Volunteer

Description

ReelLIFE SCIENCE is a STEM outreach programme based in the University of Galway, which encourages young people in schools and youth groups to engage with science and technology by creating short videos for the general public. Videos communicate topics such as 'Climate Action', 'How Things Work' and 'Science and Me'. Taking part helps young people develop their communication, teamwork and digital skills, while promoting awareness of the impact of science and technology on society.

Since 2013, over 26,000 participants in almost 750 primary schoools, secondary schools and youth organisations in Ireland and Northern Irealand have produced more than 3000 videos. The best videos at each level win €1000 for their school or group and are screened for the public at the Galway Science and Technology Festival.

In 2024, we want to recruit a large panel of volunteer video judges to help us find the best videos produced by these young people. Each volunteer judge will receive ten YouTube links and a grading sheet to assess and provide feedback on the three minute videos based on scientific content, production values and x-factor. Judging will be done online, in your own time (it should only take about one hour) between Oct 14 - 20. Volunteers will receive a certificate and ReelLIFE SCIENCE digital badge issued by University of Galway in recognition of their participation. 

Videos can be in English or Irish, so Irish speaking judges are particularly welcome to sign up to judge videos received as Gaeilge! If you don't tell us you speak Irish, all of the videos you receive will be in English, so don't worry if you don't have a 'cúpla focail' [i.e. a few words]!

Occasionally, other volunteering opportunities will be shared with the volunteer panel, e.g. participating in exhibitions around the country to promote ReelLIFE SCIENCE to students, helping out at the Galway Science and Technology Festival or becoming a STEM Ambassador where you can 'visit' primary schools via Zoom to speak about your interest in STEM and help young people brainstorm some ideas for their ReelLIFE SCIENCE vidoes. 

ReelLIFE SCIENCE is supported by the Science Foundation Ireland Discover Programme, Foróige, the CURAM Centre for Research in Medical Devices, Cell EXPLORERS and the Galway Science and Technology Festival.

Is training provided?: Yes

Tasks that the volunteer(s) will be expected to undertake:

Judge ten 3 minute videos based on scientific content, production values and x-factor. 

Return video grades and feedback within one week. 

Volunteers can request addtional videos for judging. 

Skills required for this role:

STEM interest desirable but not necessary.

Details of time commitment needed for role:
One hour online approx., between Oct 14th and Oct 20th 2024.

Minimum time commitment per week:
1 hour p/week

Additional screening required for this role:
No