Inspiring Science

Inspiring Science delivers innovative ways of enthusing teachers and their pupils in science. The aim is to engage and enrich the scientific experience of all participants through partnership schemes, industry links, research enquiries, creative experiences and access to high quality scientific equipment and expertise.

Teacher Scientist Network

The North East Teacher Scientist Network puts the scientific community of both regional universities and industries into contact with local science teachers. The core activity is a network of long term one-to-one teacher-scientist partnerships.

The partnerships:

• support and encourage teachers
• provide real life examples of up-to-date and relevant science
• help to counteract the negative stereotype of scientists
• encourage interaction between scientists, teachers and children
• enrich the teaching experiences in the classroom.

Many teachers encourage classroom visits from the scientist so that their pupils and the scientist get to know one another. The scientist may help the teacher or the pupils develop new investigations and other activities, perhaps by suggesting different contexts or procedures. Occasionally the scientist may make a more direct contribution by illustrating his or her work. As well as offering advice and expertise, some scientists are able to help with resources and materials for a particular section of school science work.

“Great fun and has enabled me to develop materials I can use…”

Find Out More:

Frequently asked questions (Teacher)
Frequently asked questions (Scientist)

To join online you can fill in the form here.

Scientists@Work

Scientists from regional companies and higher education institutions take an enquiry-led approach with secondary school pupils working on projects linked to their industry or area of research. They provide teachers with expert knowledge and support and give pupils the opportunity to experience first hand the work of a ‘real’ scientist, increasing awareness of the attractiveness and diversity of career opportunities in science.

After choosing a research project in advance of their visit, pupils accompanied by their teacher spend a day with a scientist carrying out an enquiry linked to the research interests of the scientist. The students submit a written report which, if successful, results in a final presentation to a judging panel where they are quizzed on their experiences and work.

Click here for further information on Scientists@Work

Science in the Spotlight

Science in the Spotlight is a programme of creative workshop activities involving scientists and artists working collaboratively with teachers and secondary students. Through intensive creative arts workshops, pupils and their teachers explore their understanding and interpretation of a scientific topic. This sci-art project results in a performance of a scientific theatrical piece.

Arts are an effective way of stimulating debate and engaging new audiences with science. Science in the Spotlight provides an opportunity to discover and investigate unfamiliar and often controversial subjects with the aim of developing an informed opinion on the theme.

This project demonstrates significant gains in retention and recall for pupils learning in this way, especially those identified as ‘physical' or ‘inter-personal' learners. The approach is successful in developing pupils’ social and communication skills.

“Really impressed! As an ‘A’ level Biology teacher for 35+ years this carried all the main messages, was exceptionally well portrayed (cell division!!!) and it tells me how difficult science can be made accessible and enjoyable.”

Click here for further information on Science in the Spotlight

Find out More

If you are interested in joining the Teacher Scientist Network or the Kit Club; participating in a Kit Club workshop, Scientists@work or becoming involved in Science in the Spotlight, or if you just want to learn more about opportunities for both teachers and pupils to become involved with working scientists from all disciplines, please contact:

	Claire Willis North East Teacher Scientist Network Coordinator Science Learning Centre North East Telephone: 0191 370 6215 Email: claire.willis@durham.ac.uk