Asking, investigating and Sharing can happen anywhere

In 2022, The Horniman Museum and Colchester Zoo were supported to host their very first Great Science Share for Schools event which were roaring successes. The impact inspired the teams to get planning for #GSSfS2023.

Is there a space or place near you that might get involved?
From an initial meeting with GSSfS Champion, Kulvinder Johal, the excitement and enthusiasm grew as discussions with staff developed a relationship that led to the sharing of the key values and approach that GSSfS promotes. Having run several events as a GSSfS Champion in the London region, Kulvinder felt it was time to reach out to new spaces and venues to broaden the reach and impact beyond the school gates. She also considered it an ideal way to enhance the profile of science across communities!

Since then, she’s been non-stop recruiting. From the success at Colchester Zoo, Kulvinder inspired the involvement of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo who are both keen to get involved in the future.

“This was a great opportunity for the pupils to share their learning and showcase it to fellow pupils! Brilliant for developing a great team and independence.”
— Teacher, GSSfS 2022, Colcester Zoo

Some ideas when encouraging non-school based organisations to host a GSSfS!

  • Find the win-win: It’s important that GSSfS satisfies the needs of both parties. The organisation needs to embrace the key values of the campaign - non competitive, collaborative and child-led - and at the same time, you’ll need to listen to what they need too; everyone has to benefit to make this work. If this means flexing your original plans to make it work, then flex we must!

  • Consider costs: Stepping outside the school gates can mean additional costs for travel and potential hire costs for spaces which wouldn’t apply in school. Accessing funding, e.g. this year’s £500 event sponsorship, raising funds through cake-sales etc. can be ways to support this. Be savvy, and negotiate to keep costs down. GSSfS’ don’t take much investment, and this shouldn’t become a limiting factor.

  • Raise the profile : It’s a prime opportunity to involve your local MP, newspapers and community groups. Science events where the pupils are sharing their investigations are great for local news stories, and ideal to involve newly elected MPs!

And so we grow! Other Great places involved in sharing great science…

  • The Duxford Imperial War Museum: their education officers loved the idea of the pupils leading on the sharing and communicating of science

  • Summit Aviation in Thanet (Kent): organised by a colleague and Primary Science Teaching Trust Fellow, Nathan Williams

  • St Mary’s University Twickenham: organised by Alex Sinclair and team

“I really liked everything but my favourite part was sharing.”
— Pupil at GSSfS 2022, Colchester Zoo

Get Involved

The Great Science Share for Schools is designed for any group or organisation working with school-aged pupils. As you have read above, it can be adapted to different settings, whether that’s cultural spaces like libraries, museums or art galleries, or outdoor spaces such as gardens, zoos and parks.

GREAT science Sharing takes place everywhere.

Pioneered in Manchester - making a difference worldwide.

where will you share science on 13th June 2023?

Interested in getting involved in 2024? Get in touch for support on Twitter @GreatSciShare, or by email at greatscishare@manchester.ac.uk

With thanks to Kulvinder Johal, GSSfS Champion