Marty Jopson virtual Zap! Show

BBC The One Show scientist, Marty Jopson broadcast his Zap! science show from GSAL to over 2000 primary school pupils across Yorkshire. 70+ classes from 40+ schools tuned in to watch the show and take part in the Q&A session that followed. Primary pupils from Y4-6 were involved.  GSAL hosted the show in conjunction with their partner, Otley Science Festival.  One Year 5 class bubble from GSAL were Marty's live audience in the lab.

Aims

To share excellent and engaging curriculum-related content with primary schools in the local area.

The need arose when in-person events as part of our outreach programme had to be cancelled. We could reach even more pupils virtually.

Background

The Otley Science Festival partnership started in 2019. In 2020, OSF moved to virtual events due to the pandemic.

GSAL met with Marty Jopson to investigate potential of a virtual event. OSF were also planning some virtual events.

Resources

GSAL provided: Zoom software; technical expertise to switch between cameras; the physics lab and cameraman for alternate camera angles. OSF provided admin support to take bookings, share links and manage survey etc.

Non-teaching staff involved: 1 GSAL staffmember, Marty Jopson, 1 cameraman, and 1 OSF admin worked on the project for a month beforehand. Schools also provided teaching staff (70+ for 1 hour) in classrooms in primary schools to log into Zoom and manage children's questions.

GSAL also paid Marty Jopson's fee for the science show.

Impact

Immediate beneficiaries: 2000+ pupils and teachers who attended; recording of the show also shared with database of primary schools afterwards so the content can be viewed by those schools who missed it. Primary schools expressed an interest to be involved in future virtual 'classroom' events both in science or other subjects.

Pupil Involvement

Various pupils where involved including: 80 from Independent sector schools and 1920+ from Non-independent. Y4-Y6 age.

Frequency

This was a single event but partnership with OSF continuing. Part of GSAL's new and ongoing initiative called 'GSAL Presents' which share educational content with primary schools.