1.  EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

  1.1  Science centres are a relatively new addition to the life of most developed countries. In the past 30-40 years a network of science centres has grown around the world. More recently, many developing countries have also established science centres. Often these institutions are allied to universities, industry or governmental bodies and there is considerable local variation, making it difficult to summarise or define the movement.

  1.2  Techniquest, based in Cardiff Bay, is an educational charity which runs one of the first centres to be established in the UK, and one of the best known. Since its launch in 1986 it has benefited from early recognition of its value by teachers and educators, and progressive expansion and development has taken place. Techniquest is grateful to receive regular financial support for a portion of revenue costs from the Welsh Assembly Government.

  1.3  Through partnership working with other organisations, Techniquest has increasingly pursued an all-Wales strategy, and the Techniquest "experience" is now available at four sites in Wales and through a large outreach programme, currently reaching over 330,000 people in schools and communities each year. Since 2005, an innovative new framework for outreach, building on earlier successful schemes in London and elsewhere, has been under development in Wales.

  1.4  In common with many other science centres, Techniquest provides a range of benefits through a unique blend of local knowledge, practical capability and specialist expertise and resources. As a link between audiences and science, technology, engineering and related subjects, the organisation performs a vital role, providing a trusted and accessible interface for scientists and science communicators to engage with the public and schools.

  1.5  Techniquest believes there is a need to expand the impact of science centres, for better policy making, educational enrichment, and to improve the supply of excellent scientists and engineers for the future. Investment to achieve this, often comparatively modest in scale, must be carefully targeted and cost effective. The diversity and local variations of the science centre movement should not prevent a new framework for assessing and allocating appropriate funding from being established, to ensure that the movement can continue to provide value for money and make an important contribution to the future.

2.  INTRODUCTION

  2.1  Techniquest is a science centre based in Cardiff, Wales. It was established in 1986 as a brainchild of Professor John Beetlestone of Cardiff University. The exhibitions and programmes were popular with families and teachers and this led to three subsequent moves into larger premises. In 1996 Techniquest received funding from the Welsh Development Agency and others to renovate an old bay-side industrial building, to create the present facility of 3,600 square metres with an on-site audience of around 180,000 per year.

  2.2  Increasingly Techniquest has sought to provide services throughout Wales, and in recent years has pursued an all-Wales strategy establishing three satellite centres in NW, NE and SW Wales, and rolling out large-scale outreach programmes. In particular, a major system of staffed and un-staffed outreach based on highly portable resources has been in development since 2005. At present, through its on and off-site activities, a total of 330,000 per year in Wales gain a "Techniquest" experience. Techniquest is a very well known and respected "brand" in Wales, amongst the general public, teachers and those associated with formal education.

  2.3  The organisation is also active on the international level, and was rated in a straw poll as the 6th best science centre in the world. It is well known within the informal science education field world-wide and has conducted partnership projects and regularly works overseas with new and established science centres, museums, schools services and universities with exhibits, programmes, training etc.

3.  ROLE

  3.1  Techniquest is a registered charity with the mission "to engage people in science and motivate them to learn more".

  3.2  The organisation sees its role as providing motivating science experiences to the entire population of Wales, and to overcoming the obstacles of distance and disadvantage to engagement. Innovative outreach services are key to this, and although the centre already offers substantial outreach to schools and the public, a programme of further expansion has been in progress since 2005.

  3.3  The role is complimentary to the formal education system and the work of other organisations, and focuses on increasing interest and engagement in science, engineering, technology and related subjects, rather than seeking to teach science directly on a significant scale. Techniquest seeks to increase the propensity of pupils and people of all ages to engage with all other forms of learning and communication, whether this is via the mass media, web or through schools.

  3.4  To achieve its aims the organisation must work locally and must develop a trusted and respected relationship with its audiences. Techniquest's work through multiple sites and outreach helps achieve this. The public face must be friendly and approachable, even if the methods used are highly targeted and professional.

