ASDC has co-developed a Theory of Change that defines, guides, supports and evidences meaningful practice in values-led, inclusive STFC science engagement within our Informal Science Learning sector.
Our aim is to value equity and inclusion in science engagement for its many positive impacts for individuals and society, and as the key to unlocking more diverse participation in STEM research, development, industry and innovation for the future.
The development of this piece of work depended on close work with Informal Science Learning researchers, collaboration with the British Science Association, and in-depth understanding from the science and discovery centre network of practitioners and their community partners.
As part of this development work, grants of £9,500 were awarded to 12 science and discovery centres for in-depth exploration of participant experiences, working with community partners to provide evidence and explore the areas and assumptions of the developing Valuing Inclusion Theory of Change.
The science and discovery centres awarded the grants were:
- Aberdeen Science Centre
- Armagh Observatory and Planetarium
- Cambridge Science Centre
- Catalyst Science Discovery Centre
- Dundee Science Centre
- Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh
- Jodrell Bank Centre of Engagement, Chester
- National Space Centre, Leicester
- Royal Astronomical Society, London
- Techniquest, Cardiff
- W5, Belfast
- We The Curious, Bristol
ASDC can now be confident our Theory of Change comes from a strong, evidence-informed and validated standpoint, describing how individuals from lower science capital backgrounds can progress – utilising inclusive STFC engagement experiences to grow confidence and STEM identity – to a point where they are open to choosing STEM in their daily lives and for future aspirations.
The project evaluation assessed and confirmed the legitimacy and consistency of the six outcome areas used to evaluate inclusion in these ISL contexts. In total the data from thirteen centres was utilised in the final evaluation report, with full impacts, analysis and recommendations for future development explored in the separate external Evaluation report (below) on Explore Your Universe: Valuing Inclusion (Jen DeWitt & Sophie Bartlett, 2024). The programmes achieved positive shifts in responses collected across all evaluation statements pertaining to the six inclusive outcome areas of Agency and ownership, Relevance, Belonging, Skills development, Social connection and Possible selves.
You can read the full Evaluation Report by downloading the document below
Evaluation Report (Explore Your Universe Valuing Inclusion 2024)
“These results are especially encouraging given the broad range of STFC science subjects covered and the diversity of participants, including youth groups, individuals with neurodivergence, those from low socioeconomic background, LGBTQ+ groups, and non-native English speakers. The success of these initiatives highlights the substantial impact inclusive informal science engagement can have on young people’s social and emotional outcomes, including broadening their aspirations and feeling more connected with science.” ~Jen DeWitt & Sophie Bartlett, evaluation report (July 2024)
The project is funded by the Science Technology Facilities Council (STFC) part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
