We’re delighted to have received funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to support our year-round community outreach work!
Thanks to this funding, we are able to share our fun and immersive science activities with an audience who don’t usually have the chance. This includes guided visits to the Science Festival, delivery of STEM workshops to community groups and mini-Festivals in community hubs. This funding from the The National Lottery Community Fund will help us reach a total of 2000 – 2500 participants.
Thank you, National Lottery players, for helping us make a difference!
Scotland Chair of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: "Every day National Lottery funding is changing the lives of thousands of people in communities across Scotland. This project delivered by Edinburgh Science Foundation is a great example of community activity in action, showing just what can be achieved when people come together for a common cause or to help others."
Kate Still
Three mini-festivals with 700 - 800 participants
Mini science festivals are smaller versions of the annual Edinburgh Science Festival, which are delivered in local community centres. These run for a weekend in community buildings; such as a library or community centres. Science shows and storytelling is included in these mini festivals, as well as free food for attendees, a science photo booth, and our wonderful hands-on science activities. The activities are specifically designed for families to do together, with our brilliant Science Communicators on hand to facilitate. Our approach aims to help families feel more confident and connected to science and show them that science is for everyone.
Gala days and fairs – Delivering busking and other relevant drop-in/light touch engagement activities
Participating in community festivals with our mobile science shows supports established events that are already highly valued and trusted within local communities. This approach not only helps us build recognition and trust in the area but, most importantly, allows us to reach underserved audiences who might not typically attend a science-badged event as they don’t see it as “being for them”. It provides them with a fun and accessible introduction to Edinburgh Science and our offerings. We've partnered with a number of community groups to make these days possible.
VIP visit to the Science Festival
Children in these communities will experience chaperoned visits to the Science Festival. Booking will be supported and travel and food will be provided to those that need it. In addition to year-round work, just prior to the Festival opening and before the school holidays begin – primary school pupils from high SIMD areas are invited to enjoy our flagship family workshops free of charge. This is an opportunity for children who wouldn’t normally be able to visit the Festival to explore the wonders of interactive science.
