Science on the Underground research (1998 – 1999)
Science on the Underground was the ground-breaking project that saw science posters on the London Underground trains for the first time. (see Science on the Underground project).
Brenda and Stuart wondered whether the strategy might have an impact on members of the public similar to its impact on learners in school. An independent evaluation of the project carried out by Education Extra provided the opportunity for data collection.
Research questions were:
• What was the level of awareness and interest amongst passengers?
• To what extent did the posters promote any kind of follow up response?
• To what extent were the posters accessible to a wide audience?
Data collection methods included observation of passenger responses, interviews with passengers, analysis of media coverage and analysis of website comments.
The main findings were that the project led to significant levels of awareness and interest amongst passengers. Engagement with the website was high from people working and living in London, as well as large numbers of visitors from the UK and beyond. Passengers were keen to explore the ideas in the Concept Cartoons and to seek answers to the conflicting ideas that they presented. People were seen to engage in dialogue with other passengers and claimed to continue their dialogue in the work place and at home. The simplicity of the approach was seen as significant in enabling people of all ages to engage with the scientific questions that were presented through the posters.
Publications by Brenda Keogh and Stuart Naylor et al
Keogh B. & Naylor S. (1999) Science on the Underground: an initial evaluation. Public Understanding of Science, 8, 1-18.
Keogh B. & Naylor S. (1999) Science goes Underground. Adults Learning, 10, 5, 6-8.
Education Extra (1998) Science on the Underground: an evaluation of the concept cartoon project by Education Extra. London: Education Extra.
