Theatre Space	Seminar Room 1&2	Seminar Room 3&4	Lab	The Point
10.00 - 1.00	W5 open - all welcome
12.15 - 1.00	REGISTRATION and COFFEE/TEA/TRAYBAKES
1.15- 1.45	Welcome (Theatre Space)
1.45 - 2.00	followed by… the BIG Event Mingle
2.00 - 2.30
2.30 - 3.00
3.00 - 3.30	COFFEE/TEA/BUSCUITS (Level 5 concourse)
3.30 - 4.00	Shakespeare and STEMcomm	Cross Dis EY & Primary	Zine making	PWS superheroes	Researchers Creativity
4.00 - 4.30
4.30 - 5.00
5.00 - 5.30
6.30 onwards	Informal Social – check the Slack group #big

 

Shakespeare and STEMComm
Theatre Space, 3:30pm– 5:00pm
Shakespear’s plays have been entertaining and engaging audiences for hundreds of years. And for good reason! What tips and techniques can we learn from Shakespear to help make our STEM shows entertaining and engaging too? We’ll investigate the use of pause, suspense, surprise, audience as expert, word-play, emotional content, anticipation, atmosphere and the use of scale. There’ll be Shakespearean quotes, plenty of action and loads of sharing the elements that make our work work! Feel free to bring your tips, questions and quotes (from your shows or Shakespeare’s). Open to all with no restrictions and no knowledge of the bard’s works is required.
David Hall, David Hall Workshops and Shows

Cross Disciplinary approaches with Primary & Early years
Seminar Room 1&2, 3:30pm –  5:30pm
We wish to share four interactive workshops that we offer to Primary and Early years students and their parents and carers. We aim to engage participants by using cross disciplinary approaches to connect science to arts and literature. In this workshop we will show how we embed science into local libraries through storytelling workshops and how we embed astronomy research through the creation of art work and found poetry.
Sadie Jones, University of Southampton
Nuala O'Flynn University of Hertfordshire
Dr Olivia Keenan, South East Physics Network (SEPnet)
Dr Claudia Antolini, Royal Holloway University of London

Zine Making for Science Communication
Seminar Room 3&4, 3:30pm –  5:00pm
Zines are small self-published magazines or pamphlets which are usually produced in small numbers and given away for free or sold for a small fee. Both finished zines and zine making activities can be used within science communication and engagement. Find out more about the possibilities of zine making, share your own experiences and make your own simple zine in this informal session.
Hana Ayoob, Digital Event Producer

Prader Willi Superhereos Exhibition –  the hands on session!
Lab, 3:30pm –  4:30pm
With a little help from a comic book artist and model maker, scientists at the Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology have worked with Prader Willi syndrome families to co-develop an exhibition all about their super-power strengths and their everyday challenges in life, and in research. We are delighted to share that exhibition with you as part of the BIG event. In this workshop session you will learn about the making of the exhibition and get hands on designing a sci-com superhero to star in your own comic strips and 3D models.
Sarah-Jane Judge, Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology / University of Edinburgh
Neil Bratchpeice, Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology / University of Edinburgh
Maria Fanourgiaki, Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology / University of Edinburgh

Encouraging creativity in Research
The Point Boardroom, 3:30pm– 5:00pm
In Sci Comm creativity is all over the place: demo shows; musicals; huge inflatable bottoms; presenters willing to think outside the box. However, in the research world, this level of creative thinking can be trickier to find.

This is a workshop for folk who work with researchers or are researchers themselves, and want to spark more creative communication ideas for their Sci Comm.

