STEAM Powered Returns This May Half-Term
- 23rd Mar 2026
- Author: Elliott Langley - Marketing Administrator
We believe that science and creativity should be open to everyone, so we are always looking for meaningful ways to remove barriers to participation. Our community outreach work is a vital part of our mission to excite, inspire curiosity and boost STEM skills by making space accessible, educational and fun for all ages. The Community Team, fronted by Darcy and Lucy, works closely with local groups, schools and services to help young people build skills, grow in confidence and access opportunities they might not otherwise have.
Thanks to generous funding from the Institute of Physics (IOP), we are absolutely delighted to bring back STEAM Powered: a three-day workshop designed specifically for children with autism and their families. We are so excited to develop and deliver this work with Moving Together, a local community dance company, and our in-house Extended Reality experts at NSC Creative
Taking place from 26 – 28 May, the programme will offer free spaces for autistic young people, with families able to attend alongside their child. For this Our Space, I am going to tell you how you can apply and share more about the programme from Darcy, our Community Engagement Manager.
A Three-Day STEAM Experience
Each day of STEAM Powered combines creativity, technology and space science, contributing to a story where participants journey to Jupiter. Families will learn through:
- Space exploration and discovery, sparking curiosity about the universe and encouraging questions big and small
- Dance and movement designed to build confidence, coordination and self-expression through guided creative activities
- A hands-on introduction to Extended Reality (XR), giving participants the opportunity to explore immersive technologies in an accessible and engaging way.
Our STEAM Powered journey will be split into 3 topics:
- Day One – Rockets – 26 May
- Day Two – Comets and Asteroids – 27 May
- Day Three – Jupiter – 28 May
Together, these sessions bring STEAM to life in ways that are adaptable, interactive and participant-led.
What to Expect
The workshops are designed to be flexible, hands-on and sensory-friendly. Families are invited to take part together, helping to create a relaxed and supportive atmosphere throughout the three days.
Spaces are very limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that completing the application form does not guarantee a space, as demand may exceed availability.
“We introduce the group to science,” said Darcy. “We explore it through dance and embed the learning with technology. Families will receive a visual story beforehand so they know where they’re going to be, what topics will be covered and who they are going to meet.
"There will be breaks within the sessions, and we are setting out the space in an accessible way with a respite area and plenty of space to get up and move around if needed. Everyone is encouraged to get involved and be creative as we aim to cater to a broad range of learning styles. Our staff will utilise communicative tools such as basic Makaton where possible, and we will have a respite area with bean bags, books and calming resources.”
How to Apply
Families with a child with autism who would like to attend can apply via our online form.
We are incredibly excited to welcome families back to STEAM Powered this May and continue building opportunities where every young person can feel inspired to explore the universe in their own way.
A Welcome Return
STEAM Powered was originally devised in 2021 as a creative way to engage children with SEND requirements through dance and movement. Now, thanks to support from the Institute of Physics, we are proud to bring it back.
The aim remains the same: to build confidence, nurture curiosity and inspire an interest in space and science in ways that feel welcoming and accessible.
“It was originally set up to explore how we could engage children with autism through a variety of learning approaches within one session,” Darcy said. “The sessions were structured to start with science, then explore through dance what had just been learned. We would then use those movements with trackers to create a pre-coded visual experience that would move on screen. That’s how we would build a routine and watch what happens on the screen.
“It was challenging to secure funding, as there are three delivery partners involved, so we are incredibly grateful to IOP for making this possible again. This particular fund allowed us to hold a development day, as it has been a few years since 2022. We brought in Moving Together, NSC Creative and Space Park Leicester to develop the best project possible.”
Led by Passion and Experience
STEAM Powered is led by Darcy, who specialises in inclusive engagement and creative approaches to learning.
“My background is in dance,” she said. “I trained in dance and moved into community dance, focusing on empowering communities to access opportunities and break down barriers. I really enjoyed working with the National Space Centre and was intrigued by how far we could push different entry points for community engagement.”
Working alongside expert facilitators in dance, immersive technology and space science, Darcy and the team have designed a programme that celebrates individuality and encourages exploration at every level.
“We want to make sure we truly live our #SpaceForEveryone mission and continue improving our delivery for all types of people. Ensuring that children with autism have the best opportunity to build confidence, build community and build aspirations is at the heart of what we do.”
How to Support STEAM Powered
We are incredibly grateful to the Institute of Physics for their generous support in bringing STEAM Powered back for 2026. Their commitment to inspiring young people and championing accessible science education has made this possible, and we truly could not have done it without them.
If you would like to help strengthen our educational charity’s community outreach, sponsoring a One Small Step footprint is the most impactful way to get involved. Your support helps us deliver hands‑on learning to more young people, and as a thank‑you, we will dedicate a personalised plaque in our courtyard celebrating your contribution.
