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Citizen Science is
designed to be instrumental in engaging young people and teachers in
discussion about bio-medical science issues that affect society today.
Funded by the Wellcome Trust, Citizen Science was set up by the
At-Bristol Education team and the University of Bristol, along with
teachers and scientists. The project created opportunities for students
to engage in informed debate and gives teachers support in using new
debate formats in the classroom. |
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Cloning, nanotechnology,
genetic testing, plastic surgery, childhood obesity and animal rights are
just a few of the current controversial science-related issues that at
some point we’ll all need to make choices about.
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over 30 nationwide events per year delivered in partnership with
teachers and other education professionals. Science experts,
ethicists, public bodies and government groups joined young
people in a diverse range of experimental education techniques including
drama, video conferencing, filming, using experts and professional
decision making processes. The techniques found to be most effective are
being shared with teachers and science centre staff across the UK through
this site and a series of professional development days. |
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Young people and
education professionals helped to direct this project through our Steering
group, Teacher advisory panel, partnership teachers and consultation
events with young people.
For further information
regarding Citizen Science At-Bristol please join the
Citizen Science mailing list or contact:
Edel
Fletcher
Learning and Programmes Manager (formal)
At-Bristol
Anchor Road
Harbourside
Bristol
BS1 5DB |
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Information Line
0845 345 1235
Email Citizen Science
citizenscience@at-bristol.org.uk
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At-Bristol is an award winning science and discovery centre. Its
exhibitions have a number of exhibits designed to actively engage the
public in expressing their views about topical science issues. |
The At-Bristol Education and Programmes
team has run ethical debates as well as events and activities that focus
entirely on discussing and debating particular areas of science’s impact
on society.
At-Bristol has excellent links with local schools and with schools
working on innovative projects further afield, as well as organizations
that work with schools, such as the LEAs, SETPOINTs, Connexions, DfES,
National Grid for Learning, Becta, etc.
Wellcome Trust
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The Wellcome Trust is an independent research-funding charity,
established under the will of Sir Henry Wellcome in 1936. |
It is funded
from a private endowment, which is managed with long-term stability and
growth in mind.
Its mission is 'to foster and promote research with the aim of improving
human and animal health'. To this end, it supports 'blue skies' research
and applied clinical research. It also encourages the exploitation of
research findings for medical benefit.
Reflecting the profound impact today's research will have on society, the
Wellcome Trust also seeks to raise awareness of the medical, ethical and
social implications of research and promote dialogue between scientists,
the public and policy makers.
University of Bristol
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The University of Bristol’s Graduate School of Education will evaluate
the Citizen Science At-Bristol project. |
In the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise
the School was rated 5* - the highest grade of excellence, given to only
two out of 83 University Departments of Education in the UK. The school
runs a PGCE science course and was one of the first universities to run
PGCE programme with Citizenship as its primary focus.
The Graduate School
of Education has a wealth of other activity in this area and is
delivering funded projects from TTA, DFES as well as charitable trusts.
The School has a Values Development Unit led by Dr Ruth Deakin-Crick.
Prof Rosamund Sutherland, current Director of Research and Head of School
Elect is At-Bristol’s key partner. The evaluation team consists of Pat
Triggs and Sally Duensing.
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Partners