Astrophysics engagement with low science capital communities: a case study in Blackpool, Lancashire

Abstract

Funded by the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council, Blackpool PIER (Physics: Inspire, Engage, Research) is an intensive, three-year longitudinal programme working with a targeted group of young people in an area of high deprivation in the North West of England. The project aims to increase the participants' science capital via a series of interventions including school visits and trips based on astronomy and astrophysics. The work includes a meticulous evaluation strategy to provide a sound evidence base of the efficacy of such interventions, which is benchmarked against results from the UK national ASPIRES survey.