infocus #64 December 2021 “You never know until you ask…” The story of the UK inspireSTEM SEM in schools programme

When I was growing up there were two things my parents always told me; 1. Just try something new, you might like it and if you don’t, well, then you know. 2. “Ask”: what’s the worst that can happen? Not only has this stayed with me but as a teacher it’s the most useful advice that I can give to my students.

DOI: 10.22443/rms.inf.1.216

When I made the leap from research scientist to physics teacher I was passionate about the idea of students getting really meaningful, inspirational experiences at school. It was easy for me to bring in ex-colleagues to give a talk and even to get the odd lab tour, but it was always a fleeting experience without that depth of impact that work experience or family connections might bring. How could they experience real research and/or the use of state-of-the-art equipment that wasn’t stuck behind a window, or worse, with a big ‘do not touch’ sign.

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