BIG Feedback - Inquiring Minds session

All of our sessions were structured to give...

An experience of the project through either a 'show and tell' with people who had taken part in the project or 'hands on' experience of the project followed by participant group problem solving on aspects of the project that we would like to address in the future - e.g. how might the project be used in schools and what additional resources would be needed to do that

Often a creative framework would be given to participants through which to structure the group problem solving exercise. Each group would then at the end of the session feedback to the whole group with their ideas collated in the form of a group 'poster' that we could take home with us.

We also got some post-session feedback some of which is detailed below.

The Manchester Science Group will look at all of this feedback and ideas for thinking about taking the projects further. We hope that this might also involve further collaboration with some of people that expressed an interest in the project during these feedback sessions as well as letting people know what's happening with the projects.

Inquiring Minds Session - post-session feedback

'I thought it was an excellent project and the seminar was really well structured. It was great to be able to feel like everyone could contribute and learn from each other.

Feedback forms are also good practice'

'Thanks for 2 great sessions (Inquiring Minds + day in the life) I'd be really interested to hear the next steps of a day in the life project and roll-out UK-wide. Loved your feedback sessions.'

'Really enjoyed the concept of this project. I think it could be good tool to break down the myths of 'stuffy' science (boring lab work, collections, paperwork, books etc) that potentially put people off science in school. Its a great tool that can be used to show the diversity of science and that it can be fun! Promoting to schools is good - what about promoting to youth groups and also promoting women in science?'

'Really liked the way you structured the session - giving us a process to work through and valuing our ideas. I'm keen to hear more about what you do.'

'Great way of tackling the problems associated with image of scientists... however, the photos need to be embedded in a storyline in which scientists appear to get satisfaction from what they do. Also include stories of how scientists decided to become scientists. There is always a funny and human story behind it.' (see comment below)

'Brilliant! I'd be interested in being involved via the Science, Engineering Ambassador's Scheme or (and?) using our exhibition space to display the large (commissioned) photos.'

'Really brilliant i want to use the idea'

'Very interesting project- looking forward to seeing what develops in future'

Comment
What's been invaluable about this process has been the opportunity to build on existing ideas, introduce new ones and enable us to see potential connections between these projects and others that are ongoing. For example - we have a video project called 'Why Science?' which gives a humourous look at how scientists got involved in science as a career in the first place. Combining 'Why science?' with 'A day in the life' is certainly something we will explore.