SoilCIP staff will continue to be involved in open days such as that attended by 1000 school students and over 10,000 members of the public at Rothamsted in 2006, and in Science Fairs in Devon that annually attract over 500 children and teachers from 15-20 local primary schools, funded by BBSRC Science and Society Grants for the past years. We will continue to participate in annual displays and demonstrations at 'Cereal' events, attended by >20,000 farmers and industry experts. We will also continue to organize a science Marquee (Science WithIntent) at the Devon County show to promote science to both children and the general public; this has been funded by both the Royal Society and BBSRC Grants in the past. Staff at both sites are Science and Engineering Ambassadors and Schools Ambassadors and regularly host courses for teachers and visit schools as part of their role as BBSRC Science Coordinators.
SoilCIP staff will continue to compete for BBSRC Public Understanding of Science awards for the education of children about soil facts, which we have won in the past with projects such as 'Develop Deepdene Meadow!' - An Interactive Soil Story and CD-ROM game; 'Save Deepdene Meadow' - a computer eco-game for school Children; 'Schoolchildren Plant Elms for the Future'; 'The Soil Story for Deaf Children'; and 'What is your favourite Mini-beast?'
SoilCIP staff will continue to interact with the media in projects such as 'Jimmy's Farm' for BBC TV and a 'Lily Films' (California) documentary on soil to be shown in 2008.
Devon County Show
North Wyke participation at 'Science 'WithInTent' at the Devon County Show. This annual event is designed to introduce the public to science in general and features fun exhibits and workshops from North Wyke, Setpoint Devon-Cornwall, other organisations such as the BA, @Bristol, and Techniquest as well as featuring shows by 'Gary the Clown'