Who?
Calling all NERC scientists who’d like to help champion the next generation of environmental advocates by engaging with a multicultural group of young people from areas of low socioeconomic background (scientists of BAME communities themselves, and/or from Edinburgh area particularly welcome)
When/Where?
Weds 5th Nov 4-5:30pm
Weds 18th Nov 4-5:30pm
Weds ?? End Nov/Start Dec – potential third session TBC
Ideally in-person in Edinburgh, but could be online.
What?
30-45 min ‘Meet the Scientist’ and Q&A, with a couple of short, hands-on activities for the young people to take part in. They are particularly interested in the ocean and also in dinosaurs.
Contact:
Dynamic Earth: emma.clark@dynamicearth.org.uk or 0131 523 1205.
Detail:
Dynamic Earth are currently running a project called Next Gen Earth which is a national youth-led programme run by the Association for Science and Discovery Centres and funded by NERC. The project aims to champion the next generation of environmental advocates.
Part of this project involves bringing together local scientists and community groups. I am working with a community group based in Edinburgh called Multicultural Family Base. We have had an introductory session in which the young people indicated that they have a specific interest in the ocean and in palaeontology. They have also mentioned that they are keen to understand environmental science’s impact on everyday life such as sports, technology, and animals.
The young people involved all come from areas of low socioeconomic background in Edinburgh, and the majority of them are from the BAME community. Many of them have said they don’t feel like they are represented in science, and that environmental sciences are not for people like them. I’d love for this project to be an opportunity to provide some really positive role models for them. So while any scientist who is keen to be involved would be massively appreciated, if there is anyone from the BAME community themselves who would like to be involved, that might have an even bigger impact.
There are two sessions that they could join; 4-5.30pm on Wednesday 5th and 19th November. And a potential third although date is to be confirmed (probably 6/11, 20/11, or 11/12).
Ideally the scientist would be able to join us in person, but if not, we could also facilitate a 30-45 min ‘Meet the Scientist’ and Q&A online if they are based far from Edinburgh. It would be amazing if the scientist could plan a couple of short, hands on activities for the young people to take part in when they are here. I am more than happy to assist with the planning of these.
I’d like to confirm someone by the end of this week if possible, and they are welcome to contact me directly at emma.clark@dynamicearth.org.uk.
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