Reaching out with statistics: Experiences with STEM outreach and the AIMS programme
Tuesday 11th Feb 2020
Location: Room 6.075, Worsley Building, University of Leeds
14:30-14:55: Event Refreshments
14:55-15:00 Chair of the Leeds/Bradford Group
Introductions
15:00-15:45 Dr. Laura Bonnett, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool
Penguins, playing cards and statistical engagement.
(View recording of presentation)
Numeracy is a core skill for children and adults. Unfortunately, maths often receives a bad press, especially from school pupils who may say "maths is boring", or "it's too hard"! As mathematicians and statisticians, we have a duty to inspire the next generation and to engage the public with mathematics and statistics; to encourage enjoyment of the subject, to enhance and enrich study beyond the curriculum, and to encourage unusual ways of communicating our science.
The Royal Statistical Society’s Education & Statistical Literacy Committee remit includes statistical education in practice, promoting careers in statistics, and developing statistical literacy. In line with these aims the Committee is co-ordinating the development of hands-on statistical activities for its Fellows, and STEM Ambassadors, for use at science festivals and school workshops.
To date eight activities have been launched – how random are you, how to always win, biased sampling, stick or switch, how many penguins, capture recapture, radiotherapy: finding the right dose, and sociable cards. Four further activities are currently under development. A selection of these hands-on activities will be demonstrated, enabling attendees to recreate and run these activities for themselves.
Prepare yourselves for penguin poo, dice galore, and audience participation!
15:45-16:30 Jean Rizk, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland
My experience at AIMS as a volunteer tutor
(View recording of presentation)
The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), is a postgraduate educational centre supporting the development of mathematics and statistics across Africa. There are six AIMS centres and they are based in South Africa, Senegal, Ghana, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Cameroon. The programme is training students with educational and scientific resources that are equivalent to their counterparts in more developed countries. The students are being equipped with mathematical and statistical tools to work on real-life problems.
The lecturers there are also volunteers and come from all over the world, sent over by AIMS academic partners. The RSS is one of the partners, it sends over lecturers to deliver intensive courses in statistics, and to propose projects for the dissertation phase. I have been involved in the RSS throughout my PhD, and I was given the opportunity to tutor AIMS-Cameroon students and assist them with their statistics projects.
In my talk, I will share my incredible experience in Cameroon: my work with the students, the projects I supervised, the great time I spent with my fellow tutors, and other extracurricular activities that I introduced to support the students academically as well as with their physical health. I will also share a few tips for those who are interested in volunteering next summer.
...: Wrap-up and evening meal
Feel free to join the speakers and members of the local-group committee for an informal meal.
Venue TBA on the day.