  3.5  A partnership approach is taken wherever possible, and Techniquest is recognised throughout Wales as a good partner and as taking a highly professional approach at all times.

4.  SKILLS AND EXPERTISE

  4.1  Techniquest's staff represent a world class set of skills and expertise in the field of affective learning and science education. Many of the staff have science or science communication backgrounds, particularly those at senior level and amongst staff who interact with audiences, which is seen as a vital aspect of the organisation's wider expertise. The organisation draws staff from academia, museums, formal education, design and media. The nature of the work attracts high-calibre individuals interested in working to promote science and produces a mix of professionalism and enthusiasm that is exceptional.

  4.2  Much of the specialist expertise is deployed on the design, development and delivery of new exhibitions, media and programmes within partnership projects. The organisation includes a highly experienced projects team with 2D, 3D and digital design capabilities ans well-equipped facilities. These teams work within an educationally focussed environment where special techniques are used to achieve the desired learning outcomes, comprehensibility and interaction standards.

  4.3  Techniquest particularly prides itself on its expertise in engagement with contemporary science, often through debate and dialogue, and its staff have been involved in some of the most advanced and large-scale projects of this kind. This experience has built up skills in key areas such as brokering relationships with scientists and opinion formers in order to create credible advisory panels necessary to establish authoritative content in public engagement projects.

5.  SUPPORTING FORMAL EDUCATION

  5.1  Techniquest supports the formal education system in a wide variety of ways. In a typical year, schools can select from around 50 different education programmes aimed at early years to post-16 audiences as part of a structured visit when planning a trip to Techniquest. In addition to covering many different areas of the curriculum, these programmes broadened participation by targeting different ages, abilities, interests and backgrounds.

  5.2  At the main Cardiff Bay site, theme weeks are provided during term-time for schools. Each theme week establishes links between Techniquest resources and an area of the National Curriculum. A typical school visit is preceded by a teachers' preview evening and the distribution of introductory material. During the visit, exhibits relevant to the theme are highlighted, and there is often a route card or "trail" which teachers can use, at their discretion, to focus the attention of pupils on particular experiences or questions.

  5.3  A number of our special themes have been made possible through partnerships with external bodies who have contributed time, equipment and even personnel. Examples include collaborations with the Public Health Laboratory Service on "Microbes", with the Environment Agency on "Water", and with the Wellcome Trust on the DNA workshops.

  5.4  Outreach services include mobile lightweight exhibits, shows and workshops. An innovative low cost distribution and delivery system has also been developed and is being rolled out to schools throughout Wales. Teachers are consulted at every stage, and the concept is based on an innovative model for on-going teacher input and involvement.

  5.5  Techniquest also partners with Cardiff University to provide an MSc in Science, Media and Communication.

  5.6  INSET (in-service training) is available for teachers using Techniquest's resources. Workshops, background information, and practical classroom ideas are provided during INSET courses held either at Techniquest or in schools. Topics include: Forces, Earth and Beyond, Materials (Chemistry for beginners).

6.FUNDING

  6.1  Techniquest has a turnover of approximately £3 million per year. It receives approximately £600,000 per year through admission charges to visitors and schools. It currently receives £1,050,000 per year in the form of grant assistance from the Welsh Assembly Government which has been of considerable benefit in providing stability and in enabling the organisation to develop an all-Wales approach. The remaining income is made up of grants and earned income from trading activities, and varies from year to year.

  6.2  Major investment in the development of services must be sought from sponsors and grants. A range of sustainable and cost-effective proposals are currently under discussion with stakeholders including improvements to the main site and further expansion of the all-Wales outreach services.

  6.3  Techniquest lacks capital assets that generate reliable income such as car parks, conference facilities or rental income.

  6.4  Revenue from admission charges fluctuate as a result of the weather and tend to decrease substantially in warmer and sunnier weather. Investment in new outdoor exhibits and programmes is currently being sought to provide more activities that attract visitors during weekends and holidays.

