Student outreach programme at the STFC Rutherford Appleton

LaboratoryJo Lewis, Education and Public Outreach Manager

Using experts to build a successful programme

• Teacher in Residence scheme

• Pilot computer programming masterclass

• Building a pool of experts

Teacher in Residence• Pilot• Full year• What they did

Pre-defined aims:1. Learn about a range of STFC research and

facilities2. Use this knowledge to identify curriculum links

to STFC science and technology3. Define, agree and produce a resource which

can be used by schools in the future4. Mobilise and inspire STFC scientists and

engineers to support outreach work 5. Advise the Science in Society team about best

practice for working with schools, teachers and young people

Teacher in Residence outcomes

✔✔

✔?

✔

OutputsBy the end of the programme we had

achieved the aims and now have:• A new exhibit for our Visitor Centre• New resources for use in schools and

on site• Teacher packs to accompany

Backstage Science films• A handbook for staff giving tours in 3

of our main departments

Rutherford’s Gold Foil

Experiment

Click here to view a video of a modern day reconstruction of

the experiment

a)The majority of alpha particles were deflected off at an angle

b)The majority of the alpha particles rebounded straight back off the gold

c)The majority of alpha particles became embedded in the gold leaf

d)The majority of the alpha particles travelled in a straight line through the gold foil

Which is true?

Pilot computer programming masterclass

• Idea suggested by supervisors• For students coming on work experience• Staff designing & running; I give support• Pot of money for pilot

Building a pool of experts

Support and encouragement

Opportunities

Training

Peer learning

Observation

STEM Ambassador

Interested staff member

TRAINING

TRAINING & PRACTICE

e.g. events guide training; core

communication training

Presenter Teacher Debater

Expert Presenter Expert Teacher Expert Debater

PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE

TRAINING & PRACTICE

e.g. linking with a school

TRAINING & PRACTICE

e.g. facilitation training

The future• We intend to run the Teacher in Residence

scheme again in 2012-13• Using their final reports to ask for feedback

on the process and support• Getting detailed feedback from students

involved in computer programming masterclass – and the staff!

• Piloting our training and progression on next year’s second year graduates

Thank youjo.lewis@stfc.ac.uk

www.stfc.ac.uk/teacherswww.backstagescience.com