The Science ShopPromoting student engagement with

the community sector.

Claire Mulrone

The Science Shop: So what is it?

The Science Shop is a community outreach initiative working with community groups, voluntary agencies and social enterprises across Northern Ireland.

The Science Shop engages students across a variety of disciplines in community based projects undertaking the work as part of their course.

Groups put forward ideas, students/staff provide the knowledge and together we get results for the community or voluntary partners.

The Science Shop : Why the name?

The Science Shop is based on a Dutch model.

Translated from the Dutch word wetenschapswinkle.

Science is translated as knowledge.

International Network of Science Shops.

The Science Shop

Community partners include :

Community groups. Voluntary agencies/umbrella organisations. Charities local & international. Social Enterprises.

The Science Shop : Projects requested..

Evaluation of a community service. Market research. Scoping exercises. Policy reviews. Public perception surveys.

The Science Shop : The demand for help

Requirement of funding body. Review of existing service provision. Resource implications. Independent evidence based project to support funding

application. Lobbying. The Science Shop is a free resource.

The Science Shop : Engaging students!

Request access to students. Presentation: final semester 2ndyr or 1st semester final yr. Dissertations (normally 12 to 24 weeks) Module projects (12 weeks) Individual engagement with students. Direct negotiations with partner. Completion of project. Dissemination of results to partner. Evaluation.

The Science Shop : Completed Projects

Managing volunteers: exploring a best practice model or the management of volunteers in Health and Social Care settings.

Explore online technologies in order to create a strategy for Charitable/third sector organisations in Northern Ireland

Design an disability educational pack to be used in primary schools.

The Science Shop : Completed Projects

Explore the smacking controversy in Northern Ireland, recording views, attitudes and beliefs of a sample of students training in professional areas.

A criminological analysis into secondary school teachers’ perceptions and knowledge of restorative justice and the youth conferencing service.

Develop a public relations strategy for the voices of young people in care.

The Science Shop : Students undertaking module projects

Marketing Management module : Coleraine : 85 final year students.

Account Management and Planning module : Magee : 36 second year students.

Vertical Project : Coleraine : 50 final year students.

The Vertical Project

Compulsory final year module in Geography Final year student lead a science shop project Project manage first and second year students. First & Second year students members learn from older

students. Complete a Science Shop project in the first semester Statistical reports provided to groups

The Vertical Project

The Science Shop Vertical Statistics 2009

Final Year students 50Second year students 50First year students 50 Total 150

The Vertical Project

Assessment Final Year

(a) project report 35% (b) log book 35% (c) Seminar 20% (d) GANT chart / Plan 10%

First and second years (a) Project report/seminar/reflective report (b) Peer assessment

The Vertical Project

The Science Shop Vertical Projects 2009

Carry out an audit with local businesses in Coleraine, determine how best to collect information needed by the Town Centre Management.

Explore the students perceived role of the Students Union before they attend university, across all Ulster campuses.

Examine how the credit crunch will affect the general publics contribution to local and international charities.

The Vertical Project

Principles/Skills

Students learning from each other; Group dynamics/ leadership skills

Time Management/problem solving/communication skills Real world application Collaboration with partners

The Science Shop Opportunities

Broader applicability of the Vertical Project Model Suitable for many subject areas Increases employability/application of knowledge Transferable key skill development Student focused learning experience Group and student evaluation Certificate of achievement Competition/Science Shop Award