A virtual co-creation collaboration between a university physics research group and school students

Abstract

This work aims to inspire, ignite and engage school students to consider STEM at university, by collaborating between a university research group and school students. Learning resources will be co-created with students, based on what they have learnt and their new ideas. These resources will be used to teach future students, in a multiplying effect. We specifically target a widening participation school. Numerous engagement techniques have been used to sustain participation whilst teaching online. Breakout rooms have been used extensively, to provide close interactions between researchers and students. Both male and female researchers deliver the project, to provide role models in particular for the girls amongst the students, who are in the minority. Surveys are being employed before, during and after the project to evaluate the evolution of students' attitudes towards STEM. Given the projected success of this pilot, plans are in place for a national roll-out of virtual co-creation collaborations.