We'll look at issues involved with creative expression within academia, explore how to improve creative practice in researchers and play around with new or novel ideas because play is one of the best ways to find new ideas!
Duncan Yellowlees, DY Training

 

	Theatre Space	Seminar Room 1&2	Seminar Room 3&4	Lab	The Point
9.00 - 9.30	REGISTRATION
9.30 - 10.00	Stay online	Logic Models	STEM careers for Primary	Neurodivergent	Sci Eng outside
10.00 - 10.30
15 mins
10.45 - 11.00	Welcome Session (Theatre Space)
11.00 - 11.30
11.30 - 12.00	COFFEE/TEA/BISCUITS (Level 5 Concourse)
12.00 - 12.30	Adults	Outreach Rebooted	W5 Dragon from Lagan		Mentoring
12.30 - 1.00
1.00 - 1.30		Lunch and Community Lunch tables (Level 5 Mezzanine)
1.30 - 2.00	BIG AGM 1.30pm
2.00 - 2.30
2.30 - 3.00	Best Demo Comp Set-up (closed session)	Voice and body	empowering educators		Incoming/outgoing Exec
3.00 - 3.30
3.30 - 4.00
4.00 - 4.30	COFFEE/TEA/BISCUITS (Level 5 Concourse)
5.00	BEST DEMO COMPETITION
5.00 - 5.30
5.30 - 6.00
6:45-7:30	Drinks reception and Voting followed by Dinner approx 7:30pm
7.30 - 10ish

 

How to stay online?
Theatre Space, 9:30am –  10:30am
The world of online scicomm events is here to stay, but what do we need to make them sustainable, accessible and inclusive? Join this discussion to explore what tools and training we need to maintain and to keep improving online spaces that provide high quality engaging experiences for audiences.
Sam Langford, Presenter, Trainer & Producer
Hana Ayoob, Digital Event Producer

Evaluating impact using logic models
Seminar Room 1&2, 9:30am –  10:30am
Do you find it hard to plan new projects? Do you need to evaluate the impact of your projects but don't know where to get started? Do you want to improve your funding bids?

We will talk you through a Theory of Change/Logic Model process that can help you improve your project planning and we will describe how this is being used by Northumbria University's Impact Team with researchers and by NUSTEM for evaluating the impact of their public engagement activities in schools. Bring along your project ideas and we'll help set you in the right direction with post-it notes galore!
Lucy Moorcraft, Northumbria University
Carol Davenport, Northumbria University

"When I grow up I want to be a”… STEM careers sessions for Primary School
Seminar Room 3&4, 9:30am –  10:30am
SEPnet has an extensive offer for secondary schools but is less targeted at primary school students. Over lockdown we have developed a double intervention programme focused around science careers, aimed at year 3 primary pupils (age 7-8), which was piloted in spring 2022. The aims of the programme are that children have a broader awareness of STEM careers, that they are more likely to see themselves as scientists, and that teachers feel more confident embedding STEM careers into their lessons. We will discuss the programme, the results of the pilot evaluation and the lessons we have learnt to take forward.
Olivia Keenan, SEPnet
Nuala O'Flynn, University of Hertfordshire
Sam Weston, University of Surrey

Sci Comm as a Neurodivergent in a Digital World
Lab, 9:30am– 10:30am
Throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the landscape of science communication and informal education has shifted towards a focus on digital communication. This has been especially challenging to individuals with neurodivergent conditions such as autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). This session is aimed at science communicators who work with or would like to be more aware of neurodivergent experiences working in the field. We’ll hear first hand accounts from neurodivergent individuals working in science communication and will brainstorm positive policies to enable neurodivergent individuals equal opportunities to work in an environment which better suits their mental and physical wellbeing. 
Tony Thompson, Thompson STEM Engagement
Dr. Rosie Cane, Thompson STEM Engagement

Taking science engagement outside
The Point Boardroom, 9:30am –  10:30am
As urban areas expand, being able to engage with nature and science outdoors is ever more valuable. We will share the learning and experiences from “Nature Lab”, a new science club for families, which utilises the grounds and outdoor spaces surrounding the Science Oxford Centre. From exploring biodiversity of ponds, to bringing technology to the woodlands, we will share a range of ideas and look at what has worked and what we’d recommend avoiding. This will be a chance to share ideas and experiences of science engagement in outdoor settings, including both small and large, wild or artificial green spaces.
Alice Draper, Science Oxford
Emily Fisk, Science Oxford

Josh Award 2022
The Josh Award is an award established to recognise and support up-and-coming talent in science communication. The Award is inspired and named in memory of Josh Phillips who was the first Science Communication Officer at the Museum of Science and Industry, and Chair of BIG at the time of his passing.

