Cell Block Science and Beyond the Walls

Cell Block Science will build on our programme of informal science learning in Shotts and Low Moss prisons. We will expand the programme to Perth prison and Polmont young offenders’ unit and include women prisoners and young offenders. We will also pilot integrated delivery for family learning through HMP Perth’s established family programme. We will also create a virtual school with the Children's University to encourage the uptake of informal learning opportunities beyond this project.
 
We will open this programme to researchers from all Scottish universities as well as participants from community organisations such as science centres and zoos. This will provide an opportunity for researchers to develop interactive, accessible activities linked to their research.
 
The programme will be evaluated for best practice and disseminated to stakeholders and interested parties, including a wider European network of prison educators who have already expressed an interest. In addition, we aim to highlight the value of science learning in prisons to present to policy makers as evidence for including formal science in the prison curriculum.