Many congratulations to Nicola Skipper, Education Co-ordinator at the Sedgwick Museum, who has been shortlisted for the 2024 Professional Services Recognition Scheme, in the category, ‘Improving our Environmental Performance’.
This year, Nicola has initiated and led a major new project ‘Climate Pasts, Climate Futures’, at the Museum. The project brought together young people and Cambridge climate scientists, allowing them to explore extinction and climate change whilst drawing hope and optimism from the Museum’s displays and collections.
Over six months, students attended workshops with researchers from the Earth Sciences, Zoology, Chemistry and Geography Departments. The project culminated in a climate-themed art installation, created and curated by local school children, aged 11 to 16, from Parkside Community College.
The students came up with the idea for their installation, ‘The Butterfly Effect,’ after learning that butterflies act as an early warning sign to changes in the environment. The group collaborated with artist Hilary Cox Condron to create an exhibition featuring hundreds of handmade butterflies arranged throughout the museum, juxtaposed with hand painted warning signs.
Nicola hosted a launch event for the young people, their teachers and families at the Museum. Her efforts to provide a supportive forum for climate science learning were noted by teachers, who saw their students gain in confidence and pride because of the project, “You’ve really given the kids a voice in this Museum.”
The installation, which launched in May 2024, has already been seen by around 20,000 visitors to the Museum. A number of family activities have been sparked by the initiative, and more than 300 visitors have contributed to a spin-off installation on helping wildlife at home.
Museum Director Liz Hide said, “I'm delighted that Nicola's hard work has been recognised in this way. The Museum has an important role to play in informing and stimulating debate and discussion about the Earth and the challenges facing it, and Nicola has brought together young people, scientists and creatives, to explore together our responses to extinction and climate change.”
Museum Learning and Engagement Manager Sally Collins, said, “Nic created an environment where the students felt at home in the museum, with access to scientists, collections expertise and an artist. The students wanted to start a discussion among museum visitors about taking action to protect the future or our planet, and their voices were amplified not only in the museum, but worldwide, through media interest.”
In Nicola’s words: “This programme was created to connect the upcoming generation with our world-leading climate scientists and to give the students a space and voice within the Museum. It’s been wonderful to see them respond to it so enthusiastically and creatively.”
Feature photo, credit: Nick Saffell.