Thousands of young people shared scientific questions at a special event hosted by the University, for the first time, in collaboration with the University of Manchester.
School pupils from across the globe took part in the Great Science Share for Schools as it celebrated its annual Share Day. Throughout the year, teachers of 5-14 years olds have the chance to upskill in their own knowledge and skills of teaching science enquiry, using innovative resources and ideas related to the theme of Sustainable Science to involve their pupils in asking and investigating scientific questions that matter to them.
This week teachers and their pupils came together in celebratory events both in-person in Maxwell Hall, and online, across the UK and beyond, to share what they have learnt with their peers, family, industry professionals and the general public.
The pupils had the opportunity to ask the University’s Vice Chancellor Professor Nic Beech questions and heard from one of the University’s early career researchers Dr Kevwe Olomu.
Prof Andy Miah, who helped organise the event, said: “The Great Science Share is a remarkable legacy of the 2016 Manchester City of Science year, which built region wide collaborations. We are delighted to be supporting this event again in such an important year in its history.”
This year’s theme was Sustainable Science, with a focus on the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. Some of the questions shared this year, include:
- How could we prevent the polar ice caps melting?
- Which fruit or vegetable is most likely to be able to power an electric car?
- What effects does plastic pollution have on wildlife?
- Which fabrics shed less fibres and are therefore better for the environment?
- Can we increase the biodiversity in our school?
The Great Science Share for Schools (GSSfS) campaign was launched by Professor Lynne Bianchi, Vice Dean for Social Responsibility at The University of Manchester, to provide a unique way to elevate the prominence of science in the classroom, focussing on learner-focussed science communication, inclusive and non-competitive engagement, and promoting collaboration.
Supported by a team of specialists, they have an approach that is supported across the STEM sector, and actively involves research from a range of fields including quantum science, fashion materials, computing and the creative industries.
Earlier this year, the campaign was granted the prestigious patronage of the United Kingdom National Commission for UNESCO, in recognition of its status as a beacon of excellence in science education and its pivotal role in shaping the next generation of scientists, innovators, and global citizens.
The team’s growth strategy, which monitors the reach and quality of the campaign, sees it develop year on year. Now, in its ninth year, there will be more than 650,000 pupils registered across 40 countries, with schools in Montenegro being some of the latest to join.
Grace Marson, Campaign National Lead for the Great Science Share, said:
“GSSfS provides such an important opportunity to foster pupils’ curiosity and wonder. It is incredible this year to see the campaign growing into more countries, enabling young people across the world to investigate scientific questions important to them. This year’s theme of ‘Sustainable Science’ has global significance for the world we live in today, and the issues our young people will face in their lifetime.”
