International Women's Day - Invited talk at the IAU Women in Astronomy meeting (online) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Invited talk at the IAU, Enterprising Women in Astronomy, session as part of International Women's Day, 8 March 2022. Very good feedback about careers. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNzYzFwropY |
| Description | Keynote lecture on the SunSpaceArt project at the 5th Asia Pacific Solar Physics Meeting, Pune |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Helen Mason was invited to give a keynote address on the SunSpace Art project at the 5th Asia Pacific Conference, held at IUCAA, Pune in February 2020. This was very well received. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| URL | https://www.iucaa.in/~apspm/ |
| Description | National Astronomy Meeting - July 2021, Sketching the stars |
| 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 | Organised and participated in a lively session called 'Sketching the star' with astronomers and artists, online at the NAM 2021. We had a very animated session and good feedback about STEAM (STEM + Arts) activities. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://nam2021.org/ |
| Description | Online talks to university and school students in India |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Invited talks given to university and school students in India on 7 September 2020 and 1 March 2022, about Solar Research, reaching hundreds of students, and available on YouTube, with very good feedback. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020,2022 |
| Description | Public lectures and talks at schools by Helen Mason |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Helen Mason has given many talks to schools and public lectures. These have been to students of all ages, primary, secondary, sixth formers, undergraduates and post-graduates. In addition there have been talks to Astronomy Clubs, branches of the IoP, Women in Science Events, Science Festivals, Solar Sphere Festival, at the Royal Astronomical Society and the Royal Observatory Greenwich. She has reached thousands of people. The feedback has been very good, leading to further requests for talks. She has distributed information about STFC science. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016,2017,2018,2019,2020 |
| Description | RAL - 14th Appleton Space Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Invited talk about the STFC funded SunSpaceArt project. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| URL | https://www.ralspace.stfc.ac.uk/Pages/14th-Appleton-Space-Conference.aspx |
| Description | Science Museum - The Sun Exhibition |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The SunSpaceArt team have engaged with several events and activities related to 'the Sun - Living with our Star' exhibition at the Science Museum, London (a Panel discission for 8Mins dance, 5 Oct. 2018, Family Sun Festivals, 3 & 4 Nov., 2018, 2 & 3 March 2019, the Lates, 28 Nov. 2018, the 'Night Owls', 8 Dec. 2018, March 2020. The team engaged with over 1300 people, adults and children, the participants stayed on average 30mins doing SunSpaceArt activities. The team answered many questions about solar research, and gave out over 500 STFC leaflets. The feedback from individuals and the Science museum has been exceptional. The team have been invited back to the Science Museum for other events. They have also subsequently been contacted by school teachers and other individuals seeking further information. The SunSpaceArt team also invited two younger researchers to join them, as a training exercise. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018,2019,2020 |
| URL | https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/see-and-do/the-sun-living-with-our-star |
| Description | Sun, Space and Art workshops in primary schools |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Sun, Space and Art workshops bring together scientists and artists to work in primary schools. The results have been impressive, beautiful art work and an enrichment of science in the schools, with lots of questions from the children. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016,2017,2018,2019,2020 |
| Description | SunSpaceArt STEAM (Arts+STEM) online festival, 15 February 2021 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The SunSpaceArt STEAM (Arts + STEM) festival was held on 15 February 2021. All members of the SunSpaceArt team participated, hosted by Helen Mason and Emma Wride. The STEAM festival (11am-11pm) was facilitated by Pete Williamson (https://www.peterwilliamson.co.uk/), presenters were hosted on Zoom, fed through to YouTube and AstroRadio. The reach on YouTube on the day (was several hundred, and on AstroRadio was thousands. The programme was diverse, targetted at children during the daytime, and adults in the evening. It comprised of science talks, poets, music, crafts and dance. Other prestigious people from the Arts and space science communities participated. It was a very successful event. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | http://sunspaceart.org |
| Description | SunSpaceArt Workshops |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | SunSpaceArt workshops have been run in over 80 schools across the UK. Artists and scientists have been working together with the children and teachers to enhance scientific knowledge and creativity. The workshops have been very successful, with a high demand for more from many teachers and schools across the UK. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016,2017,2018,2019,2020 |
