We spoke to Shane McCracken, Falling Walls Engage Winner 2018, about his project and how the Falling Walls Engage Pitches helped to increase the visibility of his project.
What is your project about?
I’m a Scientist, Get me out of here is a student-led, online STEM engagement activity that connects schools students and scientists across the world.
The format of the project helps improve the equality of provision of schools science engagement. Being online means all schools get the same experience of being able to connect with a diverse range of scientists. The informal text-based nature allows every student in a class to be properly engaged and not just the usual confident students.
The project has a student Impact Model based on the Science Capital Teaching Approach.
What made you start this project and how did Falling Walls Engage and its community contribute to the further development of your project?
The project started in 2008 as a spin off from a democratic engagement project called I’m a Councillor, Get me out of here. We started the project because reports in the UK at the time spoke about the deficit model and the significant barriers between science and the public.
The Falling Walls community has been an excellent validation for what we do.