An Evaluation of the DIAS Dunsink Observatory Space Crafts Programme

This report provides an overview of a commissioned, independent evaluation of DIAS Dunsink Observatory’s Space Crafts programme, conducted by researchers at Dublin City University (DCU)’s Institute of Education. The programme, which was developed with funding from Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), consisted of eight collaborative science & arts workshops delivered to groups of fifth and sixth pupils from DEIS schools in north west Dublin, between May 2024 and November 2025. A mixed methods pre-, post-, follow-up approach was employed, combining quantitative measures of pupils’ science-related attitudes and knowledge with qualitative data from open-ended questionnaires and focus groups with participating pupils and interviews with their teachers. Linear mixed-effects models indicated that the workshops were associated with sustained improvements in pupils’ self-confidence in science. Short-term changes were also observed in terms of reduced anxiety towards science and increased recognition of its societal value, although these were not maintained at three-month follow-up. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data identified the place-based nature of the workshops, combined with the emphasis on creative and hands-on engagement as key strengths. Pupils’ suggestions for enhancing the workshops, particularly those regarding a desire for a stronger focus on science alongside the creative elements, provide potentially valuable insights for future iterations, and are also of interest in light of the broader discourse relating to integrated learning at primary level. Whilst the evaluation did not incorporate a control group and therefore cannot establish causality, it nonetheless provides evidence of the potential of combining active, experiential learning with the purposeful integration of science and the arts in supporting the engagement of children from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds in science.