Dragonfly making activity with Broadfield Primary School – as part of the Explore Urban Nature Project
Dragonfly making activity with Broadfield Primary School – as part of the Explore Urban Nature Project
Dragonfly making activity with Broadfield Primary School – as part of the Explore Urban Nature Project
Dragonfly making activity with Broadfield Primary School – as part of the Explore Urban Nature Project
Go to slide:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
During my time at Touchstones, I have been fortunate to represent the museum as part of the Real World Science network. It’s over 30 years since I studied science at school, but I have benefitted from working alongside colleagues with extensive expertise, and developed a real sense of wonderment for the natural world. Last week, I was really proud to be part of a small team representing the network at this year’s Museum Association conference in Leeds, sharing learning from the Explore Urban Nature project with 120 professional peers. The theme of the conference was ‘Joyful Museums’, and it felt really joyful indeed to see delegates leaving our session full of ideas for science engagement work, and clutching a painted stone, mini terrarium or dragonfly model.
The conference at Leeds Royal Armouries Museum, and the subsequent network sharing day at Leeds Discovery Centre were brilliant opportunities to reflect on all that has been achieved, via the Explore Urban Nature project over past 3 years. From pond dipping and tree ID, to sound surveys, bio blitz, orienteering, worm charming, papermaking, classification activities, honey extraction, tours of the museum store, crafty science and LEGO – it’s been an absolute blast. Facilitators Lynn, Louise and Bailey, who work alongside me on the Creative Learning Team at Touchstones, have delivered exciting learning opportunities for a wide range of participants; adapting activities to suit all weathers and interests/ abilities. We also grateful for input from Judy Alderson, an outdoor learning expert with years of experience and a huge amount of knowledge.
Take a look at this summary of outcomes, and our final report to see evidence of the impact – it’s extensive! And it’s been an absolute pleasure.
• Explore Urban Nature in Rochdale (supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Natural History Museum) reached almost 500 young people, via a range of indoor and outdoor workshops. We also ran a CPD programme for teachers, supporting them to deliver the British Science Association CREST awards. Students in half of the schools/groups achieved a ‘Superstar’ or ‘Discovery’ award.
• ‘Build the Change’ supported by the LEGO Foundation reached over 300 young people in schools and communities, with further funding secured for 2025. Models created by participants can be viewed via the online gallery here.
• The Creative Learning Team’s environmental work was included in RBC’s engagement portfolio for the 2024 RHS ‘In Bloom’ awards. The Borough’s achievements resulted in a gold medal.
• The Creative Learning Team delivered activities at 2 Rochdale Science Extravaganza’s in partnership with Falinge Park High School. (With Ms Edmondson receiving an ‘Educate Rochdale’ award 2024 for her outstanding commitment to the environment.) We also held numerous natural history fun days featuring live birds, performances, adventure walks and crafts. Family engagement has helped the museum to reach audiences in the thousands.
• We secured extra funding buy digital resources (tablets with ID apps, microscope) and to develop a handling collection (taxidermy, insects and corals). We also developed a Discovery Box of fossils to encourage closer encounters with nature.
You can read the full report on the project below.