miniSCIENCES PIM: Designing and Leading Science Mediation Workshops for a Year 4 Class

From 6 to 10 January 2025, twelve master’s students in marine science and engineering immersed themselves in the world of science outreach during the miniSCIENCES PIM, organised by Quentin Millière (ISblue/UBO) and Anne Bertin Renoux (RAME/UBO). Over the course of a week, they designed and led educational workshops for Marie Cappele’s Year 4 class at Jean de la Fontaine School in Brest, which manages the Sainte-Anne-du-Portzic Beach Educational Marine Area (AME).

The project offered a rich opportunity to explore scientific mediation. The students reflected on essential questions: How can we raise environmental awareness among younger generations? How does direct experience with nature foster ecological sensitivity?

Participants benefited from the theoretical insights of researchers from the RAME project (Research on Educational Marine Areas), which studies the educational processes and impacts of AME initiatives.

The week began with a meeting with the Year 4 pupils to better understand their existing knowledge and connection to the marine environment. This was followed by group discussions and exchanges with professionals in science communication.

The students had the opportunity to meet three regional science mediators: Pascale Nicol (Musée 70.8), Nathalie Delliou (Esprit Nat’ure), and Blandine Jaouen (Océanopolis).

Drawing on these exchanges and insights, the students developed and implemented educational activities tailored for children during several creative sessions, punctuated by group feedback and collaborative reviews.

At the end of the week, they led their workshops directly in the field on Sainte-Anne-du-Portzic Beach, teaching scientific concepts in an accessible and hands-on way. In addition to running the workshops, participants created detailed “memo sheets” describing their activities, with the goal of sharing resources within the science mediation community.

Workshops included:
• Discovering the strandline through the senses: exploring elements of the strandline using touch, smell, and sight
• Observing the evolution of coastal urbanisation in Brittany: understanding planning rules and their purpose
• Raising awareness about marine pollution: learning about the impact of plastics and other waste on the ocean
• Treasure hunt: discovering beach biodiversity: identifying four local species and finding skate eggs

The students gained not only practical and methodological skills but also a deeper, more critical understanding of the importance of engaging children in environmental awareness through sensory and experiential learning in nature.

Read Anne Bertin’s article about the PIM!

The participants also presented their work at the 2025 PIM Forum on Friday afternoon.

Watch the students’ interview from the PIM Forum:

Supervisors:

• Quentin Milliere (ISblue/UBO)
• Anne Bertin Renoux (RAME/UBO)