PERFORM aims to investigate the effects of the use of innovative science education methods based on performing arts in fostering young peoples’ motivations and engagement with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in selected secondary schools in France, Spain and the United Kingdom. In doing that, PERFORM takes action to overcome the remaining distance between young people and science and to break the unidirectional model of scientific knowledge transfer.
The project explores a creative, participatory educational process on STEM through the use of scenic arts with secondary school students, their teachers and early career researchers, who get actively involved in experiencing science. Students also reflect on their own role in the interaction between science and society, and the values embedded in Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI). PERFORM analyses how such human-centred, science-arts educational approach contributes to foster girls’ and boys’ motivations towards science learning and strengthen the transversal competences they will need for STEM careers and jobs. The education and communication skills required for teachers and researchers to further replicate the educational process are also explored and addressed in specific training toolkits.
The project dissemination is fulfilled by ensuring strong science-policy links and by linking PERFORM with Scientix.