SCENE: A novel model for engaging underserved and under-represented audiences in informal science learning activities

Lindsay Keith,Wyn Griffiths

doi:10.14324/rfa.05.2.09

Abstract

Inequitable access to science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) has been explored by multiple studies which have shown that some publics are underserved by existing informal educational and cultural provision, and under-represented in related study choices and careers. Informal science learning (ISL) and public engagement with research activities (such as science festivals) tend to attract audiences which are largely white, middle class and already engaged with STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). This article describes the development of an engagement approach and model through a story-based festival (SMASHfestUK) which was specifically designed to attract new and diverse audiences, including Black and mixed-heritage families, and families living with socio-economic disadvantage. The festival was delivered on five annual occasions, each co-designed with a wide selection of stakeholders, including audiences, researchers, performers, institutions and organizations, and considered as an iterative prototype.

Highlights

This article reports the success of an engagement approach and model in building a new, inclusive science festival attracting up to four thousand local attendees in South East London
Six principles derived from evidence-based literature encapsulated the approach to reaching new, diverse audiences, and these were synthesized into a novel model for inclusive engagement, SCENE (STEAM, community, enquiry, narrative, entertainment)
This paper shows that the SCENE model for engagement was successful in attracting non-traditional and new audiences to events at the story-based festival, SMASHfestUK, and that engagement with STEM can be tailored to underrepresented audiences by co-designing festival formats and content that resonate with those audiences

Summary

Introduction

This article reports the success of an engagement approach and model in building a new, inclusive science festival attracting up to four thousand local attendees in South East London. Visitors were new and diverse audiences: between 40 per cent and 50 per cent of adult attendees each year identified as Black, mixed heritage or another ethnic minority, rising to almost 70 per cent of attendees under 16 years old who reported their ethnicity (measured in 2016 only). Six principles derived from evidence-based literature encapsulated the approach to reaching new, diverse audiences, and these were synthesized into a novel model for inclusive engagement, SCENE (STEAM, community, enquiry, narrative, entertainment). This paper shows that the SCENE model for engagement was successful in attracting non-traditional and new audiences to events at the story-based festival, SMASHfestUK, and that engagement with STEM can be tailored to underrepresented audiences by co-designing festival formats and content that resonate with those audiences. We show that enquiry-based learning with participants immersed in a meaningful story provides an opportunity for participants to experience STEM with agency

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