ARMAGH OBSERVATORY AND PLANETARIUM RECEIVES UK-WIDE STEM ENGAGEMENT GRANT – Astronotes

Astronomical Analysis Facility Introduced as certainly one of 12 Recipients of £9,500 Grant

Might 2024

Main astronomical analysis and schooling centre, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, has been introduced as certainly one of 12 UK-based science centres to have been awarded a £9,500 grant by The Affiliation for Science and Discovery Centres (ASDC) to participate in its ‘Discover Your Universe: Valuing Inclusion challenge.’

Extra Than Phrases Autism Group
From left: Tiernan McCracken and Luke Herron with Mark Grimley AOP
Armagh Planetarium Armagh
29 April 2024
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com

Discover Your Universe Valuing Inclusion is a nationwide STEM challenge run by ASDC, funded by the Science Expertise Amenities Council (STFC) a part of UK Analysis and Innovation (UKRI). It kinds a part of the longstanding ‘Discover Your Universe’ programme run by ASDC in collaboration with most of the science centres and museums across the UK. The programme focuses on co-developing a Logic Mannequin that defines, guides, helps and evidences significant follow in values-led, inclusive STFC science engagement inside the Casual Science Studying sector.

The Logic Mannequin can be developed in collaboration with Casual Science Studying researchers, the British Science Affiliation, and in-depth understanding from 12  science and discovery centres from ASDC’s UK-wide community. The grants have been awarded to science and discovery centres to facilitate the in-depth exploration of participant experiences, working with group companions to offer proof and discover the areas and assumptions of the creating Logic Mannequin.

Extra Than Phrases Autism Group
From left: Luke Herron and Tiernan McCracken with Mark Grimley AOP
Armagh Planetarium Armagh
29 April 2024
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium will use the funding to analyze how inclusion in science engagement features as a constructive consider unlocking range in STEM fields.

Working with group companion, Extra Than Phrases, the organisation will facilitate web site visits from Particular Academic Wants faculties, native teams, charities and organisations. Joanne McCracken, Chairperson at Extra Than Phrases, says, “We’re excited to companion with Armagh Observatory and Planetarium because it participates within the Discover Your Universe: Valuing Inclusion challenge. At Extra Than Phrases, we goal to assist households and kids with autism, and I hope that our work with Armagh Observatory and Planetarium will assist to take away boundaries to accessing STEM analysis and services for these with Particular Academic Wants.”

Extra Than Phrases Autism Group
From left: Kerry McCarragher, Luke Herron, Tiernan McCracken, Joanne McCracken, with Mark Grimley AOP
Armagh Planetarium Armagh
29 April 2024
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com

Different recipients of the grant embody: Aberdeen Science Centre; Cambridge Science Centre; Catalyst Science Discovery Centre; Dundee Science Centre; Dynamic Earth; Jodrell Financial institution; Nationwide House Centre; Royal Astronomical Society; Techniquest; W5 and; We The Curious.

Mark Grimley, Schooling Assistant at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, provides, “We wish to thank The Affiliation for Science and Discovery Centres for choosing Armagh Observatory and Planetarium to take part on this vital challenge. We very a lot sit up for partaking together with our group companion, Extra Than Phrases. At Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, we ship internationally recognised analysis in astronomy and associated sciences, together with vibrant academic and outreach programmes for all ages. As such, we’re captivated with making certain that our sources are accessible to all, together with these with Particular Academic Wants.

“Throughout the challenge we intend to evaluate members’ experiences and we hope that our partnership with Extra Than Phrases will allow us to ask the best questions.”

Extra Than Phrases Autism Group
From left: Luke Herron and Tiernan McCracken with Mark Grimley AOP
Armagh Planetarium Armagh
29 April 2024
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com

To seek out out extra about Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, go to:

For extra data and interview requests, please contact Hearsay Mill Artistic Communications:

Amy Hamilton / amy@rumourmillcomms.com / 071 1180 9039