acrisat!... the african-caribbean representation in science & technology
NESTA (the National Endowment for Science , Technology and the Arts is funding an exciting project to enhance the take up of science by the African-Caribbean community
Here’s Liz Rasekoala a NESTA Awardee, to explain:
The African-Caribbean Representation in Science and Technology (ACRISAT) project is an initiative of the African-Caribbean Network for Science & Technology, funded by a NESTA Education Award. ACRISAT aims to improve the take up and perception of Science and Technology in education and at work, among UK residents of African-Caribbean origin, through developing exemplar projects, influencing decision makers, policy and practice, and engaging funders in work that will overcome barriers faced by people of African-Caribbean origin, that prevent them from taking part in Science and Technology.
Some of the work that has been undertaken and which is of direct relevance to Science Teachers include the following: A poster series on the contributions of people of African and Caribbean heritage to Science, Maths, and Technology, for Key Stages 2, 3 and 4; a training CD-ROM for teachers, featuring ethnic minority parents offering constructive approaches to teachers, for the enhancement of their children's education (Ethnic Minority Parents Speak Out); and a schools role model programme to link up schools with African and African-Caribbean role models in Science, Engineering and Technology professions.
Liz Rasekoala
SCIENCE ALLIANCEThe Science Alliance project is part of NESTA's ACRISAT initiative which aims to raise the educational attainment of young people from African and African-Caribbean ethnic backgrounds, as well as stimulating their interest in science and technology. The Creativity Centre Educational Trust is working with pupils from four schools in Brighton & Hove to create a science website. Using digital camcorders and still cameras, the pupils are capturing their school science projects for the site and designing their own web pages.
Whole class groups are participating in the project which will culminate in the launch of the Science Alliance website and a national one day teachers' conference to be held in Brighton & Hove in April 2004. The website will feature the children’s science work along with useful information and website links for both teachers and pupils.
It is anticipated that pupils taking part in Science Alliance will develop their creativity and communication skills and have increased confidence with new technology, an appreciation of the contribution of African and African-Caribbean scientists and a more realistic perception of what it means to be a scientist. Participating teachers will receive additional support through information packs and useful links on the Science Alliance website.
If you are interested in attending the Science Alliance National Teachers' Conference please send your contact details to this email address: conference@science-alliance.org.uk and we will send you further information as it becomes available.
To celebrate Black History Month we’ve put two new African American scientists in our Inspiring Lives feature in Out There, Granville T Woods and Daniel Hale Williams.
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