Parents

As a quick introduction, the AfRIS project is a mobile science outreach team, usually made up of 2 or 3 people, who are touring the UK and delivering astronomy-related workshops and activities to schools in remote and island communities. Our mission is to share our love of science with children and teachers that typically find it difficult to visit urban science facilities and museums on school trips, and who are rarely visited in school by science specialists. We are funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and are thankfully able visit schools for free.

We normally spend a whole day with each school, and will run a number of workshop modules in accordance with the wishes and needs of both teachers and students. We also aim to run an after-school event for parents and the community, so don’t be surprised if you get an invitation to join us for some science-related fun one afternoon – we’d be delighted to see you.

Key Information for Parents:

• The main AfRIS presenters hold current PVG and DBS certificates to meet child safety concerns.
• Each visit will focus on aspects of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
• Participants will undertake low-risk practical activities to consolidate their understanding of the topics covered.
• Each school visit will discuss the life of a scientist, and the exciting science education / career paths open to youngsters.
• Images from our visit will NOT be taken or used without the permission of parents, staff and children.
• The AfRIS team will stay in contact with schools to see what impact our visit had, and to support schools that start a science club.
• All contact with schools will be done through a teacher, although pupils will be encouraged to visit our website.
• Participating pupils will be given free access to a professional robotic telescope (the Liverpool Telescope) through our parent organisation, the National Schools’ Observatory.

There’s a chance that your school may not have heard of AfRIS, so if you think your kids would benefit from an AfRIS visit, then please have a word with your school and encourage them to visit our website and book a visit.

If you have any concerns or questions, then please don’t hesitate to contact us.