The Award recognises a defining moment in the career of a science communicator; a person who is a practicing scientist or someone who has chosen science communication as their profession.

The 2022 winner, Eva Ernstzen, will reciece her award at the BIG Welcome. Find out how you can apply for the Josh Award in 2024 here: www.big.uk.com/josh.

Social Sci-comm for Adults
Theatre Space, 12:00pm –  1:00pm
Science communication takes many forms –  including, in some cases, adult social events that take place in the evening or during times and in venues usually reserved more for entertainment and socialising than learning about science. We'll gather stories of some events which have taken on this audience, including MathsJam – a monthly pub social for mathematicians – as well as comedy shows, theatre events and science centre 'Lates', like those which take place at our host venue W5. We'll discuss the benefits and challenges of these kinds of events, as well as how it sits within the broader world of sci-comm.
Katie Steckles, MathsJam
Hana Ayoob, Science Communicator & Events Producer
Matt Craig, The Odyssey Trust

Outreach rebooted – how has Covid changed the way we do outreach?
Seminar Room 1&2, 12:00– 1:00pm
Imagine approaching a school in January 2020 and proposing a remote Zoom session or assembly using a webcam… but have the possibilities for outreach actually improved?

Join us for an open discussion sharing the experience of several organsations, some working online already, all learning new approaches to doing things better including: combining streaming sessions with object handling; analysis of schools access needs and development of guidance; and using a blended approach of digital content with remote sessions.

Join us to share what worked, what didn't, with any practical tips, tricks and kit ideas in this hybrid session!
Paul Henderson, Lanchester Interactive Archive
Jenny Shufflebotham, Thinktank
Josh Doyle, I'm A Scientist
Jonathan Sanderson, NUSTEM

The Dragon from the Lagan
Seminar Room 3&4, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Following an extensive Co-Design process funded by the Community Foundation NI, W5 identified Early Years as the target group and Sure Start as a partner organization to work with on a social intervention aimed at disadvantaged families.
As a result, a book entitled “The Dragon from the Lagan” was created in partnership with a local artist and the book was used as a literacy and STEM intervention. This session is a deep dive into the processes around co-creation and embedding of STEM.
Elaine Steele, W5

A BIG Mentoring Scheme
The Point Boardroom, 12:00pm –  1:00pm
BIG ran a pilot Mentoring Scheme in 2021. Seven mentors participated and mentored 36 mentees. Some of the participants will share their thoughts on the programme and we'll chat about what we learned, what we'd change and discuss if BIG should implement a more permanent mentoring scheme for its Members (that's you!).
Ashley Kent, BIG Event Coordinator
Lucy Moorcraft, Northumbria University

COMMunity: An Introduction
Coffee Area, 1:00pm –  2:00pm
Community is a researcher network with the goal of supporting you in your Comm's journey.
Many communication skills, such as presenting or blogging, take time to learn; with repetition and practice being core to improvement. A one off workshop may provide ideas or inspiration, but the real work happens as you put things into practice.
This is where COMMunity comes in. A peer to peer learning space for anyone interested in communicating research to anyone else. We have an online forum space with challenges, tips, and plans to help you become a better and more confident communicator. Come along to learn more about us.
Duncan Yellowlees, COMMunity
Mathew Kemp, Geologise theatre

PET network
Coffee Area, 1:00pm –  2:00pm
The Science Communication and Public Engagement Trainers Network is a pilot project hosted by BIG and NCCPE. The network has been formed by a group of people involved in training others to develop skills in science communication and public engagement and is open to those who deliver, design and commission training, including new and experienced practitioners, people working for training organisations, people whose roles have a broad remit that includes training, and freelancers.
The network aims to facilitate sharing, learning and practice, address problems with the changing landscape in PE, produce guidance for commissioners, develop an evidence base for training and build legitimacy for PE training through lobbying.
Katie Steckles, MathsJam
Helen Featherstone, Bath University

The BIG AGM
Theatre Space, 1:30pm –  2:30pm
BIG STEM Communicators Network operates as a not-for-profit organisation of members – a club, effectively; everything it does is to support the development of its Members and the science communication profession in the UK and beyond.

