Lab_13 is a dedicated space in school where STEM investigations are driven by curiosity. Each Lab_13 is managed by a committee of pupils who are guided by a scientist-in-residence.
Scientific enquiry comes from the pupils’ questions and imagination; they learn how to be scientists as well as learning science. The first Lab_13 opened in 2009, and the programme is developed by Nottingham charity Ignite! Futures and RSA Fellow Rick Hall.
The aims of Lab_13 are to:
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Encourage young people to take responsibility and decision-making control of their science research space
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Build their confidence and skills
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Create a space for young person-led practical experiment and invention
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Sustain young people's innate curiosity and creativity
Thanks to a series of partnerships and RSA support, Ignite! has grown the network to include Lab_13s in schools for children with autism, and internationally in Ghana (2015) and Finland (2017).
The latest RSA Catalyst Scaling Award will enable Lab_13s to work more closely together via a refreshed web platform and to share their investigations more widely through the Lab_13 Cookbook; a compendium of real science in schools.
Fellows can get involved by:
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Promoting the concept of curiosity-led investigations in schools
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Supporting new Lab_13s locally
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Volunteering as scientists in residence
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Suggesting new opportunities for Lab_13 International
