Inverness College UHI
8 June 2012
Excellent practice
Inverness Monster Science Festival
For the last two years, the college has organised an annual Inverness Monster
Science Festival, aiming to dispel in an engaging and stimulating way some myths
(‘monsters’) associated with science. The nine-day festival includes high-profile
talks, demonstrations, exhibitions and open days in a diverse range of regional
venues. These include the college, supermarkets, theatres, a shopping centre,
hotels, a local hospital and a wildlife park. To widen access to the festival, road
shows such as the Bionic Ear and Lab in a Lorry also visit schools in more remote
areas. In 2011, the festival attracted over 2,800 visitors, including college learners,
school and nursery pupils and members of the public.
College learners are actively involved in the events in a variety of ways. Science
learners are trained as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
Ambassadors and support the festival as part of their problem solving core skill unit.
In 2010, art learners worked with the science department to create works inspired by
genetics and evolution. A member of teaching staff in science supported the
learners and explained scientific concepts as they worked on their high-quality
designs and sculptures. The artwork were then displayed in venues throughout the
area as part of the festival. In 2011, computing learners designed interactive
sessions dispelling myths about computing, including an informative session on
social media privacy. Learners facilitated these sessions for school children and
adults during public and school open days.
Feedback from festival visitors is very positive. Learners practise and gain important
essential skills related to employability and citizenship, including communication,
team working and dealing with the public. They develop these skills in an enjoyable
and meaningful context and take pride in contributing to learning in the broader
community.
The festival is supported by a range of sponsors, including the Scottish Government,
STEM North, the Richard Dawkins Foundation and local venues and businesses.