How to run a science club
How to run a science club in your school
Who runs clubs?
To start a science club, you need at least one, preferably two or more organisers. This way, you can share the planning and delivery of the club, and your club will be more adventurous and creative, as you bounce ideas off each other.
Remember, it's just as important that the organisers enjoy the club, as it is that the children enjoy the club.
Science club organisers can come from many backgrounds, within and without school. You don't need to be a super scientist in order to run a club, and there are sets of resources designed with that in mind. It can be an opportunity for the club organisers to extend their knowledge and skills, in a less pressured setting.
Club organisers and helpers can be found in many places:
- interested parents
- local university postgraduates or graduate students
- retired scientists or engineers
- teachers and
- classroom assistants
On the next page, you can hear and read about the experiences of three organisers with a range of experiences and backgrounds.
When do science clubs run?
As you have heard and read, science clubs run in a variety of ways, at a variety of times. It is most common for the club to run for 30-45 minutes during the lunch break. However, other clubs run after school, or even at weekends.
Some clubs run weekly all through the year, some run for a term, or even for a short period, such as during National Science and Engineering Week. What is important is that the children and their parents and carers know what is happening and when.
It is advisable to produce a termly programme or newsletter. This can also help you to recruit new volunteer helpers!
How should I set up my room?
In most clubs, the children work together in groups. The groups can either be working on the same problem or activity, or on a set of related activities, or on completely different projects.
Each group needs a table to work on, and chairs. There should be enough room around the tables for children to get up and move safely.
Equipment can either be prepared, and set up on each table prior to the club, or placed on a separate resources table.
It is a good idea to have a club notice board in the room, or in a nearby corridor. This can be used to remind the children when and where to meet, whether they need to bring in any special equipment and to display their work.