Science Jamboree Live!
Every November, students from across the University deliver science related sessions for 300 Beavers, Cubs, Rainbows and Brownies from Merseyside and Cheshire. These sessions allow the young visitors to gain their science-related activity badges. Involvement in the event allows undergraduates to flex their imagination, develop their self-management and communication skills and gain an entry into their Higher Education Achievement Record (HEAR).
Our next event will be back in our laboratories on 26th November 2022.
Award Winning: Learn about our awards – including the committee colander!
2016-2022: 7 years of the Science Jamboree
What do student volunteers do?
“Loved planning then seeing outcome, was enjoyable.” (Y3 student volunteer)
Most students will form teams that take responsibility for one 45-minute session which is delivered four or five times at the Jamboree. The teams project-manage the design of a safe session that meets a strict brief for young people based on the badge requirements. The teams can choose to design their own activity or to run an activity which has already been planned out. Once chosen, they either create an activity plan, a risk assessment and a leaflet for the young people to take home or use an existing pack which contains all of these.
The team must also organise equipment, control a budget and, of course, deliver the session.
The students have the opportunity to work with a staff or postgraduate mentor which widens their network across the university. They will have access to an exclusive canvas module and receive safeguarding and scientific communication training before working with the young visitors.
What’s in it for student volunteers?
“Improved time management skills by having more important reason to finish on time” (Y2 student volunteer)
Involvement in the project is suitable for inclusion on a student’s Higher Education Achievement Record. More importantly student volunteers have told us that the project has developed communication skills, confidence, self-management and their energy and enthusiasm.
“…was extremely beneficial for someone wanting to enter a career in teaching” (Y3 student volunteer)
By volunteering, students can get experience that they wouldn’t ordinarily get on their degree which helps them make informed career choices.
“I feel more confident working in a team and facing another large challenge. ” (Y2 student volunteer)
Finally, every volunteer gets a Science Jamboree badge for their bag, lab coat, badge blanket or whatever!
How can I be involved?
“Fantastic Day, worth getting up early for. Everyone involved were incredibly friendly and helpful. Would be interested in taking part again if run next year.” (Y2 student volunteer)
We are looking for teams of undergraduates to design activities or choose from pre-made activity packs. If you’ve got teams and ideas already, that’s fabulous, please come to one of the events and talk with us!
Science Jamboree Launch A | Wednesday 5th October |13:30 | CTL 4-GFLEX
Science Jamboree Launch B | Wednesday 12th October |13:30 | CTL 4-GFLEX
For those wanting to flex their leadership skills, we are hoping to recruit undergraduates to act as mentors to teams. These students will be in their third or fourth year and have volunteered at the Science Jamboree or another event involving young people. Check out more details here.
Information for Beaver/Cub/Brownie Leaders
“A fantastic opportunity for the young people to look around a university and get involved with some activities.” (Beaver Leader)
Our next event will be Saturday 26th November 2022. Flyers: Rainbows and Beavers and Cubs and Brownies
Registration of interest will open on Tuesday 13th September 2022 at 7pm.
Everything you need to know about the Science Jamboree 2022: will be uploaded nearer the time