| Description | SunSpaceArt workshops in schools (in person and remote) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | SunSpaceArt workshops have been run in over 10 primary schools per annum, 'in person' and 'on-line' (details given on STFC PE spreadsheet). The feedback has been exceptional. 'For the students, it was inspiring to speak with two female scientists (Geraldine Cox and Steph Yardley, SSA team) as role models for working in the scientific field. A wide range of knowledge was provided, but well balanced with questioning and interaction with the class.' the teachers reported an increased interest in science and the creative arts. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020,2021,2022 |
| URL | http://sunspaceart.org |
| Description | SunSpaceArt.org and associated resources (worksheets and videos) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | The SunSpaceArt.org website was released in spring 2020 to assist schools and home learning. In addition, extra resources were provided on the website, including 'Make it..' worksheets and videos, led by Helen Schell in collaboration with Art Matters Now. These have been very successful, with the hit rate for the website averaging 50 hits per day, but sometimes exceeding 100 per day. The videos are held on the SunSpaceArt YouTube site and are also a getting significant number of views. The feedback from teachers has been very good. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020,2021,2022 |
| URL | http://sunspaceart.org |
| Description | Talks relating to Women in Science |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Helen Mason has given many talks about her own career, relating to careers for Women in Science (some are on-line). She gave a talk at the RAS for International Women's Day, a keynote address for Cambridge AWISE and talks to STEM undergraduates in Bath (Feb. 2019) and UCL (Jan 2019) about her career in solar space science. The young students and postgraduates asked many questions about the science and about careers. She has had several blogs written about her, for example by the European Geophysical Union. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018,2019 |
| URL | https://blogs.egu.eu/divisions/st/2017/12/15/dr-helen-mason-solar-space-missions-a-life-with-the-sun... |
| Description | Talks to Sixth Form students about Solar Space Science |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Helen Mason has given talks to many sixth form students at their schools and at school conferences. the students are always eager to learn about solar space science, what we have learnt and future projects, such as ESA's solar Orbiter. They ask some very interesting questions. They are keen to learn more about career opportunities in STEM subjects. As a consequence, HEM has been invited to visit other schools. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016,2017,2018,2019,2020 |
| Description | The Spotty Sun |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The Spotty Sun was an article written by Helen Mason and published in Topical Science Updates, an online magazine for primary school teachers. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | The Sun, our star, lecture to school children, IUCAA SciPop, Pune, India, February 2020 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Helen Mason gave a lecture to several hundred school students about the Sun, our star, in Pune, India in February 2020. There were lots of questions from the students, and very good feedback. The talk was also repeated for another group of students by a colleague at IUCAA SciPop in the local dialect. Helen Mason was available to answer questions. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| URL | http://scipop.iucaa.in/ |
| Description | UK Solar Physics - Invited talk - 'Solar Spectroscopic Diagnostics - A Personal Perspective' |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | A talk about Helen Mason's career in solar physics to inspire younger researchers and tudents. Good feedback. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBgiFrM-eVM |
| Description | Work with schools and teachers in India |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Helen Mason has worked with many teachers and school children in India, during her visits in November 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. This work has been carried out mainly at IUCAA, Pune, India, but also at the Nehru Planetarium, New Delhi and in Tamil Nadu. She has given several public lectures. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016,2017,2018,2020 |
| URL | http://punemirror.indiatimes.com/pune/cover-story//articleshow/31241616.cms |
| Description | Workshops, training events for teachers |
| 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 | The SunSpaceArt team led by Helen Mason have run many training events for primary school teachers, with ESERO, at the ASE, with SEERIH (University of Manchester), RAL, Space Camps UK, East Anglia and locally. The teachers have expressed a great interest in the SunSpaceArt project, requesting further information and visits to schools. The team have distributed hundreds of STFC leaflets (Sun and Moon) and informed individuals about how to order them online.. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016,2017,2018,2019,2020 |