Microbiology in Dance 2017
Bacteria is Curious - Engaging Nottingham primary school children with microbiology through dance.
We have recently been working on a project with ignite! A not-for-profit Company based in Nottingham that develops creative approaches to the teaching and learning of science and Dance Equation, which is a local dance company in order to bring microbiology to life through dance. We worked with Henry Whipple Primary School in Nottingham which is located in Bestwood.
A class of Year 5's worked with Louise Dynes (Outreach Officer) from the Synthetic Biology Research Centre supported by three SBRC scientists, and Rebecca Hart from Dance Equation.
The sessions with the school took place over a couple of months culminating in a performance which was shared with parents and members of the local community at the school on 9th February 2017 as part of Nottingham Festival of Science and Curiosity.
The project had a ‘pupil led’ emphasis which helped to encourage a sense of ownership amongst the pupils and in turn increased engagement levels – for example the pupils designed their own title for the project ‘Bacteria is Curious’. The pupils also had a sense that this activity was different to learning in the classroom as they were in the hall (often in PE Kit) being active and learning through movement.
Bacteria is Curious!
A dance project by Ignite and performed by the children from Henry Whipple Primary School in Nottingham.
The project was a very successful collaboration between science and arts-based partners which enabled pupils to explore microbiology creatively and to help build an awareness amongst both children and families that science is relevant and accessible.
Through a questionnaire at the end of the project we asked the children: ‘Do you think the project has helped you to enjoy science more?’ and the response was 100% ‘Yes’.
The project was funded by a public engagement grant from The Society for Applied Microbiology.