BIG's Annual General Meeting is held annually and gives Members the opportunity to contribute; to understand what the Executive Committee has done for the Membership over the last year; to help shape the future of BIG.

This is also when the Executive Committee election results are announced and we'll congratulate this year's Beetlestone Award Winner, Karen Davies of The Science Museum.

Everyone is welcome.

The BIG Executive Committee 2021/2022

Beetlestone Award
Theatre Space, after the AGM
Professor John Beetlestone (1932-2017) was the founding director of Techniquest, the UK’s first purpose-built science discovery centre. Set up in his honour, the Beetlestone Award* recognises “leadership and legacy in the field of informal science learning” and carries a personal cash prize of £500; an additional bursary to facilitate dissemination of the holder’s vision and legacy and free registration for the next BIG conference.

The 2022 winner of this prestigious award is Karen Davies of The Science Museum.

*This Award has been made possible through the generosity of The Beetlestone family and John’s former colleagues and friends. Keep an eye on the BIG website and your inboxes to find out how to apply in 2023.

Best Demo Prep
Theatre Space, 2:30pm – 4:00pm
This is a closed session, just for Best Demo competitors to set up and fr helpers to help. Strictly no peeoing in hre, please. If you’re competing, you need to drop in, even if you don’t need any set up time.
Sam Langford, Presenter, Trainer & Producer

Voice and Body for STEMCommers
Seminar Room 1&2, 2:30pm –  4:00pm
How can we prepare our voices and bodies for work, so that we can use them safely and get the most from them – not just using our full expressive range, but also developing resilience and endurance, so that we don’t lose our voices or hurt our throats?

Learn and practice tips and exercises from the theatre world to help you physically and mentally prepare for your work, to monitor your body and voice, to avoid injuries, and craft your performances with greater expressive range.
Feel free to bring questions or tricky bits from your shows to practice. Open to all abilities.

David Hall, David Hall Workshops and Shows

Empowering Educators: The Glasgow Science Centre Approach
Seminar Room 3&4, 2:30pm – 3:30pm
In the uncertainty of the pandemic, Glasgow Science Centre’s Learning Lab was born. The programme engaged 670 teachers and 17,265 pupils in the 2021/2022 academic year, and continues to expand.
Learners explore hands-on activities, meet inspirational professionals and develop scientific thinking skills. Crucially for educators, it’s a programme of activities supporting curriculum outcomes, while inspiring confidence in their own abilities to deliver STEM in the classroom.
Take a look behind-the-scenes at the philosophy, techniques and resources we incorporate to empower teachers. Learn what works, what doesn't, and our winning formula for generating excitement around STEM learning.
Amy Childs, Glasgow Science Centre
Abi Jeorrett, Glasgow Science Centre

Meeting for the Incoming and Outgoing Executive Committee
The Point Boardroom, 2:30pm –  3:30pm
This is a session for the newly elected Executive Committee and the outgoing Exec. It's a mini-handover and only required for the Exec members.

Thursday Evening Festivities

The Best Demo Competition

5pm – 6.30pm
Theatre Space
BIG members line up to compete for one of the least valuable and yet most highly prized honours in UK science communication.
The Best Demo Competition presents a light-hearted look at some of the demos you think are worth sharing with your peers. There’s no money to win, it’s not an Oscar, it’s not a Nobel Prize. But within BIG we think it’s worth winning.
Each competitor has no more than three minutes (and a warm and welcoming audience) to demonstrate the maths, science, engineering and so on that really lights their fire and they just can’t help showing off to their peers. The audience decides. If you’re in the audience, don’t take it too seriously. If you’re competing, take it seriously, but not too seriously.
Previous Best Demo winners…
1997      Wendy Sadler
1998      Derek Fish
1999      Chris Norton
2000      Gillian Pearson
2001      Gillian Pearson
2002      James Piercy
2003      Suse Brumpton
2004      Rob Copeland & Izi Mohammed
2005      Ben Craven
2006      Marcus Weber
2007      Ben Craven
2008      Diane Gray
2009      Ian Simmons
2010      Farrah Nazir
2011      Brian Macken
2012      Karl Byrne
2013      Marcin Chydziński & Blaźej Dawidson
2014      Stephen Williams
2015      Matt Pritchard
2016      Tobias Happe
2017      Brian Mackenwells
2018      Matthias Salewski
2019      Jemma Nauman
2020
2021      Phil Bell-Young

