Dana Centre outreach Taking science events to new audiences Elin Simonsson – Khadija Khan Science Museum - London.
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Dana Centre outreach
Taking science events to new audiences
Elin Simonsson – Khadija KhanScience Museum - London
What is the Dana Centre• Linked to the Science Museum
• Events about science, medicine and technology
• Different event formats
• Target audience: adults 18-45
• Aim: to actively engage target audience in different science issues.
• Aim: to attract new audiences to debates about science issues
www.danacentre.org.uk
Who visits the Dana Centre
• 88.6% white ethnic background
• 77.6% visit science museums at least once/year
• 62.9% visit public science debates at least once/year
• Higher proportion from Kensington and Chelsea.
Why some people may not attend!
• Parents with young children
• Economically disadvantaged communities
• Cultural and religious reasons
• Pre-conceived ideas of the event
• Fear of Science
• Distance
Why outreach?
• Only way to reach certain communities
• Helps to break down barriers
• It fits with the overall aims of the Dana Centre
The Event
• Drugs and the Brain • Forum Theatre• Voting - Personal
Response System
The event at the Dana Centre
Why Walthamstow?
• Previous partnership
• Reach audiences that possibly couldn’t come: – The learning centre could provide other
activities for participants’ children– Based within their local area– Community already familiar with and trust
Waltham Forest Learning organisation
Learning about the outreach event…
• In-depth observation of event
• Focus group• Interviews
…and of course, learning from previous experience
Motivations for attending
• Family Day Out• Opportunity to learn
about issues relating to them as a parent.
• Passionate about subject matter– Personal experience– Concerns for their
children
Needs of this Audience
• Issues need to be directly relevant to people’s every day life
• A need for more follow up resources– Where to get more
information– Who to contact
• Dietary needs• Suitable time and location• Child support on the day
Potential Obstacles• Open door events
mean unpredictable attendance
• Suspicion about outside organisations
• Other priorities – Eastenders– Religious dates
Tips for science event outreach
• Work closely with a local organisation
• Be clear about all partners roles, aims and objectives throughout
• Find out about your audience:– Will the audience be able to relate to the subject?– Is the event relevant?? You may have to adapt the
event to suit their needs– How will you make sure that people attend? Local
advertising
Tips for science event outreach
• Brief invited participants and organisers• Avoid suspicion - Clearly explain who you
are and the aims of the event on the day• Create a friendly informal atmosphere• Good attitude• Patience • Listen• Say thank you
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