Milton Keynes Science Festival 2008

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We propose to bring some of the excitement, wonder and opportunities of science and technology to the public of Milton Keynes as part of the 2008 Science Festival through a series of events including school talks, public debates and in particular a mass demonstration of how science and technology influences everyday life by a series of exhibits sited in the massive retail centre in Milton Keynes city centre. Milton Keynes Council and its Education services has identified that uptake in STEM subjects is poor in the region (below expected National Average for its demographic and social patterns) and is leading to a severe skills shortage at a time when the City is seeking to develop its science and technology business interface (eg through the establishment of a Technology Park). A key aim of the Festival is to act as a centre piece for outreach activities which have been organised to encourage the local student population to a greater uptake in STEM. These events include demonstrations of the career options for STEM based graduates both in the local region and nationally. It is particularly essential to engage with the adult population both in their role as local citizens (engaging them in debate as to the need for local science and technology based research) and as parents since they are crucial in encouraging students to engage in STEM and see this as a career rather than the retail and service industries so common in Milton Keynes. The use of the shopping centre will allow us to bring physics directly to the public and engage with people who would not otherwise attend a STEM event. We can also emphasize the opportunities for careers in physics/science and, as most of the demonstrators are PhDs or younger scientists (over 50% female), demonstrate that science is 'done by people like you or your children!