 

Best Demo Voting and Drinks Reception
6.45pm – 7.30pm W5 Climbit Atrium
A chance to enjoy a drink in the Exhibition. Skip it to freshen up before dinner if you like, but make sure you are back at W5 before 7.30pm so you can cast your vote for the Best Demo winner.

Dinner (and the Best Demo winner announcement!)
7.30pm – 11pm, W5 In Our Nature Gallery
Enjoy dinner in one of the new zones created as part of the Inspiring Science Project.

 

 

	Theatre Space	Seminar Room 1&2	Seminar Room 3&4	Lab	The Point
9.00 - 9.30	REGISTRATION
9.30 - 10.00	Informal learning spaces	Reading Sparks	Gamification STEM	Words we love to hate	Inclusive Sci Eng
10.00 - 10.30
15 min
10.45 - 11.00	Welcome Session and Keynote (Theatre Space)
11.00 - 11.30
11.30 - 12.00	COFFEE/TEA/BISCUITS (Level 5 concourse)
12.00 - 12.30	Anti-racism	TikTok	Communicating failure		Interview Q
12.30 - 1.00
1:00 - 2:00	Lunch (Level 5 mezzanine)
2.00 - 2.30	CAREERS	Science and Sorcery		W5 Geo Dome (exhb space)	#IAR
2.30 - 3.00
3.00 - 3.30
3.30 – 4.00	COFFEE/TEA/BISCUITS (Level 5 concourse)
4.00 - 4.30	Queering Sci Comm	FUNDING			W5 Game Changers
4.30 - 5.00
5.00 - 6.00	ISTATOY & Plenary
6.00pm onwards	The designated pub for lingerers is posted at the Reg Desk & Slack

 

Bringing scientists (and their research) into informal learning spaces
Theatre Space, 9:30am –  10:30am
Public engagement is an ever-increasing responsibility for researchers, particularly those with public funding, but what can we do to support researcher access to informal learning spaces and the audiences they engage with? Join us to hear about the “Live Lab” project, which has brought local scientists into the Science Oxford Centre to facilitate practical activity and discussion – what have been the biggest hurdles and successes so far? We will also share the opportunity for researchers, public engagement individuals and those who manage informal learning spaces to share their own experiences and perspectives.
Emily Fisk, Science Oxford
Alice Draper, Science Oxford

Reading Sparks – building science confidence through creative reading
Seminar Room 1&2, 9:30am –  10:30am
With funding from Arts Council England and Science and Technology Facilities Council, The Reading Agency is working in partnership with 11 library authorities to test out ways in which creative reading and STEM can come together to engage families in communities living with deprivation. In this session we will explore how we have worked with libraries to co-create our range of resources which include reading and science boxes for loan, STEM reading lists and events, and tools to engage youth groups. We will also look into the value of working in partnership with libraries to target audience reach.
Liz Jeavans, The Reading Agency
Sarah Mears, Libraries Connected
Carol Davenport, NUSTEM
Patricia Garrett, Portsmouth Library and Archives

Gamification of STEM
Seminar Room 3&4, 9:30am –  10:30am
Learning through games has been standard practice in education for a long time now and we have all likely participated, or even delivered, some form of game, designed to teach or raise awareness in STEM. However, the effectiveness of gamification can sometimes be hit and miss, with some games being a bit dull, drawn-out, or convoluted, whilst others are exciting but struggle to convey information. We will discuss methods of gamification in STEM and shed light on a best practice for gaming up in science, and share plenty of successes and failures, and get hands-on with some examples.
Phil Bell-Young, University of Hull
Kelly Stanford, University of Hull

