The Faraday Institute’s work has always included engagement with young people and, since 2013, we have been developing a wide-reaching and successful programme, providing opportunities for thousands of young people to explore positive science-faith interactions through accessible interactive sessions, resources and influencer training.
“They answered questions that people are often afraid to go into that I ask about.” School student
Children and young people are natural questioners – often asking fascinating ‘big questions’ which display interest in a wide range of topics, including those of science and religious faith. The ability to ask and process these big, ‘inter-curricular’ questions is vital for today’s young people who face huge and complex questions such as those relating to climate change, artificial intelligence, racism, mental health, and their own place and purpose in life.
Unfortunately, research indicates that young people often lack suitable opportunities to explore their questions and, resultingly, can develop misconceptions which limit their effective engagement with society’s important challenges and opportunities. We are therefore working to increase the opportunities available to all young people to explore and develop their ability to engage with big questions, particularly those regarding the key areas of science and religious faith.
Interactive Sessions and Training
“You did an amazing job, covering fascinating content and drawing out the level of conversation that quite simply does not happen enough in schools. It really was a joy to watch!” Secondary school teacher
We find that the most fruitful and valuable support of young people combines direct interaction with enthusiastic experts, with confident reinforcement from teachers, children’s workers and others in important positions of influence. Therefore, we offer training events to equip and support educators and communicators, as well as delivering sessions allowing young people to interact with inspirational speakers with expertise and lived experiences of science and/or theology and philosophy.
Since 2013, our interactive science-faith sessions have made space for over 42,000 young people to explore their big interdisciplinary questions in a safe space, and in exciting and accessible ways. We have also reached over 5,000 educators and influencers with training which motivates and equips them to support their young people’s questions and interest in science, religious faith, and their interactions.
All of our sessions and training events are flexible and can be tailored to the requirements and interests of each individual audience. We offer events across the UK and will happily discuss opportunities further afield. Costs vary depending on event requirements.
For more information see faradayeducators.com. To discuss further, or to make a booking please connect with us.
“Such an interesting conversation to be had and I didn’t really think I’d ever get the opportunity for it.” Trainee science teacher
Resources
We are committed to ensuring that children, young people and those who influence them are well-resourced to explore positive science-faith interactions.
We work with leading publishers and content creators to produce high-quality resources, from story books to interactive videos and activities. Some of our books and training materials are available in the Faraday shop.
We also review and recommend helpful resources produced by others. See the resources pages on our kids, teens and educators sites for a full list. We welcome recommendation of relevant resources and submission of proposals for publication of new resources with support from our team.
Please connect with us if you know of resources which might aid in supporting the communication of positive science-faith interactions to children, young people and those who influence them.
