School teachers and their classes are one of the principal target groups for science centres and other informal learning environments. We let them explore our exhibitions and carry out workshops in our labs. We design worksheets, develop experimental kits and conduct further training events for teachers. Although we maintain diverse and multifaceted relationships with teachers, entire schools and educational authorities, we’re not part of the “normal” school life.

In this session, we want to explore the diversity of our interactions with the school system and get to the bottom of our self-understanding as we “act as school”. We will distinguish between three levels of interaction: micro level (single teacher / classroom activities); meso level (activities related to entire schools); and macro level (activities undertaken towards governmental bodies). We’ll analyse the intentions behind our “acting”: is it simply output-driven? Are we looking for specific outcomes within STEM-learning? Or are we seeking to have socio-political impact?