  6.5  Trading activities based on the expertise of its staff provide important revenue, although this is variable and contracts often extend only 4-6months ahead making planning difficult. The organisation has built a strong reputation for producing and selling interactive exhibits which are exported worldwide and which helps support its exceptional design and development facilities.

7.  PARTNERSHIPS

  7.1  Techniquest places a high value on working in partnership and believes it compliments existing organisations well whilst avoiding duplication.

  7.2  Techniquest works closely with the Welsh Assembly Government. In addition to formal control mechanisms, there are frequent meetings and discussions to share contacts and adjust projects to achieve maximum benefit.

  7.3  Techniquest works closely with Ecsite UK and the CEO is currently a member of the board (Treasurer). Ecsite UK provides valuable networking and coordination services to the sector and represents its members at many levels. A key strength of Ecsite UK is that its members are organisations with local knowledge, experienced staff, existing audiences and a trusted and valuable reputation with public and teachers alike. Relatively small funding assistance leads to rapid and significant impact with audiences.

  7.4  Techniquest partners a number of commercial companies interested in supporting science education. These include First Hydro, Welsh Water, g24 Innovations.

  7.5  Techniquest also works closely with other organizations in Wales, including HE and FE institutions, LEAs, Museums, Careers and educational bodies, and many more.

  7.6  Techniquest has a high-level strategic relationship with Cardiff University. Collaboration spans areas as diverse as marine geology, manufacturing engineering, computer science, journalism and media studies, physics and astronomy. Regular meetings take place and a range of joint activities and programming results. Techniquest is currently part of a partnership bid for Beacons of Public Engagement status with Cardiff University (lead), University of Glamorgan, Amgueddfa Cymru-National Museum of Wales and BBC Wales.

  7.7  Techniquest is responsible for the science communication arm of the Wales Gene Park initiative, a major partnership with Cardiff University.

  7.8  Techniquest participates in the Science Horizons scheme, a national series of conversations about new technologies, the future and society.

  7.9  Techniquest has recently founded the Science Communication Group for South Wales.

  7.10  The Association for Science Education (ASE), the professional body of science teachers, holds regional and sectional committee meetings at Techniquest as well as special events. Techniquest maintains close links with its officers at both regional and national level.

  7.11  The Wales Regional Officer of the British Association for the Advancement of Science ("the BA") is based at Techniquest and BA meetings are regularly held there.

  7.12  Techniquest is a full member of the Association of Science-Technology Centers, only the second science centre in Europe to achieve this distinction.

  7.13  In addition to working closely with Wales institutions, research activity is conducted with other HEIs. Recent partnerships include Kings College London, Leicester University, Salford University and the Institute of Education, London.

8.  AUDIENCE-LED

  8.1  Techniquest evaluates is programmes and surveys its audiences to ensure that it is meeting their needs and creating innovative experiences that challenge and stimulate them. All new exhibits and programmes are subject to professional-standard up-front, formative and summative evaluation, and are adjusted and improved using this data.

  8.2  A detailed annual visitor survey is carried out at our main site to provide comparative results and monitor longer-term trends.

  8.3  The organisation works closely with schools, LEAs and the Department for Education and Lifelong Learning to discuss curriculum development and policy in science education, maths and related subjects. Programmes are adjusted to meet teachers needs in relation to education policy. Although funding is limited, each year a number of new education programmes are developed to further ensure that schools needs are being met and that teacher feedback is acted-on wherever possible.

  8.4  Techniquest is currently expanding its programming regarding the science behind climate change, as a result of increased interest in this area. New exhibitions, events and collaborative projects are under development or planned, subject to funding.

  8.5  There is considerable interest in providing special facilities for the 14-19 age group, who's needs differ markedly from other audiences. Techniquest is currently working with industry and local authority partners on proposals to do more in this area.

