Description
The Astronomy through the Herschels workshops foster social inclusion and raise aspirations, particularly among Wonder Communities—those who may feel science isn’t for them or who have historically lacked equitable access to STEM opportunities. Part of the Explore Your Universe – Valuing Inclusion project, supported by ASDC and STFC, the programme focused on three outcomes: developing a sense of possible selves, acquiring new skills, and building social connections.
Working with schools in low-socioeconomic areas, the workshops used the legacy of the Herschel family and their connection to Slough to spark curiosity and a sense of belonging in science. Children explored infrared and ultraviolet light, constellations, comets, and telescopes through creative sessions featuring actors portraying the Herschels, hands-on STEAM activities, links to STFC science and researchers, and the contemporary relevance of their work—such as the use of infrared in the James Webb Space Telescope.
The four workshops were:
• Connecting the Dots – An intro to the night sky combining constellations and simple circuits.
• William: The Telescope and Discovery Maker – How William Herschel’s curiosity led to tools, discoveries, and a science career.
• Caroline: The Comet Hunter – Caroline Herschel became a paid professional female astronomer and a Gold Medal winner.
• John: The Polymath Influencer – John Herschel’s inventive spirit, influence on science, and co-founding of the Royal Astronomical Society.
This session will share the design and delivery of the Astronomy through the Herschels workshops and highlight evaluation findings from the wider EYU programme, collected by ASDC.
