If you are passionate about science, enthusiastic about education or simply want to gain experience in communication and outreach, you could be STAR material!
To carry out the ambitious goals of Universe in the Classroom, we are inviting enthusiastic science undergraduates to volunteer as Stellar Role Models (STARS). Participants will help organise and run twilight training workshops for teachers, continuing professional development (CPD) days and astronomy workshops for children.
By taking part in the project, STEM students like you will offer a diverse pool of representatives; including Welsh-speakers, female scientists and a range of ethnic groups and backgrounds, who will tackle diversity and gender issues in science and technology across Wales and broaden young children’s ideas of who can be a scientist at an age where impressions can become fixed.
Who can be a Stellar Role Model?
Stellar Role Models can be either BSc, MSc or PhD students of astronomy, physics, space science, mathematics, engineering or another relevant topic for Universe in the Classroom. STARS will be recruited and coordinated by Universe in the Classroom which is based at the Cardiff University School of Physics and Astronomy.
Due to the nature of the work, all volunteers will be expected to submit a DHS check before participating in the programme. This can be organised personally by students or done automatically by registering as a STEM ambassador at www.stemnet.org.uk
Benefits for Stellar Role Models?
Stellar Role Models will be given the opportunity to work with local communities across Wales, making new friends, helping improve STEM skill capacity for the future of Wales, helping improve Welsh education of STEM and motivating young children to learn (and develop a life-long enjoyment of learning). Additional benefits for Stellar Role Models include:
- Role models will gain valuable communication, presentation and education skills, improving their employability.
- Names of all Stellar Role Models will be acknowledged on the Universe in the Classroom section of Cardiff School of Physics and Astronomy website.
- After two events, each Stellar Role Model will receive a certificate endorsed by Cardiff University which can be added to their portfolio.
- The Universe in the Classroom STARS scheme is officially recognised as part of the Cardiff Award Scheme and will count towards the mandatory 70 hours of voluntary work.
What is expected of a Stellar Role Model?
The most important qualities needed in a Stellar Role Model are enthusiasm and passion for science. Having strong social skills is desirable, but this is something that the student will also develop as they carry out their Universe in the Classroom activities.
Stellar Role Models will be expected to attend basic training sessions on outreach, education and the project resources before assisting at teacher training workshops, CPD days and other Universe in the Classroom events throughout the duration of the project (January 2013 – March 2015). Where necessary, travel expenses will be covered by Universe in the Classroom.
How to become a Stellar Role Model
If you have a passion for science or a passion for education then you could be a STAR. Join today by registering using an online form at http://goo.gl/DCR2j1
For more information contact us at unawe@astro.cf.ac.uk
