Running between 2022 and 2024, with Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) funding, the CERN Zone engaged sixth form students with modern physics. The activity gave them an exclusive peek behind the scenes of CERN facilities, and opportunity to connect with the scientists at the heart of nuclear physics experiments.
This report is an evaluation of the activity, interactions, and impact of the STFC-funded participants.
Summary:
- 533 students from 40 schools logged into the site
- 57% of participating schools and 54% of active students were from priority schools
- 245 actively engaged through joining Chats or asking follow-up questions
- Students responding to the feedback survey reported:
- 94% were inspired to find out more about physics
- 89% had a better understanding of how modern physics is done
- 94% had a better understanding of the purpose of CERN as a research facility
- 71% were more likely to consider university or higher education
- 76% would use the activity to showcase motivation on their UCAS application
- Teachers responding to the feedback survey found the activity to be effective across all aspects of supporting student learning, developing attitudes and motivations, and improving careers awareness
- 5 research teams participated with 30 actively participating researchers
โThe kids seemed more likely to ask questions compared to the live tours I do, where I often get high school groups, but I feel the kids are too shy to ask something in front of everyone else.โ
โ Researcher, feedback survey
