Equity in Informal STEM Learning: Using the Equity Compass

Understand the importance of equity in STEM learning

There are ongoing inequalities in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) sector, which has traditionally excluded people from minoritised communities.

This three-week course will help you reflect on and develop equitable and inclusive practice, to ensure that your organisation can effectively support diverse young people’s engagement with STEM.

You’ll gain a deeper understanding of equity issues, the factors influencing inequalities in STEM and what to do about it. By the end, you’ll have created a plan of action to make your practice more equitable and inclusive.

Use the Equity Compass to support social justice

You’ll be introduced to the Equity Compass – a practical, evidence-based tool that supports equitable practice – and learn how and why you could use it.

Using the Equity Compass framework, you’ll reflect on and develop your practice. Through case studies from informal STEM learning settings, reflective questions, and discussions, you’ll learn how to plan activities that are equitable and support all young people, particularly those from minoritised communities.

Learn from the specialists at University College London

Guided by the experts in informal STEM learning and equitable practice at the University College London (UCL), you’ll develop the knowledge to promote equity in informal STEM learning settings.

By the end of the course, you’ll have the confidence to take your skills into your own STEM learning environment.

This course is designed for informal STEM learning practitioners working in out-of-school organisations and roles such as science museums and centres, zoos, STEM clubs, festivals, community organisations and makerspaces.

The course is particularly relevant to informal STEM learning practitioners working in education roles, such as planning and delivering education programmes. The course will also benefit informal STEM learning practitioners working in other roles, such as exhibition design and management, as well as those working to support young people to engage with STEM outside informal STEM learning, such as teachers, funders, and policy makers.

This course is designed for informal STEM learning practitioners working in out-of-school organisations and roles such as science museums and centres, zoos, STEM clubs, festivals, community organisations and makerspaces.

The course is particularly relevant to informal STEM learning practitioners working in education roles, such as planning and delivering education programmes. The course will also benefit informal STEM learning practitioners working in other roles, such as exhibition design and management, as well as those working to support young people to engage with STEM outside informal STEM learning, such as teachers, funders, and policy makers.

• Describe key factors influencing inequalities in STEM participation and informal STEM learning
• Explain the difference between equality, equity, social justice
• Describe the components of the Equity Compass
• Apply the Equity Compass to examples from informal STEM learning
• Identify weak and strong examples of equitable practice
• Reflect on and develop your own practice using the Equity Compass