Inspiring Minds Through Informal Science Learning: Interim evaluation report. Informing research to increase science learning in schools

This report presents interim findings on the impact that that an “epistemically insightful” approach to informal science learning (ISL) can have on students’ attitudes, aspirations and perceptions of STEM at post-16 and HE. The article reports on interim findings from a mixed methods research and outreach project: “The Inspiring Minds” programme based in an Epistemic Insight-led approach at Canterbury Christ Church University, Kent, UK. The article reports on a sustained Saturday activity programme with 14-15 year-olds and residential summer schools with 15-17 year-olds designed to create confident scholars who can engage with difficult philosophical questions raised by current technological advances.