Outreach Activities

Members of the CDBG are keen to promote the public understanding of science, therefore we take part in as many outreach activities as possible.  On these pages there's some inspiration for other scientists wanting to do more outreach, and also some resources for teachers or other educators wanting to teach genetics or development.  

Schools

We’ve given a number of talks in schools. National Science and Engineering Week provides the freedom to cover a range of subjects. However, teachers are particular interested in activities that are Curriculum linked.

 

We’ve been able to link zebrafish to the following aspects from the curriculum:

 

Key Stage 1&2 (Primary School)

  • slot machines online Verdana">How? Why? What? Plan, carry out and review experiments.
  • Think creatively. Links between causes and effects.
  • Production of offspring and growth/development – how embryos develop, use time-lapse movie, mating.
  • Similarities and differences
  • Circulation – what affects heart rate in fish embryos and us (temperature, activity etc…) – get them to think of experiments to test this out. Record own and fish’s heart beat. Learn to vary one parameter at time. Multiple recordings to reduce error.
  • Movement – due to muscles and the skeleton.
  • Adaptation – different adaptations of various fish/animals. We’ve linked this to our Fish DNA activity (can also introduce genetics, evolution and mutations depending on age).
  

 

Non-school based outreach

Youth Groups - for example: the Scout and Guide movement offer great opportunities to try out activities on enthusiastic children across a range of ages, without the restrictions of the national curriculum.

University Open Days – our ‘pod’ is used to explain our research led teaching to potential undergraduate students and their parents.

Museums – it’s not just the obvious ones directly linked to Biosciences, but others may host outreach days for schools, with broad remits, or need help for specific exhibits.

Café Scientific – if your town doesn’t have one, start one!

Training - Understanding Animal Research is an organisation that can provide training for researchers wishing to talk about their research in public.  The BSA, the research councils and your workplace also offer support, and consider becoming a STEM ambassador. 

Fancy making your own (paper) zebrafish? Click here to find out more. 

  
   
   

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