Natural History Investigators

Natural History Investigators

Natural History Investigators is a group that was formed to provide 14–16 year-olds with a chance to explore their interest in nature. Young people taking part have the freedom to devise and carry out their own project using museum specimens in their free time.

Background

The Natural History Investigators group was developed with the following awarenesses in mind:

There are few opportunities for teenagers to develop their interest in science outside of the classroom.
Schools can sometimes lack the resources to help students gain experience in planning experiments and undertaking practical work. We therefore aim to give young people extra opportunities build on their core scientific skills.
With its incredible artefacts and exhibits, the museum is a source of inspiration for thousands of visitors. However, there is only so much that you can learn in one-off trip to the museum. Natural History Investigators helps provide aspiring scientists with extra opportunities to pursue their interest in the natural world.

Audiences

This opportunity is primarily for young people educated in the state sector. Natural History Investigators focuses on small-group learning and is a great extra-curricular activity for students. The opportunity is advertised in the Museum, during school visits, and through the Museum’s teacher network. However, we don’t ask teachers to nominate students; young people are encouraged to apply to the programme directly and independently.

Aims

We hope that our young Investigators will meet friends with a shared interest in the natural sciences and enjoy developing their interests using specimens from our collection. Natural History Investigators also provides the museum with the opportunity to showcase our scientific research, and allows young people to meet the scientists behind the wide variety of research projects that take place here.

Delivery

Each Saturday has a flexible structure. Sometimes, our Investigators enjoy a short talk from a scientist. On other occasions, Investigators will participate in a group activity -- which might involve a behind-the-scenes tour or an object-handling session. The rest of the time, our Investigators will work on their individual projects.

Investigators' projects culminate in a science communication activity, for instance hosting a stall at a family science fair or working on a display case in the Museum.

Outcomes

Natural History Investigators provides a relaxed and informal atmosphere for young people to learn about science. Investigators can choose to work on their own or in groups for part of the time. Friendships form, and participants support and entertain each other in a variety of ways. Investigators have plenty of opportunity to meet the researchers at the museum and experience scientific research that is driven by curiosity and creativity. Researchers also enjoy meeting with young Investigators and develop their own youth-engagement skills.

By the end of the program, many group members are keen to join the Museum's youth forum and continue their relationship with the museum.

Investigators have plenty of opportunity to meet the researchers at the museum and experience scientific research that is driven by curiosity and creativity. Researchers also enjoy meeting with young Investigators and develop their own youth-engagement skills.

By the end of the ten weeks, many group members are keen to join the Museum's youth forum and continue their relationship with the museum.

I liked how enthusiastic everyone was. I got enough freedom to do what I wanted and came up with my own question [to study]. The whole thing was brilliant. Not only did I learn a lot, I also made some new friends.

Reflection

Natural History Investigators provides a different kind of opportunity to science lessons at school. Working in a group, Investigators are able to develop professional relationships and friendships with other young people who have identified their interest in nature.

In future, we wish to work with people at an even earlier stage to help bring their interest in natural sciences to the fore.

Exciting News for 2025: Investigators is Back – Twice!

Next year, we’re thrilled to announce that Investigators will run twice, giving even more students the opportunity to dive into the wonders of natural history! Our first session will run for four weeks, from 1 March to 22 March 2025, and the second will take place in September. This new format is designed to offer greater flexibility for those eager to participate, without the commitment of a full ten weeks.

Students are welcome to join one session or both – it’s up to you! We understand that March is exam season for Year 11s, but we encourage you to apply anyway. Think of this as a stress-free zone where you can connect with natural history in a way that works for you. Whether it’s exploring, discovering, or just relaxing, this is your space to take a break from the hustle of exams.

Hurry and express interest for the January session by writing to us at education@oum.ox.ac.uk before 31 January 2025.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Download the Natural History Investigators case study in pdf