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Science and Technology

Introduction: 

A small number of Transformation Fund projects included aspects of science in their learning programmes, such as the 'The S Factor - Where Science meets You' project by the UK Resource Centre for Women project and 'Alive to Learning' by Science Alive.  Many more included digital technology, and details of these projects can be found on the page featuring Digital learning, ICT and Computing.

Our Findings

Science and Technology Projects

Alive to Learning

Science Alive
Science Alive, a learning provider, worked with a range of partners to offer a series of hands-on, practical, informal learning workshops to convey the excitement of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and their relevance to everyday life. It offered adult learners (including disadvantaged families, parents and carers and learners with low self-esteem and/or few qualifications including unemployed people) a range of science-based informal learning activities, including ICT skills for older learners; an introduction to STEM in everyday life; storytelling; an accessible introduction to the National Curriculum and science in schools; and developing presentation skills through performing arts. They aimed to build confidence and basic skills and help people move onto further opportunities including further learning and career redirection.

The S Factor - Where Science meets You

UK Resource Centre for Women
Led by UKRC (with the Museum of Science and Industry Manchester and Thackray Museum, Leeds, Otley Science Festival and South Leeds Community Radio with Vera Media), the S Factor project stimulated participation in, and debate of, science issues and learning through a series of exciting discussions, events and shows. Highlighting the work of women scientists, S Factor events took place in community centres, science museums and science festivals – attracting a wide range of people from different backgrounds. The events were able to bring in people who wouldn’t normally choose to learn about science and utilised wide-ranging formats from radio phone-ins, public debates with high-profile figures, interactive science workshops, a comedy show and science Q&A sessions in cafe settings, all featuring women scientists. The project had 3 key themes; community engagement, museum outreach and gender equality within public engagement in science, and the use of technology and radio broadcasting successfully promoted learner engagement.