  8.6  Techniquest is able to employ a full time Head of Research and Evaluation. This role provides oversight of all evaluation activity and coordinates the partnership work necessary to conduct audience research.

  8.7  Audience numbers across all sites and outreach are gathered and collated monthly.

  8.8  A range of research projects are conducted in partnership with universities, where grants can be secured. For example, research looking at family interaction and learning, and impact research with schools is currently in progress. A particular emphasis is placed on long-term impact in terms of attitude and motivation towards science—these draw upon motivational psychology and involve measures such as conative outcomes and self-efficacy.

  8.9  Techniquest is currently involved in research regarding the use of the "Inspiring Learning for All" framework in science centres. This framework uses a standard set of Generic Learning Outcomes which takes account of motivational and attitudinal factors in learning as well as cognitive outcomes. This was developed by Leicester University for the Museums, archives and libraries Council.

9.  LOCAL ROOTS/KNOWLEDGE

  9.1  Techniquest operates substantial range of services to the public and for schools, and this requires close local knowledge and connections. For areas of Wales away from Cardiff, we operate through suitable partnerships to create Techniquest-like experiences that can also operate with good local knowledge in their areas. There are currently three such sites, and each has a different make-up according to the area and partners concerned.

  9.2  Techniquest@NEWI in Wrexham, NE Wales, is located on the campus of the North East Wales Institute, a leading community FE college. This centre is open all year round, and features Techniquest exhibitions and educational programmes, plus other local initiatives. Management advice and other support services are provided from Techniquest in Cardiff to help run the centre which attracts about 35,000 visitors per year.

  9.3  Techniquest@Oakwood offers a stimulating set of Techniquest exhibits to visitors to the popular Oakwood theme park in SW Wales. The centre is closed during the winter months. This site attracts around 150,000 visitors per year and allows Techniquest to reach audiences that may not otherwise engage with science and technology.

  9.4  Techniquest@Electric Mountain, is Techniquest's newest satellite site. A Techniquest exhibition is provided in First Hydro's visitor centre in Llanberis, a prime tourist location at the foot of Snowdon, NW Wales, and a schools outreach service is also provided during term time. The operation is planned to expand to include public and schools programmes. Currently open for six months per year, the centre attracts around 13,000 visitors per year.

10.  INTERNATIONAL LINKS

  10.1  Techniquest makes regular contributions to overseas projects at the request of bodies such as the British Council (eg Hong Kong and Beijing in 2000) and the National Assembly for Wales (eg Stuttgart in 1999, Lyon in 2000, San José in 2001). Between 2002-04 Techniquest, with the support of the British Council established a link with Brazilian science centres through a local educational foundation, and delivered a three year programme of workshops aimed at capacity-building in this sector.

  10.2  Techniquest has good links with most European science centres and major science museums. Ideas and resources are exchanged and joint projects occur from time to time. For example, Techniquest recently provided resources to the Genoa science festival in Italy.

  10.3  Techniquest is often approached for advice and expertise. This is generally provided, often under the framework of a partnership arrangement, or sometimes as a commercial service, generating income for the organisation. For example, advice has been provided to Latvia Science and Technology Centre as part of an Ecsite/British Council scheme, and to the government and university of Malta to discuss developing science centres with them. Exhibits manufactured by Techniquest have been supplied recently to Vilvite, the Bergen Knowledge Centre, Norway, the Terengganu Science Centre in Malaysia and the National Science Museum in Thailand.

  10.4  On environmental matters Techniquest is planning new exhibitions and works closely with the IGLO initiative from the ASTC. Recently a partnership with a commercial company and Cardiff County Council led to a Cardiff teacher visiting Antarctica with explorer Robert Swan CBE. This is being followed up with reports and educational materials.

  10.5  Techniquest hosts many international delegations and visitors from around the world. For example, advice was provided recently to a high-level delegation from Chinese science centre during a visit to Techniquest.

June 2007