DYNAMIC EARTH’S FIRST DEAF SCIENCE DAY

In March, Dynamic Earth proudly welcomed over 50 deaf learners for our very first Deaf Science Day—a celebration of inclusive science learning created in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh and the Scottish Sensory Centre.

The day was designed to ensure that deaf visitors could fully enjoy and engage with everything Dynamic Earth has to offer. With BSL interpreters joining for the entire experience, as well as tailored planetarium shows and workshops, the event placed accessibility at its heart.

At Dynamic Earth, we believe that science is for everyone. We’re committed to making our centre as inclusive and welcoming as possible, and Deaf Science Day marked a major step forward in that mission.

Building Confidence Through Training

Ahead of the event, we were thrilled to welcome Tania Allan, who led a Deaf Awareness session for our staff, including an introduction to British Sign Language. This training helped our team feel more confident and informed when engaging with deaf visitors and was a valuable learning opportunity for everyone involved.

Science Workshops Delivered in BSL

Working closely with deaf scientists from the University of Edinburgh, we ran a series of hands-on workshops delivered entirely in BSL. For many of the young people attending, BSL is their first language—so this was a chance to engage with science in a way that felt natural and empowering.

A Planetarium Experience for All

With support from Armagh Observatory, we were delighted to present our popular planetarium show We Are Guardians with BSL interpretation integrated directly into the dome experience. It was a powerful moment to see deaf learners engaging with science in such an accessible and immersive way.

We’re incredibly proud of this milestone and grateful to all our partners who helped bring it to life. Most of all, we’re excited to build on this success—hosting even more accessible events in the future, and continuing to break down barriers in science engagement.

‘What made this experience special was seeing the deaf children engage with science in an accessible environment. Having deaf role models was particularly impactful – showing these young people that deafness is not a barrier to pursuing careers in STEM fields.

Events like these have impacts far beyond a single day of fun. They build confidence, spark interest in science, and create memories that can shape future aspirations. For deaf children who often face accessibility barriers in educational settings, this kind of fully inclusive experience is invaluable.’- Dr Audrey Cameron