Creating curiosity: how Maker Kits are inspiring young minds

The imaginative ‘Maker Kits’ bring science to the general public by translating serious, thought-provoking research in materials design into fun, creative activities that are easy for anyone to try.

We’ve now got a team of 15 people developing new resources, which is really important if we’re going to produce kits that explore a variety of topics.

—Professor Lorna Dougan

Impact

• Public engagement: inclusive, inspiring educational kits delivered to youth in Leeds via clubs, food banks and museums
• Knowledge discovery: learned about communicating and promoting science to families and children

Key information

• Major funders: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), British Biophysical Society
• Partners and collaborators: Royal Academy Engineering
• Disciplines: education, engineering
• Investigators: Professor Lorna Duggan, Professor Paul Beales

Keywords: access and inclusion, STEM, biological networks, creativity, education, outreach, resources, public engagement, student experience, youth