Science is for Parents Too. (360G-Wellcome-099522_Z_12_Z)

The project will promote adult engagement with biomedical sciences through a sustained learning programme for parents (with limited scientific education) of primary school children. As a result of this science enrichment initiative, parents will be better able to support their children's education and career options with regard to the sciences. Broadly aligned to the Key Stage 2 science curriculum, we will focus primarily on biomedical science, with elements of complementary chemistry, physics a nd maths through a biomedical lens to demonstrate the relationships between the sciences. Our proposition is that raising aspiration is best effected by cascading learning through the family, to ensure that education becomes recognised as a viable proposition for all within a household. The intention is to make an impact on both the adults who engage directly and their immediate family circle, in an attempt to make bioscience a topic for family conversation, encourage scientific questioning, and erode past negative experiences. The learning experience will be delivered in a creative and imaginative way, with practical demonstrations of concepts, complemented by science site visits and experiments which can be undertaken with the family. We perceive this as a pilot which will develop a sustainable teaching resource that could be deployed elsewhere. It will be delivered in partnership with the National Science Learning Centre which will host taught sessions; the possible longer-te rm ambition however is to upscale the project and deliver via the regional Science Learning Centres and NSLC partners in the devolved nations, to gain national coverage.