Hangouts in the classroom with Spacelink - to extend and develop communication between Space Science and Education Communities

Aim
The aim of this project is to build on our successful pilot of using Google Hangouts to connect schools with scientists in order to inspire young people of primary and secondary school age, teachers and other groups throughout the wider community, to engage with STEM subjects. By offering direct access to scientists talking about their own work in space-related subjects, we aim enhance the opportunities offered by science education in schools and promote careers in STEM.

Information and news about upcoming Hangouts will be disseminated though our website (http://spacelink.org/meet-an-astronaut/active-zone/google-hangouts/), our Twitter account @SpacelinkLF, our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/spacelinklf/) and via our GDPR-compliant mailing list. In addition, we will spread awareness of our Hangout programme through our annual "Get Space!" Days (http://spacelink.org/get-space/); these are Spacelink's flagship events that have been attended by over 20 schools and have included keynote talks and activities delivered by space education experts including Helen Mason, Heather MacRae, Winchester Science Centre, STEMNET and SSTL.

We will attend events such as the ASE (Association for Science Education) annual and regional conferences in Liverpool and Guildford respectively, and outreach sessions at the National Astronomy Meeting (NAM). Our Patron, Dr Helen Sharman and our Trustees (who include Prof Chris Welch of the International Space University, Dr Sheila Kanani of the Royal Astronomical Society, Anita Heward of Europlanet/Twinkle Space Mission and Dr Jenny Shipway, freelance science communicator) all provide active support for Spacelink and help us to raise awareness through their network of contacts.