Evaluation of Science in the Peak
Science in the Peak was a five day event held at the University of Derby, Buxton campus in the summer of 2009. Aimed at Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Key Stage 3 students and local residents, the event offered a variety of STEM- focussed workshops, activities and lectures designed to educate and inspire about subjects and careers in STEM. While long term concerns of the project focussed on the performance of the regional economy, short and medium term aims of the project included pupil and local population targets for attendance, a focus on the issue of stereotyping within STEM, and ensuring that attending schools followed up the experience with learning activities within schools.
iCeGS evaluated the project both in terms of its short term impact on learning and attitudes, and perceptions of Science and other STEM careers. The evaluation also examined aspects of management and financial control. Fieldwork with pupils and teachers from a sample of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire schools was carried out both during and after the event, with a range of stakeholder consultations being conducted both to contextualise and support interpretation of findings. The report found that the event was one that informed and entertained young people at school and those in the local community. Several recommendations were made to support enhancement of future events.