The words we love to hate
Lab, 9:30am– 10:30am
After two years longing to share a space with others in safety and to get people excited about science, this session offers a chance to reflect on the power of language, deconstruct the words we take for granted, and inform our future practice. We will create found poetry (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Found_poetry) out of science communication texts (grant proposals, research papers, news articles etc) and maybe even share our poetry and reflections. Feel free to bring your own text! We will collate the poery results to remind ourselves of the words we want to keep carrying with us in the future.
Claudia Antolini, Royal Holloway University of London

Inclusive Science Engagement Swapshop
The Point Boardroom, 9:30am –  10:30am
Earlier this year several Members of BIG received micro-grants to help them develop their inclusive science engagement. Come to this session to find out what they did and what they'll do next. If you have any great suggestions, bring them along to this session and we'll compile them into a short document to share with other BIG members. Thank you to the British Science Association for their funding and support.
Helen Featherstone, University of Bath
Jessica Moon, Centre of the Cell, Queen Mary University of London
Sarah Cosgriff, Freelance
Leonie Briggs, Amazelab

Dr Maria Augusta Arruda – Diversity and Inclusion keynote
Dr Maria Arruda is the Head of Researcher Development at the University of Nottingham. Originally from Brazil, Dr Arruda gained her PhD in pharmacology in 2002 and has been at the University of Nottingham since 2011. In addition to her work as a scientist, she is also the Chair of the University's BAME Staff Network, an advisor to Black Women in Science Network and an advisor to For Women in Science. Dr Arruda joins BIG to share her thoughts on how we, as science communicators, can be actively anti-racist and what we can do to increase the diversity and inclusion in our sector.
Dr Maria Augusta Arruda, University of Nottingham

Anti-Racism in STEM – what can we do?
Theatre Space, 12:00pm –  1:00pm
Movements like Black Lives Matter have highlighted the institutional racism in our society and in our education systems. It is not enough to not be racist, we need to be actively anti-racist. We will host this discussion session to share ideas and best practice for implementing anti-racism in STEM engagement. We aren’t experts in this area, but we are passionate about working together to change the current structures.
Olivia Keenan, SEPnet
Claudia Antolini, Royal Holloway University of London

TikTok to TV: science presenting on screen
Seminar Room 1&2, 12:00pm– 1:00pm
This discussion session will focus on how to adapt your presenting style from live and in-person to working with a camera. Amongst other things, we’ll talk about keeping your eyes on the lens, knowing your shots, using a teleprompter, and science on screen.
We’re still learning, and we really want to hear about your thoughts and experiences, too!

Please note: we know a lot of scicommers wear multiple hats, and that often means the people in front of the camera are behind it, too. We’ll be focusing on presenting, but are happy for discussion to venture into production.
Hannah-Rose Ford, Science and Industry Museum
Sarah Cosgriff, Freelance

Communicating failure
Seminar Room 3&4, 12:00– 1:00pm
When things break it is surprisingly hard to communicate what broke and how, let alone communicate what would be the most useful information for the person who is going to fix it. This can cause aggravation on all sides. Join us to discuss this problem and possibly ways of easing it. We’ll also have some practical exercises, too.
Dave Ansell, Sciansell
Ian Russell, Interactive Science Ltd

What makes the perfect interview question and other recruitment dilemmas
The Point Boardroom, 12:00pm– 1:00pm
It feels fantastic when you secure funding to add a new member to your scicomm team, or maybe sad when a beloved team member decides to move on. But what happens next when you've got a new vacancy and it is your task to fill it?

