Engaging the public

In this strand you are expected to communicate STEMM-related topics to the public, which includes families and people of all ages in and outside of school or college. The aim of this strand is for you to help engage the public with STEMM through communicating ideas and conversations to boost interest and increase understanding of STEMM in the wider population which is of great benefit to society in general. By undertaking activities in this strand, you will build your confidence, skills and experience of many areas including key communication skills such as public speaking and writing to engage an audience.

The requirements

In this section you will be engaging with the wider public through a wide variety of different activities but there are some key things you need to remember first:

You must complete at least 10 hours of contact over the course of the award.

You must be involved in at least two different events.

These events must be in at least two different settings (one can be in your own school).

You should be able to demonstrate the use of digital technology in how you engage with others, for example using social media or by creating videos.

You must complete at least 20 hours of contact over the course of the award.

You must be involved in at least two different events.

These events must be in at least two different settings (one can be in your own school).

You should be able to demonstrate the use of digital technology in how you engage with others, for example using social media or by creating videos.

You must help develop and deliver a public event.

You must complete at least 30 hours of contact over the course of the award.

These events must be in at least two different settings (one can be in your own school).

You should be able to demonstrate the use of digital technology in how you engage with others, for example using social media or by creating videos.

You must participate in at least two public events, e.g. a debate, conference or festival.

You must present your own poster at an event.

Example activities

Here are just a few ideas of activities to get you started. Check out the student blogs to read about other ways in which YSA participants have been engaging the public. If you come up with your own idea, be sure to check with your school coordinator that it would be valid for this strand.

You could create an information stand for a school event.

You could start or contribute to a social media account relating to STEMM.

You could plan an event relating to STEMM, either at school or another location.

You could work with other schools in the area to put a joint debate or discussion together.

You could write an article for the school newspaper or another publication.

You could produce a short video about a STEMM-realted topic.

You could visit an organisation (like a residential home) and present on a STEMM area you feel passionately about.

Find out more about our other strands

Find out more about our different awards