Leisure and pleasure: Science events in unusual locations

Bultitude, K. and Sardo, M. (2012) Leisure and pleasure: Science events in unusual locations. To be published in International Journal of Science Education . ISSN 0950-0693 [In Press]

Full text not available from this repository

Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2012.664293

Abstract

Building on concepts relating to informal science education, this work compares science-related activities which successfully engaged public audiences at three different ‘generic’ locations: a garden festival, a public park, and a music festival. The purpose was to identify what factors contribute to the perceived success of science communication activities occurring within leisure spaces. This article reports the results of 71 short (2–3 min) structured interviews with public participants at the events, and 18 structured observations sessions, demonstrating that the events were considered both novel and interesting by the participants. Audience members were found to perceive both educational and affective purposes from the events. Three key elements were identified as contributing to the success of the activities across the three ‘generic venues’: the informality of the surroundings, the involvement of ‘real’ scientists, and the opportunity to re-engage participants with scientific concepts outside formal education.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Article available online before print: 3rd April, 2012
Uncontrolled Keywords:	informal education, leisure, generic venue
Faculty/Department:	~Pre-2012 Faculty Structure > Faculty of Health and Life Sciences ?? cen_scu_2010 ?? Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
ID Code:	16763
Deposited By:	Dr M. Sardo
Deposited On:	11 May 2012 08:44
Last Modified:	22 Nov 2012 15:52