Creativity in Science education at ESPLORA : a case study

Abstract

Esplora is an informal learning environment in Malta which aims to cultivate scientific creativity. The aim of the research was to shed light on how Esplora is [i] ‘Teaching Creatively’, [ii] ‘Teaching for Creativity’ as well as [iii] to collect data regarding Creativity and Science Education. Five Esplora outputs were observed as part of Phase 1 of the research. Feedback was collected from teachers and students about [i] their experience at Esplora, [ii] Creativity, and [iii] Creativity in Science Education. Nine members of the Esplora staff were interviewed to obtain information about how Esplora outputs are designed and delivered as well as how they as staff work at ‘Teaching Creatively’ and ‘Teaching for Creativity’. Ten outputs were designed as part of Phase 2. Four of these were presented to ten school groups and evaluated. Esplora achieves ‘Teaching Creatively’ through the use of arts as well as by linking scientific content to knowledge from other areas or everyday life. ‘Teaching for Creativity’ was provided through hands-on activities such as engineering tasks which allow a greater degree of freedom or by having presenters encourage creativity fostering behaviour amongst participants. This research reveals that science education could and should be a niche where one can nourish scientific creativity amongst future students interested in learning science.