During this session, we will share tips and tricks on writing job descriptions, figuring out job grading and what makes a great interview question. We will also explore and discuss inclusive practice throughout the recruitment process.
Kirsty Hayward, Success4All

Careers: How did we end up here?
Theatre Space, 2:00pm– 3:30pm
A friend in sci-comm once said that "careers are things that happen in retrospect". Come along to this session to find out how a bunch of BIG folk got to where they are now and what on earth it is they actually do. Our panel will share stories, skills and maybe even secrets and answer your questions on careers in STEM communication and public engagement.
Naomi Foster, North Pennines AONB Partnership
Katie Steckles, MathsJam
Dave Ansell, Sciansell
James Piercy, John Innes Centre/Freelance

Science, Sorcery and Role Playing Games
Seminar Room 1&2, 2:00pm –  3:30pm
It's time to roll the dice and dive into the world of Dungeons and Dragons and SciComm. In this session, you will have the chance to take part in a quickfire one shot game, hosted by a Dungeon Master from our team. Discover the joy of role playing games and see how you can learn a little bit about science along the way.
This session is split into two 45 minute chunks, and will be first come first served participation.
Can't be there in-person? Join in online with a 1 hour livestreamed game happening at the same time! This is also first come first served, sign up at the following link https://forms.gle/ZCyyHFLPpTrfjYJg7
Sam Langford, Presenter, Trainer & Producer
Dagmar der Weduwen, Science and Sorcery
Emily Bates, RPGeeks
Ali Jennings, RPGeeks

 

Geodesic Dome building

Exhibition floor, 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Fancy a change of pace? How about a construction challenge? Take some time out from your day with some new friends to build a 4m geodesic dome out of plastic tubes and rings. Take the competition seriously and race against the other team or chill from inside the dome and enjoy the view as you chat about the wonderful things you have learned during the BIG Event.
The Learning and Engagement Team from W5

 

#IamRemarkable Workshop
The Point Boardroom, 2:00pm –  3:30pm
Do you suffer from Imposter Syndrome? Do you find it difficult (even awkward) to talk about yourself?
#IamRemarkable is a Google initiative empowering women and underrepresented groups to speak openly about their accomplishments in the workplace and beyond, thereby breaking modesty norms and glass ceilings.
This workshop will also help “people of majority” become more aware of the gender and cultural norms that keep certain kinds of people from progressing and having their voices heard.
Come to this workshop to feel more confident in yourself and learn how to better advocate for others.
Ashley Kent, #IamRemarkable facilitator

Queering Science Communication –  The Follow Up
Theatre Space, 4:00 – 5:00pm
In 2021 we hosted a session exploring the importance of queering science communication, the power of building community, and what inclusive practice, events and spaces look like. At a time when the LGBTQIA+ community is under attack, and with STEM weaponised in this attack, how do we as science communicators create safe places, tell stories to celebrate this community and help shape the future of society? A BIG question, for the BIG Event.

As we make our way back into physical and hybrid spaces, we want to continue this conversation and bring together our community to discuss ideas and actions to employ in their own practice.
Sarah Cosgriff, Freelance Science Communicator
Sam Langford, Presenter, Trainer & Producer

Funding 101
Seminar Room 1&2, 4:00 – 5:00pm
Daunted by the prospect of getting grant funding for your project? Boggled by outputs, outcomes and impact?
In this session, we will explore how to begin planning a funding application. What should you look out for when choosing a funder? And what are funders looking for in your application?
Bring your questions and stories to share with us and we will discuss it together. Hopefully, you will leave this session more confident and packed with ideas ready for your next application.
Kirsty Hayward, Success4All

W5 Game Changers
The Point Boardroom, 4:00 – 5:00pm
Discover the joy and simplicity of MakeCode Arcade, a browser-based coding platform, as you are led through a Key Stage 2 workshop designed to support game creation. Kitronik ARCADE handsets will be on-hand to test the fabulous game you create.

Matty Davidson, W5

I Saw This and Thought of You
Theatre Space, 5:00 – 6:00pm
Back for the <i>n</i>th year running, the session to end all sessions (because it's the last session): I Saw This And Thought Of You.
BIG's equivalent of an open mic slot, this is where all the little things can be raised. Found a Thing you think everyone should know? Tell us here. Want to share your love of all things plier-related? You could do that. Have a pithy insight? Want to raise a question?
Newcomer or old hand, there's an up-to-2-minute slot with your name on it. Sign up throughout the Event.
Duncan Yellowlees, DY Training