Effective science facilitation for engaging diverse youth in STEM

• This cross-border summer course is designed for undergraduate and postgraduate students, researchers, academics, science educators and STEM outreach practitioners interested in engaging young people in science in more inclusive and effective ways.
• Organised by the University of the Basque Country, in collaboration with the University of Bordeaux, the course brings together contributions from EHU, the University of Bordeaux, the University of Galway and invited experts in science engagement. It combines research-informed frameworks with practical activities and workshops.
• Participants will explore how young people develop interest, confidence and aspirations in STEM through the concept of science capital, and reflect on the role of science facilitators in both formal and informal learning contexts. The programme also addresses psychological aspects of engagement, motivation, learning outside the classroom and the adaptation of science activities to different age groups and audiences. A central focus will be the creation of inclusive science spaces. Participants will examine barriers to participation including gender, socioeconomic background, ethnicity, disability, geography and stereotypes, and work on practical strategies to make science activities more accessible, welcoming and meaningful for diverse learners.
• Through interactive exercises, case-based discussions and applied workshops, participants will develop skills in science communication and facilitation, including managing group dynamics, responding to challenging situations, and creating safe and inclusive learning environments. Activities include communication exercises, analysis of inclusion scenarios, a mini-exhibition of interactive STEM experiences and guided practice on supporting science capital. By the end of the course, participants will have acquired practical skills to facilitate and reflect on inclusive STEM engagement activities for young people and improve their practice.
• Format: 50% + interactive exercises

Methodology

The course will follow an interactive and practice-oriented methodology, combining short theoretical inputs with hands-on activities, workshops and guided reflection. Participants will work with facilitation scenarios, communication exercises, group discussions and peer feedback. The methodology will emphasise learning by doing, inclusive facilitation, adaptation of science activities to diverse youth audiences and reflection on participants’ own practice. Half of the course will be devoted to practical activities, including mini-exhibitions, case analysis and applied workshops on science capital and inclusive facilitation.