Case study
equity and inclusion, quality practice, evaluation, partnership working

Marvellous Microbes: merging art and science

updated on 21 Nov 2024
5 minutes

Marvellous Microbes is an educational theatre project that merges the arts with scientific research to engage young audiences with the invisible world of microorganisms. In collaboration with Durham and Newcastle Universities, the project was developed by Cap-a-Pie to capture the magic of microbes through captivating storytelling, music, and interactive activities. 

A case study from Katy Vanden, Producer at Cap-a-Pie

Children moving and dancing around a school hall with their teachers and facilitators

Launched in June 2024, the project reached over 450  Key Stage 1 children and their families in its first 6 months, sparking curiosity about the crucial role of microbes in environmental sustainability. Marvellous Microbes illustrates the potential of creative approaches to science engagement, blending artistic expression with scientific content. The project, led by Cap-a-Pie, involved:

  • Dr. Lorraine Coghill & G. J. Russell Electron Microscopy Facility at Durham University 
  • Dr. Pavlina Theodosiou and Dr. Sharon Velasquez Orta at Newcastle University 
  • Jeannie-May Adam (Assistant Facilitator)
  • Roma Yagnik (Composer)
  • Katie Doherty (Songwriter)
  • Laura Lindow (Director)
  • Rachel Glover (Production Manager)
  • Imogen Melhuish (Set and Costume Designer)
  • Anne Hornsby (Audio Description Specialist)
  • Anna Melling (Makaton Sign Specialist)
  • Caroline Ryan (BSL signer, at selected workshops)
Funded by the Royal Society of Chemistry
Funded by Community Foundation for Tyne & Wear
In partnership with Durham University's G. J. Russell Electron Microscopy Facil…
In partnership with Newcastle University's School of Engineering

Purpose

The primary goal of Marvellous Microbes was to engage children with the wonders of microorganisms and their vital role in environmental sustainability. By making complex scientific concepts accessible and exciting, the project aimed to spark curiosity and increase awareness.  Marvellous Microbes was designed with a strong commitment to accessibility and environmental responsibility. The workshops raise awareness of microbial science and also sets an example by being entirely transportable by bike, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Makaton and integrated audio descriptions are incorporated into all performances, ensuring events are accessible to a broader audience.

Background

Marvellous Microbes emerged from Cap-a-Pie's previous successful collaborations with scientists researching microbial applications in energy and environmental conservation. Recognising the potential to bridge the gap between science and young audiences, Cap-a-Pie sought to create an educational theatre experience that would make the science of microbes both understandable and engaging for children.

Approach

The performance was delivered to over 180 Key Stage 1 children in schools from June to November 2024, as well as to over 260 children and their families through events at community, arts, and school venues. 

Collaboration

Cap-a-Pie worked closely with researchers from Durham and Newcastle Universities to develop Marvellous Microbes. The project involved creating a workshop that combined storytelling, music, and theatre exercises with scientific research. The workshop featured a talented creative team, including award-winning songwriter Katie Doherty and writer-director Laura Lindow, to ensure both scientific accuracy and audience engagement
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Sustainability

To reflect Cap-a-Pie's commitment to environmental sustainability, the workshop was designed to be transportable by bike, reducing the project’s carbon footprint and setting an example of how educational projects can be more eco-friendly.

Adapting the workshop materials for bike transportation required creative problem-solving and careful planning, and resulted in a fully mobile, environmentally friendly educational experience that could be easily delivered to schools and community venues.

Changeable weather meant that sometimes it was too rainy or too hot to cycle. However, the packable nature of the set meant that public transport was an option when cycling wasn’t.

Accessibility

Accessibility was another key focus of the project. The team worked hard to make the workshop accessible to everyone, including taking steps to incorporate Makaton and integrated audio description into the performance. Artistic Director, Brad, began Makaton training and completed the Level 1 course to be able to understand and use this communication tool. Including Makaton helped children with a range of access requirements engage with the content. The integrated audio description and BSL interpreter at public events ensured that more people could participate meaningfully.
Presenter using Makaton in a workshop

My girls are autistic, so we loved the use of Makaton

Workshop participant

Evaluation

Evaluation of Marvellous Microbes involved gathering feedback from children, teachers, and parents. Surveys and interviews highlighted the effectiveness of the project in making scientific concepts accessible and engaging. 

The project also demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, merging the arts with scientific research to create an impactful educational experience. Researchers appreciated the opportunity to present their work in a creative format, while Cap-a-Pie gained valuable insights into integrating scientific content into theatrical performances. 

Key findings include:

Children

Young people enjoyed the interactive elements and songs, showing increased interest in microbial science. 
After the workshop students told us how much they enjoyed taking part in the activities. They could accurately recall what they'd learnt about microbes in the workshop. Year 2 students told us about how microbes, “wiggle”, “clean dirty water”, “can only be seen in a microscope” and “help the world”. 

Teachers

Educators noted improvements in students' understanding of microbes and their impact on the environment.
A teacher said: “the students were engaged from start to finish-they were hooked!” 

 

Parents and Carers

The grown-ups appreciated the educational value and the enthusiasm it generated in their children. They said: "The kids learned loads and were keen to recall facts. They really enjoyed the story, the songs, and moving like a microbe! It was great to see how the workshop explained science in such a fun and interactive way - it made them think about the good side of microbes and how they’re important, not just linked to germs."

Dr Sharon Velasquez-Orta, Newcastle University:

"My participation in Marvellous Microbes enabled me to communicate my research in a fun and reachable way. Collaborating to translate our work into an enticing kids' play was thoroughly enjoyable, and led to enriching conversations with children, expanding our overall perspective".

Dr Lorraine Coghill, Durham University:

"We jumped at the chance of working with Cap-a-Pie on Marvellous Microbes. The project allowed us to engage with a diverse audience across the North East, far beyond what we could achieve as an individual organisation, and helped us see things from both the children's and microbes' perspectives".

Dr Pavlina Theodosiou, Newcastle University:

"Seeing how the Cap-a-Pie team transformed my research into a theatrical play with such creative storytelling was refreshing and enjoyable. Engaging with students after they watched the play was particularly fulfilling".

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